If you are into metal music and looking to achieve that heavy, aggressive sound, then a distortion pedal is a must-have in your gear collection. Distortion pedals are designed to produce a distorted, overdriven sound by clipping the guitar's signal, which adds harmonic richness and sustain to the notes. However, with a sea of distortion pedals available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the world of guitar effects.
To help you out, here are five key points to consider when looking for distortion pedals for metal:
1. Gain: The amount of gain a distortion pedal produces determines how much distortion and sustain you can add to your sound. For metal, you want a pedal with high gain to get that heavy, chunky tone.
2. Tone shaping: A distortion pedal with good tone shaping controls will allow you to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies, which is crucial in achieving the right metal sound.
3. Dynamics: A good distortion pedal should respond well to your playing dynamics, allowing you to control the intensity of the distortion with your picking style.
4. Build quality: Metal music can be rough on gear, so it's essential to invest in a durable pedal that can withstand the rigors of live performances.
5. Price: Distortion pedals can range from budget-friendly to high-end options. Consider your budget and how often you plan to use the pedal before making your decision.
In conclusion, finding the right distortion pedal for metal requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. With these key points in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect pedal to take your metal sound to the next level.
10 Best Distortion Pedals For Metal
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1. Morpher Distortion Pedal – 3 Modes, True Bypass For Electric Guitar
The Donner Distortion Guitar Pedal, Morpher Distortion is a high-gain distortion pedal that offers three different distortion modes for enhanced playability. This pedal is designed for electric guitars and offers natural, tight, and classic crunch 80s metal tones. It is a great choice for those who play hair metal, glam metal, or pop metal.
With its wide dynamic range and high definition, this distortion pedal is suitable for both shredding and riffing. It is a versatile tool that allows guitarists to explore various sounds and styles. The three distortion modes provide a richer playability and enable guitarists to create unique and personalized sounds.
The Donner Morpher is built to last, featuring an aluminum-alloy classic design that is both stable and strong. It is a durable guitar pedal that can withstand the rigors of regular use and transportation. The true bypass feature provides a transparent tone, ensuring that the pedal does not alter the guitar's sound in any way. The LED indicator shows the working state, making it easy to use even in low-light conditions.
Please note that the power supply is not included with the Donner Morpher Distortion Guitar Pedal. It runs on 9V DC and comes with a one-year warranty. This pedal is a great choice for guitarists who want to explore new sounds and styles while maintaining a high level of quality and durability.
2. Joyo Jf-04 High Gain Distortion Pedal With Full Range Eq For Electric Guitar.
The JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal is a top-quality guitar effect pedal that delivers a hard distortion sound that is perfect for heavy metal lovers. Whether you're looking for the crunch of AC/DC or the snarling distortion of Metallica, this pedal has got you covered. With a full range of EQ adjustment and tone control, you can achieve anything from a little blues rock crunch to an all-out snarling distortion. This makes it a versatile pedal that can be used in a variety of musical styles.
The pedal is housed in a whole aluminium-alloy casing that is both stable and strong. It has a classic stoving varnish finish that gives it a sleek and professional look. The small LED flash indicator shows the working state of the pedal, making it easy to use even in low light conditions.
JOYO is a brand that has been around for over a decade and has built a reputation for producing high-quality budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, and tuners. Their products are loved by global guitarists and have inspired countless people to pursue their music dreams.
Before using the JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal, it's important to ensure that your guitar is fully connected to the pedal. This will ensure that the pedal works properly and avoids any unexpected noise. To get the best performance from the pedal, it's recommended that you use the JOYO original power adapter or choose another reliable brand that meets the working current requirement of the pedal.
In summary, the JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal is a fantastic addition to any guitar player's setup. With its versatile sound, durable construction, and reliable performance, it's sure to become a staple in your arsenal of guitar effects pedals.
3. Ex-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal
The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is a must-have for any metal guitarist looking for a pedal with total metal mayhem. It is designed for brutal chugging, screaming howls, and massive attacks for lead and rhythm playing. The pedal has a three-stage guitar metal pedal boost toggle switch that allows for total control over the sound.
The pedal's level, tone, and distortion control knobs fine-tune the overall balance of the metal guitar pedal. Guitarists can dial up shrill metal leads, deep punchy distortion, or total metal chunk. The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is equipped with True-Bypass and powerful analog circuitry, housed in a compact, die-cast box. It has 1/4 inch input and output jacks and an AC adapter input on the top of the unit.
The pedal uses a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, and guitarists can add a daisy chain to run multiple pedals from the same power supply source. However, the adapter is not included with the pedal.
The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is perfect for metal guitarists who want to achieve a unique and heavy sound. The pedal's rugged construction ensures it will last through years of heavy use, and its compact size makes it easy to incorporate into any pedalboard setup.
Overall, the EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is an excellent choice for any metal guitarist looking for a pedal that can deliver a total metal mayhem experience. With its three-stage guitar metal pedal boost toggle switch and fine-tune control knobs, guitarists can achieve a heavy sound that is unique and tailored to their playing style.
4. Dunlop Mxr M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Pedal Bundle With Accessories.
The Dunlop MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal is a high-quality distortion pedal designed for serious guitarists who demand the very best in tone and performance. This pedal is ideal for those who play heavy metal, hard rock, or any other genre that requires a super-high gain distortion sound.
One of the key features of this pedal is its 3-band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies. This allows guitarists to shape their tone with precision, and to create a wide range of sounds that suit their playing style. The mid-frequency control is particularly useful for dialing in the perfect tone for solos or rhythm playing.
Another important feature of the Dunlop MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal is its internal gate threshold control. This allows guitarists to set the noise gate's sensitivity, which is particularly useful for eliminating unwanted noise and hum from their signal chain. This feature is especially important when playing live or in the studio, where noise can be a real problem.
The all-analog circuit path of the Dunlop MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal ensures that the pedal delivers a rich, warm tone that is free from the harshness and digital artifacts that can plague other distortion pedals. This makes the pedal ideal for those who value a natural, organic sound.
The bundle includes 6 Dunlop Picks, 2 Patch Cables, and a 9V Power Supply. This means that guitarists can start using the pedal straight away, without having to worry about purchasing additional accessories. The picks are made from high-quality materials and are designed to help guitarists achieve the perfect tone, while the patch cables ensure that the signal chain remains clean and free from interference.
Overall, the Dunlop MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal is a must-have for any serious guitarist who wants to achieve the perfect tone. Its high-gain distortion sound, 3-band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies, internal gate threshold control, and all-analog circuit path make it a versatile and powerful pedal that can help guitarists create a wide range of sounds. With its included accessories, it is also a great value for money.
5. Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro Ii Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal
The Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal is a powerful and versatile tool that redefines rock and metal tone. This pedal delivers total sonic brutality, making it the perfect choice for guitar players who demand the highest level of distortion and aggression.
One of the standout features of the Tight Metal Pro II is its built-in Depth Finder and DeFizzerator. These innovative technologies give guitarists greater control over their sound, allowing them to fine-tune their tone to perfection. With the Depth Finder, players can adjust the low-end frequency response of their distortion, while the DeFizzerator eliminates unwanted high-end frequencies, resulting in a smoother, more refined tone.
Whether you're playing live or in the studio, the Tight Metal Pro II is the ultimate distortion pedal for rock and metal guitarists. Its rugged construction and intuitive controls make it easy to dial in the perfect sound, while its high-quality components ensure that your tone remains consistent and clear, even at high volumes.
At the heart of the Tight Metal Pro II is a powerful distortion engine that delivers a wide range of tonal options. From tight and focused rhythm tones to searing lead sounds, this pedal has everything you need to create the perfect metal or rock sound. With its versatile EQ controls and powerful gain stages, the Tight Metal Pro II can handle anything you throw at it, from the heaviest riffs to the most intricate solos.
Overall, the Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal is a must-have tool for any serious rock or metal guitarist. Its powerful features, rugged construction, and versatile tonal options make it an essential addition to any pedalboard, whether you're playing live or in the studio. So if you're looking for the ultimate distortion pedal, look no further than the Tight Metal Pro II.
Best Distortion Pedals For Metal FAQs
Are there any affordable distortion pedals that are good for playing heavy metal?
Yes, there are several affordable distortion pedals that are great for playing heavy metal. One of the best options is the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal, which is known for its heavy and aggressive sound. Another great choice is the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Distortion Pedal, which offers a wide range of distortion tones and is particularly well-suited for playing heavy metal riffs. The MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion Pedal is another popular option, with a powerful and versatile sound that can handle everything from classic rock to modern metal. Other affordable distortion pedals that are worth considering include the Pro Co Rat 2 Distortion Pedal, the Behringer UM300 Ultra Metal Pedal, and the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Pedal. Ultimately, the best distortion pedal for playing heavy metal will depend on your personal preferences and playing style, but any of these options should provide a solid foundation for your tone.
Can a distortion pedal alone create a heavy metal tone?
Yes, a distortion pedal can create a heavy metal tone, but it largely depends on the quality of the pedal and how it is used. A high-quality distortion pedal can provide the necessary gain and distortion to achieve a heavy metal tone, but it may not be enough on its own. Other factors such as the type of guitar and amp being used, as well as the player's technique, can also influence the final sound. In addition, some heavy metal guitarists use multiple pedals in combination to achieve their desired tone. Ultimately, the key is to experiment with different pedals, settings, and equipment until you find the right combination that works for you. It's also important to keep in mind that creating a heavy metal tone is not just about the gear, but also about the style and attitude of the player.
How do I choose the right distortion pedal for my style of metal?
Choosing the right distortion pedal for your style of metal depends on several factors. Firstly, consider the genre of metal you play – different sub-genres require different levels of distortion, gain and EQ settings. For example, death metal typically requires more gain and mid-range frequencies, while black metal may benefit from a more treble-heavy sound. Secondly, consider the type of guitar you play and the pickups it has – single-coil pickups may require less distortion than humbuckers. Thirdly, consider your personal playing style and level of technical ability – if you play fast, intricate riffs, you may need a pedal that can handle high-gain settings without muddying your playing. Ultimately, the best way to choose a distortion pedal is to try out different models and see which one suits your style best.
What are the best distortion pedals for metal music?
to answer the question, there are several distortion pedals that are ideal for metal music. One of the most popular options is the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, which is known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of distortion tones. The Pro Co RAT 2 is another excellent choice for metal, with its aggressive and raw sound. The MXR Fullbore Metal is a high-gain pedal that is perfect for heavy distortion and is ideal for metal guitarists who want to achieve a thick, aggressive tone. Other notable options include the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff, the TC Electronic Dark Matter, and the Wampler Dracarys. Ultimately, the best distortion pedal for metal will depend on individual preference and playing style, so it's essential to try out different pedals to find the right one for you.
What are the key features to look for in a distortion pedal for metal?
When looking for a distortion pedal for metal, there are a few key features to consider. Firstly, the pedal should offer high gain levels to achieve the heavy, aggressive sound associated with metal. Additionally, the pedal should have a wide frequency range to ensure that all elements of the guitar tone are being distorted, including the low-end frequencies that are crucial to a heavy sound. Another important feature is the EQ controls, as they allow the user to shape the tone to their liking and cut through the mix. A noise gate is also useful to eliminate unwanted background noise during silent sections of songs. Finally, the pedal should be durable and reliable, as metal music often involves high-energy performances with lots of movement. Overall, a good metal distortion pedal should offer high gain, wide frequency range, EQ controls, a noise gate, and be built to withstand the demands of live performances.