5 Levels Of Fuzz | Tame To Insane

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I truly believe fuzz is an effect that EVERYONE can use, and that there's a fuzz out there for everyone. From classic and versatile, to out of control, here are 5 levels of fuzz pedals.
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PEDALS USED TODAY:
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Fuzz Face (affiliate link)
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JAM Pedals Fuzz Phrase: (non affiliate link)
www.jampedals.com/fuzz-phrase/
Tone Bender
JHS Bender (affiliate link)
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Super Fuzz
Stromer Mutroniks Super Fuzz (non affiliate link)
reverb.com/item/50251028-stro...
ZVEX Fuzz Factory (non affiliate link)
www.zvex.com/guitar-pedals/fu...
Walrus Audio Kangra (affiliate link)
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GEAR USED IN TODAY'S VIDEO:
Two Notes Torpedo Captor X
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Mogami Gold Guitar Cable
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MY HOME STUDIO SETUP:
Universal Audio Apollo X4
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Universal Audio 4-710D Mic Pre and Compressor
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Yamaha HS7 Studio Monitors
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Sennheiser MKH416 Shotgun Mic
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-Zoom H6 Handy Recorder (affiliate link)
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[@jmabs5096]

"There's a fuzz pedal out there for everyone" I'm still searching for it Rhett! This video is super helpful!

[@iommiclife794]

try DOD Carcosa.. it is mine after I had a Fuzz Face, Tonebender, Big Muffs, a Pharaoh Fuzz and a Fuzz War.. I'm settled with the DOD and it is so versatile.

[@CorbCorbin]

Wampler Velvet Fuzz, has some Fuzz Face character, yet can get more gain, like more Rat like high gain. It still can cleanup with the guitar volume knob.

[@CorbCorbin]

@@iommiclife794 Pharaoh is a big muff. It’s like a Civil War, with better volume knob cleanup. I’ve used one for many years. I like the Carcosa, but I like the Pharaoh better, especially stacking a OD after it, to add mids, or boost the Germanium diode setting.

[@thomaswilson9661]

I run a Big Muff with Tone Wicker and the Carcosa, both very high gain and broken sounding in different ways

[@iommiclife794]

@@CorbCorbin You're right. Also the Fuzz War is kinda a Big Muff on steroid-overdose. I used the Pharaoh exactly like you with a Tubescreamer right after. But in a band-context the Carcosa works for me best. The band-sound doesn't even get muddy when playing together with a fuzzy bass.

[@fivewattworld]

Really! Liked this Rhett. My favorite, and only fuzz right now is the Rockett Hooligan. It has an incredible range of tones in there.

[@jessecovey1778]

I’m interested in the Beetronix fuzz pedals. I have a DOD Carcosa fuzz and if I put it before my Earthquaker Plumes it sounds like a really huge Big Muff.

[@098765432176]

1:48 Level 1: Fuzz Face 4:38 Level 2: Tone Bender 7:01 Level 3: Octave Fuzz 9:41 Level 4: Fuzz Factory 12:34 Level 5: Character Fuzz

[@p10rambo]

Can you tell me what the song was in level 3?

[@nine9whitepony526]

@@p10rambo He may have wrote/improvised that one. He does that.

[@calinguga]

more like 3:24 1 5:55 2 8:26 3 11:25 4 14:16 5 but i'll agree it's not a hugely useful comparison without the talk

[@tylerchelston7270]

@@p10rambo this was modeled after Elephant by Tame Impala

[@cchavez248]

Soooo, where does a Big muff fit into this list? P.S. I may be wrong, but I think that Muffs are the reason that so many guitarists think that they don't like fuzz. IMHO it just sounds like playing your guitar through an electric shaver!

[@DevinCLott]

Love the fuzzed out version of I Don’t Trust Myself! Such a cool take on that song

[@cdemike7517]

I've listened to it about a dozen times in the past 24 hours. Wouldn't be mad at a full track of it or something similar. Love the attack on that tone -- sounds like a slap on those chords.

[@p10rambo]

Can you tell me what the song was in level 3?

[@marksozolins3246]

That Octave fuzz really reminds me of Eddie Hazel, especially his cover of “California Dreamin’” . Cool stuff :)

[@davidjmckinney]

dude just the artistry put into this content, the demo songs, the navigation... this video is invaluable.

[@adavies3]

Oh my goodness Rhett! The jams in this video are awesome! So inspiring x

[@orozcosalgadoyaelkaleb485]

What an amazing video! I never really understood fuzz till I saw this video and it really was a massive mindblower. The way you show up the diferent textures of the tones and sounds the pedals can offer its amazing. This was an absolute game changer for me and I really aprriciate it. Haven't felt so inspired to make music in a long time. Thanks :).

[@sroelit]

This was fun. The focus on Fuzz rather than a specific pedal was a nice respite from pure pedal demos.

[@robinjgill]

Rhett you've done your evangelizing well. I'm really really into fuzz at the moment, having neglected it for decades. I love the early basic circuits and how changing a couple of components can make a big difference in sound.

[@j.hammer573]

I’ve always appreciated all of your fuzz videos. To my knowledge, you’re one of the few popular KZbin guitarists who highlight the effect. For me, this video was helpful and keep them coming. I picked up the guitar in my late 40’s. As I got into fuzz, & I like them all, I was surprised to learn how much music I loved in my 20’s that was created on some version of a Big Muff. I listened to the Pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine. Then a bit later The Black Keys & White Stripes I find out all we’re participants in this wonderful pedal circuit. Like I said, I’ve tried others & I like them but I always end up coming back to a Big Muff type of pedal. For the last two months I’m using the Hizumitas by EQD. It’s truly wonderful! This has got me listening to Boris which somehow escaped me until now. Wata is a sonic sorceress. Anyway, great video! Very helpful & I did sign up for the new rhythm course:)

[@adriantyler6911]

With you there mate, I was in my 40's too when I picked up the guitar......fuzz has become an obsession!! Early Black Keys really does it for me.....have you tried the 'Hoof' by EQD?

[@j.hammer573]

@@adriantyler6911 Yes Adrian I have the Hoof & like it very much. I don’t want to collect too many pedals so I’ve adopted a Mary Condo philosophy. I allow myself fifteen pedals at any one time. I can get anything I want BUT, I have sell a current pedal. This keeps me in check with gear acquisition syndrome. That said of my fifteen pedals 5 are fuzzes. Hoof, Russian Pickle, EHX Rams Head, TF Russian by Wren & Cuff & lastly Hizumitas are the fuzzes. They are all very enjoyable. I’m curious what fuzzes do you use? Are there any on your wish list?

[@JustSomeGuy]

If you like the Big Muff, you should try out the Animalizzer. You get a bunch of circuit options for both stages, and you can control the EQ. That's been my go to fuzz since I got it.

[@RabidChasebot]

Dude, I'm about the same age and into every band you just listed lol. I've been playing guitar since I was a teenager and didn't get my first fuzz until about a month ago. How the heck have I gone my whole life without one?! Insanity. I picked up an EHX Nano Russian Pi about a month ago and am absolutely loving it, especially paired with an EHX Pitchfork. I just need a 2nd fuzz for wild and messy lead sounds. The addiction....it's begun

[@Shortsforbadgers]

Boris are amazing. Huge output of music and loads of variation in styles. Saw them in Glasgow a few years back and can still remember my ribcage vibrating

[@nayrained]

I had been looking for my Fuzz for a long time and I went for the Fuzz Factory route. That thing is wacky crazy to tame, but man, the range of sound is just amazing. It literally is a factory to craft your own sound.

[@Berndaddie]

I wasn't into fuzz in the beginning of my journey. Well, not until I learned how to use one and where to place them on my board. Now I completely love them. Thanks for your take on these gems. Your insight on this types of pedals, here on this video and in the past videos, have been most of the reasons I turned my head and started to look at them. Thanks Rhett!

[@bumrecordingstudios]

This video was very well done. Arguably the best one you’ve made. Inspired me to get my Hyper Fuzz out, roll back the aggression and fire it up with my strat and TT. Kudos and kind thanks for the effort for all involved in this video.

[@danieloneil7693]

Great video on fuzz man. I enjoy your detailed explanation of effects with track examples. I love this format. You help me to get more out of my helix floor.

[@stevenstrother672]

Thanks for putting out all your wonderful content!

[@jinbyun]

I would say a muff is nice middle ground between fuzz and overdrive/distortion. It's hairy, but not too heavy, heck you can even get one that can bypass the tone stack to get real close to distortion. If you really wanna get down and dirty with muff, I recommend the tone-wicker. The tone wicker switch really brings chaos, and I mean it in a good way.

[@micktheman6]

Muff is definitely my favorite

[@kwyatt261]

Just bought a Muffuletta, I've never had any big muff before. I'm excited to experiment.

[@danoneno69]

The Deluxe Muffs are also in world of their own and can go to serious chaos territory. I have the Sovtek Deluxe on my board and it's crazy heavy

[@alfonsogarciaugarte1347]

Haven't tried the tone wicker muff, but in my experience the op amp one can get really heavy and chaotic too

[@beaumowery5610]

My favorite trick has always been a boss sd1 with no gain into a standard big muff with the sustain at only about 1 o clock

[@RC32Smiths01]

Fuzz is an incredibly interesting guitar effect. My favorite use of it is in songs from RATM like Killing in the Name Of and Bombtrack, although that was primarily Bass.

[@itguy8900]

Agree.

[@CorbCorbin]

Depends on the fuzz. I love the Muff sounds used by Gilmour and Smashing Pumpkins, yet very different Muff circuits. Love Hendrix’s Fuzz Face tones. Then there octave fuzzes, whether Octavia or Superfuzz, to a Muff circuit or Fuzz Face with an octave foot switch. Mono is very different than polyphonic. It’s a deep rabbit hole.

[@stevenstrother672]

Just really getting into fuzz, have a original Russian green big muff that kills a dunlop hendrix fuzz a fairfield unpleasant surprise, and my most versatile: earthquaker devices hoof reaper.

[@RiggsTaylor]

Great video man! Way more people need to watch this. The JHS Kilt, Mythos Golden Fleece, and Kangra cover most of my fuzz needs at the moment.

[@edphaze6550]

I have a lot of fuzz pedals, but my favorites are the Zvex Fuzz Factory (I have an old hand painted one) and the Warm Audio Foxy Tone Box. Thanks for this video Rhett! I'll be checking out some of the pedals you recommended!

[@stevenluffman4315]

Love the “don’t trust myself” jam at the end! Mayer is the best!

[@buchiro4231]

Man your level 3 jam is immense, love the lo fi feel of it - inspired me to work out a variation, drenched in reverb with an EHX Octavix and hip hop drums backing track, just getting lost for hours on this riff

[@jackhughes9505]

Love the video editing on this one, the camera work is also amazing

[@JugaJuga14]

This demo is great! All your tunes were so nice, and who ever you have playing drums is a beast!

[@russcondrich4868]

unlike most fuzz demos, you put each in a musical context! well done, love your channel my fav fuzz is the Vemuram Myriad Fuzz - so much headroom and tone for days - Josh Smith and Vemuram have a made a perfect beast! pricey but worth every penny

[@michaelquaglia4266]

Great video man, production quality is superb!

[@nicholaspossinger7993]

Bro that stromer has been the best purchase I've made in a while. That thing is PERFECT! With octave on or off it sounds amazing!

[@regperatrovich9406]

Love that SG Junior! Great breakdown on fuzz.

[@waspcatcher]

That Level 4 play - sounded out of this world. Great video, thanks!

[@timharrington4470]

This video was right on time for me as I am trying to choose a fuzz pedal to explore. I like the tone Bender example a lot, really enjoyed all your musical demonstrations. I believe I will slowly accumulate different pedals overtime to truly get a feel for each flavor. The fuzz Factory is probably going to be my first.

[@alexander_winston]

Big Muff Pi! I added a treble booster before it (Caitlinbread Naga Viper) and it really brought it to life.

[@scottbomberg7904]

Cool video Mr. Shull! I enjoyed it!

[@ericwarrington6650]

Yes!!! Hey Rhett! Finally your deep dive into this rabbit hole...I think tonally fuzz covers more ground than anything else in the world of effects... arguably distortion and fuzz are interconnected....imo...great work man 🤘😜🎸🎶☮️

[@musiccreation1198]

Super educational Rhett...thanks!

[@davidburns862]

Automatic thumbs up anytime I see the word Fuzz in your video titles!! Thanks to you I’m hooked on fuzz.

[@ngsanfo7927]

Rhett is in a blood feud over getting people into fuzz. His own words “on a personal vendetta” 😂✌️

[@sbenson76]

Excellent playing on these demos.

[@Toology88]

Takin this youtube thing to the next level homeboy! Amazing video. Cheers from Dirty Jersey brother..

[@ericmojave6061]

Great content, Rhett!

[@muskegobrown9066]

Really enjoyed this breakdown. I don't have a whole lot of experience with fuzz pedals, but I have one that I love and use all the time, the Way Huge Swollen Pickle. Some grimy fuzz, and a TON of bass boost.

[@kenk4555]

I’ve started building my own pedals and have really been intrigued by fuzz. I’m up to four so far and will continue building more because they’re awesome!

[@GigaManners]

The last demo was played perfectly. Enjoyed it big time.

[@OrganicFaithFactory]

Great I have been waiting for a good fuzz review

[@MarcelandrieW]

Man not sure if Rhett is doing the video editing but the editing is on point. Love the sound effects when the text comes in.

[@AdvenuringTime]

I think his wife Tilly is a sports photographer/ videographer. He probably gets some help 😊

[@caseyholford]

Demo tracks sounding super fresh here! My favorite old standby fuzz is Big Muff for sure. I’ve recently started acquiring more flavors. On my board currently is the JHS Cheese Ball, a little more colorful but very usable. The wildest one I have right now is probably the JPTR Silbermaschine.

[@zette5115]

The octave fuzz example sounds very nice, reminds me hard to satriani-well played!👌🏻🙏

[@z.c.humphrey8457]

Great playing for each pedal

[@Botscarblues]

Level 2 jam RIPS!! Love it nice one 🕺🏽💃🏼

[@gtoctane]

Level 5 fuzzy mayer is epic! Loved the jams

[@thelastnic]

thanks for this, it was very helpful and learned something.

[@julienarrijs]

Thanks Rhett ! Btw Il think you are a brilliant musician. You definitely have your own thing going on. I Dig that. God bless my friend!

[@tonysmith270]

Keep it up Rhett!

[@mysticmagicsmurfdarklord6844]

Awesome job!

[@ElChadinotunes]

Love 95% of all fuzzes! Great vid :)

[@simonpark843]

Excellent video - thank you!

[@booyakuhsha24]

thank you so much rhett

[@Wanderer_XJ]

I think I am addicted to octave fuzz! I really love the Mythos Argo, and the Beetronics Octahive. So saucy!

[@szymondudzinski6661]

Wildest fuzz I've ever heard was in a casual Local Natives song, "Gulf Shores", plus it's melodic as hell

[@ewefturkey]

Great idea for the video Rhett! Very useful for me, thanks. Maybe do 5 levels of delay or some other pedal next. Well done man

[@rafalstachura]

Cool video Rhett!

[@stinkychickentitty]

Really dig the tracks for level 4&5 man sounded really damn good. I love fuzz but am happy with my one pedal for now. I seem to be more into Overdrives. Just can't picture ever having enough of those pedals haha Great video sir 👍

[@walkerkyle73]

My favorite fuzz that i own currently is an 90s fulltone octafuzz. Mine is an early serial number that includes the switch to turn off the octave. I use in both setting. Love it.

[@KKMcK1]

I've loved the SuperFuzz since Pete Townshend used it live (through Hiwatts) in The Who during the late 60s and early 70s. My favorite use of the Fuzz Face is Jimi at Monterey where his amp does sound like it's going to explode while it's grinding and growling through the feedback like a rocket-ship launching!

[@devilsboxcar3925]

Brilliant sermon today preacher

[@thesoundboardstudio]

I am loving this fuzz series

[@VlrGuitarWorld]

Great video. Lately I'm into fuzz pedals, this video helps a lot. Please do a video on glassy fuzz clean tones.

[@3XATHAT]

Sweet Music & Playing Rhett... Cheers AAA

[@thistlecaljohn]

Great video. Thanks!!!

[@bl4ze-zombie-kat34]

No doubt a great video, it's still amazing to me to hear these jams with a fuzz, usually I see somebody turn on the fuzz and doom starts right away.

[@squirelova1815]

Dear Rhett, You absolutely have Earned and Deserve every penny and Subscriber since your channel is a truly Superbly helpful guide to saving mucho dinero, time and avoiding much confusion and serious headaches for anyone paying close attention here. Don't EVER think you aren't doing something really important or needed with your career and OBVIOUSLY GREAT TALENTS since you are ALSO graciously promoting other people's Businesses and needed Skills as well . "Use it or lose it" goes a saying and you are using your God given gifts very well in a wonderfully INSPIRING fashion too. Your dear wife and family should be very proud of their "cute as a bug" son and husband. May your finances also be endlessly Blessed too these days and beyond, Amen.

[@justinpalmer6098]

I've gotten to the point that I always try a Fuzz Face with any new song I'm learning to see if it will work. The dynamic sweep from your guitar's volume is just incredible and fits most anything that doesn't require straight distortion, like metal. Also, I can't believe muffs weren't mentioned in the video.

[@edoetschedoetsch]

I came to fuzz from high gain overdrive. I was used to the power chords that work well in that realm. It took a LONG time for me to realize that fuzzes work best with single notes and out performs overdrive in that area. Love it.

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Loved this. And may I say, the unsung hero of this video is the Delay Llama Extreme… killer tones out of that thing! A fuzz’s best friend

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

JAM Pedals don't make a bad pedal.

[@_JOE-DAN]

Just picked up a 3 Series fuzz to try something new and so far it sounds epic. I have a dedicated Octron 3 octave pedal for that flavor which also does an incredible job. I’m a HUGE fan of Matt Bellamy and have been aware of the Fuzz Factory for a long time now. May have to give that a try at some point. I mean Matt has some built into his guitars so it must be good.

[@brian91145]

The MXR Variac fuzz is my favorite, it can do anything!

[@TealScarab]

Favorite fuzz tone would probably be a Japanese FY-2 “Companion” fuzz with a bass. That combo sounds super brassy and I love it!!

[@krokovay.marcell]

I have one, too, but I wasn’t able to tame it yet, it sounds like a fart unless I feed it with a super soft signal…I used a guitar of course

[@scottrattray5454]

great video! my selection 1. Dunlop FFM2 mini 2.Keely Fuzz Bender 3. EHX Octavix (the most underrated octave fuzz IMHO) 4. Fuzz Factory 5. Way Huge Swollen Pickle or DOD Carcossa.

[@amanfromsanpietro2668]

You are making me buy the Kanga:) Such a cool jam.

[@MrCshmn]

Ha. Love the Beato hand on chin pose in the title card. 😂

[@scottbomberg7904]

The different video effects over the tracks were a nice touch.

[@charleslafreniere1658]

Great video Rhett! I already have some fuzz pedal in my collection (EHX triangle big muff, Keeley Fuzz Bender, Fjord Fuzz Odin V1), I think it cover a lot of ground, but that Walrus Kangra...I want one so bad!!!

[@littlerattyratratrat]

Jordan Bosstone! Snarly, high-pass, vicious little beast, even octaves up at random. I've got a homemade one I built for $25 bucks. Gets great radio reception, too---pulls in those AM bible stations for your Ministry covers.

[@johnmossey]

I’ve had the Walrus Kangra for a couple month now. Great pedal with lots of fun stuff to discover.

[@angryadam1738]

All these tracks sounded dope

[@lMlusashi]

I use a heavily modified fuzz face as essentially my low to mid gain overdrive sound and I love it.

[@enriquesuarez226]

I just ordered a Mythos Golden Fleece am very exited to try them

[@kungstu22]

I found mine. The Foxy Tone Box octave fuzz from Warm Audio. It's really what I have been looking for for years. Love it.

[@mateusbez2669]

Bought a Big Muff Pi because of your videos. I don’t think I’ve turned off since. Brilliant tone with my P90’s

[@AssMama]

I really dig that last tune you played

[@justbob242]

I was hoping to see that awesome Royal Jelly although it's not a standalone fuzz. Good video. Too many guitarists have their minds made up about fuzz without ever trying a variety of them.

[@patricksommer3971]

Fuzz Faces are just pure fun!

[@Spaceman8.1x]

#3 I would have said KHDK Unicorn Blood II, but there are no wrong answers. Great demo for each category! You represented like a boss.

[@FunkyELF]

Recently got a Pod Go. I play with the editor open on my touchscreen laptop. I love jumping from fuzz to fuzz trying out all the different ones they have.

[@brandonsause]

Getting down right stanky @15:10 Love it man.

[@lukewarren7857]

I really enjoyed your playing on this video my favorite was level 3-4 I use an Fulltone OCD into an BBE Crusher distortion besides, EHX attack decay with fuzzy or Q Tron + also built in fuzziness. Always open to your suggestions

[@millmoormichael6630]

Dude, totally off topic but I remember when you had a few thousand subs. Closing on half a mill you must do an epic special 😅 anyway completely deserved 👍

[@simonpratley3301]

Hey Rhett what caught my attention more than the Fuzz pedals was YOUR playing! I love everything you played. I always do. You make me want to pick my guitar up and jam. When are you going to put some of your solo work on Spotify???? 🎸

[@DiscreetHobo]

I fell in love with that Tone bender instantly...

[@sirstashalot7441]

Every fuzz pedal is for me 😀 God I love fuzz 😂

[@shayeasy]

i’ve had a germanium fuzz (catalinbread karma suture) for years and just got an octavia fuzz (earthquaker tentacle). so many weird and awesome sounds between them.