Metal Pedal

Metal pedals are ideal for guitarists who prefer grittier types of music. They can be referred to as ‘metal pedals’, but they can also be used for other genres. But what are metal pedals exactly? What is the difference between distortion, overdrive, and metal? What types of metal pedals are there? With which effects can they be combined? This article will explain everything you need to know about metal pedals, so you can hopefully pick the perfect pedal for you!

Check out our selection of metal pedals!

What are metal pedals?

Metal pedals are overdriven pedals, just like distortion and overdrive pedals. The article about distortion pedals will explain how this process works exactly. To summarise: distortion is caused when the audio signal is overdriven. Subsequently, the audio waves are shortened and squared off, which will cause the gritty and sharp sound. There are many different types of distortion, which includes very nuanced distortion. However, in certain alternative genres, including metal, hard distortion and overdrive are preferred. This means that most standard distortion and overdrive pedals are too soft. Consequently, certain companies started developing pedals specifically for metal music. These pedals send the signal further into overdrive, which results in a harder and more aggressive sound. However, this also means your sound will be less articulated and clear. This is the case with all distortion and overdrive, but the grittier the distortion, the less articulation. This article will also include pedals that weren’t specifically made for metal music, but are still heavy enough to be used in metal music.

The selection of metal pedals

There aren’t many specific metal pedals, yet. However, the few that do exist, tend to be of high quality. Boss is especially well known for their metal pedals. Boss brought the MT-2 on the market, which is considered one of the first proper metal pedals. Consequently, they continue to improve the MT-2, which resulted in the MT-2W. The MT-2W has better and newer technology and has more versatile functions. Many metal guitarists also use boss pedals that weren’t specifically made for metal music. Many guitarists tend to use the MD-2, which is a distortion pedal with more gain options, a lower range, and a better focus on seven-strings than Boss’ standard distortion pedals. Additionally, they also have the SD-1W, which is a relatively strong overdrive pedal. Another pedal that is also relatively popular under metal guitarists, is Ibanez’s Tube Screamer, which is a relatively heavy overdrive.

Which effects can be combined with metal pedals?

Considering metal pedals are distortion and/or overdrive pedals, they can be combined with the same effects as those pedals. This means that metal pedals can of course be combined with any other overdriven pedal, whether distortion or overdrive. Keep in mind that the order of the pedals is important. The first pedal will decide the level of overdrive, whereas the second will decide the tone of your distortion. Metal pedals can also be combined with ‘ambiance’ pedals, like reverb, delay, and chorus. However, it is a little bit more complicated than with standard distortion or overdrive. Considering metal pedals don’t tend to articulate very well, combining it with ambiance pedals could lead to a very muddy sound and even less articulation. This means it is good to pick ambiance pedal that add ambiance without altering your sound.  

What next?

Hopefully you now know enough about metal pedals to make an educated decision between the different pedals. This could also mean you might prefer other distortion and/or overdrive pedals. It is also advisable to really consider the importance of the level of distortion and the level of articulation you would like. It is also advisable to keep your other pedals in mind when choosing a metal pedal. If you still have questions, you can always get in contact with us and we will personally help you!

Check out our selection of metal pedals!