5 Pedal Types Every Beginner Should Have

[@timchalmers1700]

Beginners should note that there are plenty of affordable pedals available to use in place of the expensive ones that Rhett has shown.

[@VincentBakker1964]

Beginners could also start with a cheap programmable multifx to play with several different fx and amps and cabs to find out what they actually like. Program your own patches to really learn the ins and outs. BTW Rhett, no fuzz?

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

Get used to your pedals one at a time. Then slowly add each one after.

[@donwoodward7944]

Beginners don't need pedals. They need a quality tuner and maybe an overdrive. Pedals can be a distraction and are no shortcut to becoming a better GTR player (IMHO).

[@dulla8469]

beginners should also know that starting with software might be better, alot of sounds available, maybe for the professional musicians the emulations of famous amps and pedals arent spot on, but for me someone who started learning seriously this last 6 months, interface cable and guitar into amplitube has been the best choice i couldve made, neural dsp plugins also are fun with alot of unique sounds in some of them

[@antonudd849]

Yes, pretty crazy to buy any one of these as a first pedal. To Bretts defense he probably shows pedals he has in is studio.

[@silvioschmidt5346]

When I was a beginner, I had a cheap little Digitech multi effect. It’d still recommend that over getting boutique pedals right away. You can explore different effects and learn what kind you like. Try to find a BOSS ME-80 used. You can get them for under 200 bucks, they are built well, have most major effects, a looper and headphone out with amp sim. Most beginners are younger and need a silent option because they don’t own a house yet.

[@mobetterx1110]

Couldnt agree more! Even experienced guitarist are still stickin to the boss80

[@smackofalltrades]

I recommend the ME80 allllllllll the damn time to people. It gets slept on so much

[@Barbarapape]

I agree as a new player i feel that a good multi-effects will give me all that i need until my playing improves.

[@TheToxicGummy]

your site is phenomenal!

[@DammitCartman]

100% this. Actually go a step further, the Boss Katana is like $250 and is loaded with everything you’ll ever need.

[@jonaseckhoff4300]

Damn that slide tone! Almost as good as Josh Scott's

[@TotalEvo7]

Better than Josh, but kinda equal to Paul Gilbert

[@scottkidwell3601]

🤣🤣🤣

[@thesharksfin109]

@@TotalEvo7 correct me if Im wrong, bit it was a reference to a JHS video on Rhett’s channel a few months back

[@TotalEvo7]

@@thesharksfin109 Yes, that's correct

[@tylerdurden5122]

Yeah Rhett could definitely take some lessons from Josh Scott in the slide department😂😂😂

[@ianlange8108]

Rhett's endorsing JHS pedals on his channel. Meanwhile Josh is talking smack about Rhett on his channel... good stuff.

[@J.D....]

really? Josh did that?

[@maxonmendel5757]

@@J.D.... yeah watch his Boss video. its all in good fun

[@ianlange8108]

@@J.D.... Yeah... it was a sick burn.

[@sirjoshuapaul]

I love that Rhett's using a slide with the Morning Glory.

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

Technically Rhett already probably knew that. This is why he used the slide with the JHS. At least that's what I gleaned from this.

[@Birkguitars]

One thing I have struggled with over the years but Rhett seems to have nailed is interacting with the pedal. It is easy for beginners to grab an effect and try to force it to do something it will never do, such as playing fast single note runs with lots of reverb and delay - it just becomes mush. The art lies in marrying the music to the sound. I think that is where the "tone is in the hands" idea comes from, playing something that is enhanced by the effect rather than conflicting with it.

[@kodykindhart5644]

This

[@thomassmith5291]

Young players should remember to think with the ears. The game is making compelling Sounds.

[@jburdsinfuse]

Boss and EHX. Stick with them while you’re learning and upgrade as needed…or if needed. They’re cheap, cheaper used, and are pretty durable.

[@danmorrison8746]

MXR too. Excellent classics and new pedals alike. Built like tanks. Most are under $100.

[@cjscarff6453]

My first two pedals are EHX. One of them is fine (I probably shoulda done more research before buying it, it’s a good pedal just not what I wanted). And the second one is awesome. The oceans 11 reverb. Tons of adjustability. 10/10 would recommend

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Oh, I misread what you wrote at first. I thought you were saying Boss and EHX suck. I'm thinking "Hey, those are like my 2 favorite pedal brands." Lol. But yeah you can't go wrong with good old Boss. There are other companies that also have quality stuff and don't sell bad pedals but with Boss one thing is, you know what you're getting. "Overdrive" or "Distortion" or bluesey overdrive with you "Blues Driver". There's no "Bad Monkey" or "Swollen Pickle" "Beefy Tomahawk" or god knows. And though they're not always cheap, you're always getting value for your dollar. I think they hit that sweet spot between value and quality.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

TC Electronic makes some of the most solid, excellent pedals that aren't very expensive and hold up well to abuse. Their Spark Boost is like $80 and it's all I use for overdrive in front of a tube amp and people are always asking me how I get my tone. Their pedal tuners are among the best made.

[@alexander_winston]

Beginners remember…. The most important piece of gear is your hands.

[@lruddy8820]

Or a guitar, without that your just playing with yourself ;)

[@lemarchanddesable6419]

And a looper

[@collinsmith6565]

@@lruddy8820 was gonna say that too! Not the playing w yourself bit but you ain't wrong! 😂

[@Saurondor]

True, practice is key, but nothing got me to keep practicing than getting my first delay pedal.

[@garnetgun]

Agreed

[@peterbugg2896]

A loop pedal is not a bad option for a beginner. A great option for practice and navigating the fret board to find chords.

[@runreilly]

^ This! ^

[@simon_patterson]

I agree with you about reverb. My sound was very dry for many years, until I finally realised that I needed a touch of reverb. Now it is always on. I wish I knew how essential reverb was when I started.

[@FakeGlasses]

Good video, but something I'll just say from personal experience - when you're starting out, get a great amp first. Put your money into the amp and guitar first, and only spring for expensive pedals after that if/when you need them.

[@chipsterb4946]

I agree that good amp,should come first. Good pickups and good speaker are still the best bang for the buck in upgrades. Crappy ceramic pickups will just sound like distorted crappy ceramic pickups 🤪 And if your speaker sucks, it doesn’t matter where the signal is coming from.

[@maudiojunky]

@@chipsterb4946 Nothing wrong with ceramic pickups, just depends what you're going for and how the rest of the pickup is constructed. Some of the clearest sounding pickups I've heard have ceramic magnets - same goes for speakers - and it'll save you a good chunk of change over AlNiCo. There's a good reason professional non-guitar loudspeakers use only ceramic and neodymium these days. Best advice for beginners is to not be a snob about technology and just use what works for you. Agree 100% on speakers - always where it's best to spend your cash in any audio system.

[@XXXXBossXXXX]

whats a good price for an amp? is $300 a good start?

[@sferguson1130]

@@XXXXBossXXXXYes. Don’t let anyone convince you, you need something more expensive to start out, as a beginner. Unless you have financial freedom, then I say go for it lol. The vast majority of the “great” amps, are way too damn loud for home use also. Unless you wanna always wear headphones, or you live alone, in a free standing house, without townhouse type neighbors, or an apartment. I play an Orange Crush 20, I bought practically brand new at a pawn shop for $90 ( regularly like $130? ) at my house, and I love it. It does what I need it to do, and sounds plenty good 👍

[@XXXXBossXXXX]

@@sferguson1130 thank you!!

[@jamesroy9182]

Beginners today! So many choices and so much good advice. When I Were A Lad you either got Boss or you tried your luck with whatever the shop had used and dude behind the counter wasn’t telling you squat. And you had two pedals daisy chained and your whole band shared one tuner.

[@bkmeahan]

My recomendation for a beginner is get a modeling amp or a modeling pedal and experiment. for a fraction of the cost you can learn about the effects and try different things then when you're ready you can get the pedal with an understanding of what you are actually trying to accomplish

[@badcomma]

I went with the Mustang GTX for this reason. I bought my first guitar in thirty-five years, a MIM Tele, and decided on the modeling amp so I could play with all the amp tones and effects without breaking the bank.

[@Hun_Uinaq]

Boss Katana is great for that. Love mine.

[@samuelwnovak]

It’s worth mentioning for the audio signal processing beginners’ further edification that the “modulation” effects chorus, phaser, and flanger are also essentially “time-based” effects too (even if we don’t tend to think of them as such) since what they actually “modulate” are delayed copies of an input signal 🤘🤓

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

Yeah, we had a double digital delay rack (2 sep chan) one channel had width/depth controls to make the 2nd chan behave like a chorus/

[@vikingbluesbreaker729]

Overdrive: caline pure sky ($30) “timmy clone” Distortion: proco rat ($80) Fuzz: big muff rams head ($100) Delay: mxr carbon copy ($150) Compression: mxr dynacomp ($80) This is a pretty cheap rig, and will give you soo many sounds. Every pedal is great quality and sounds amazing. They are all classics eccept the pure sky. The caline is not gigable but really does sound good. Of course, you could just get the $99 series from jhs

[@simonjenkin]

in what way is the caline not giggable? of course it's giggable. i've played a bunch of cheap pedals and they're all just as giggable as my more expensive ones. if it gives you a sound that works and it turns on and off then it's giggable

[@isaacelsley1677]

I think all you guys knocking Rhett for this video need to rewatch it… I’m seeing so many comments like “these pedals aren’t for beginners”, “beginners don’t need pedals” “tone is in the hands” and so on but not once does Rhett mention being a beginner guitarist, he’s talking about being a beginner to buying pedals. He literally says it took him 8 years of playing to get into pedals. To other people who say his videos go over the heads of other people - do you play guitar? The guy literally names the pedal type, gives a brief description without getting too confusing then goes onto demo the pedal. He also never says “buy $200 pedals” he’s simply just using some of his pedals as an example. Stop knocking him for literally just trying to be a role model for young musicians because he’s a bloody good role model if you ask me. Keep up the work Rhett!

[@littlethuggie]

God bless anyone that read all that.

[@HodgkinTattoo]

KZbinrs are getting a bit out of touch making a beginner video about pedals by using like $1500 worth of pedals in the thumbnail 😂

[@bagazheful]

His bad he had only these pedals around.😂

[@zachshipstead5247]

>5 pedals every beginner needs. >Thumbnail pedals cost more than my car.

[@lespaulman81]

Great informative video Rhett. It would be great to see a video on the pros and cons History of stereo rigs and How to put them together using a pedal board.

[@nrhn9254]

Rhett says you can make a 3 hour video on overdrive. Dan and Mick watch this thinking "We should do that"

[@RhettShull]

Love those guys!

[@Matt-1d]

Beginners: this is all great advice, and there are much more cost effective pedal brands to choose from (e.g, TC Electronic, Electro-Harmonix, and Boss make outstanding pedals at reasonable prices).

[@Smart-Alex]

Totally agreed. A beginner should spend on a nice guitar/amp, maybe a couple basic pedals first, and the rest leftover on lessons.

[@shanewalton8888]

Boss is not so reasonable anymore

[@Smart-Alex]

@@shanewalton8888 A Boss SD-1 costs $49, DS1 the same

[@ronpluijm]

Why not pick up a Line6 POD HD500X for a bargain. It's got all the effects you need or wish for. I've seen even in these days of "HELIX mania", people doing outstanding on stage with an old HD. Not to mention, that you don't have to struggle with cables, power supplies etc. I picked up mine a year ago for $250,-- As far as practice goes, I take Tomo Fujita's(Berklee teacher) advice: "No reverb, no effects, just clean playing". :) But maybe I'm a bit old school.

[@aircav7433]

hhiiGHIN is i@@Smart-Alex

[@joybuzzer]

I'm an advanced player and have a massive pedalboard and while I didn't get anything new from this video, I enjoyed it anyhow.

[@philipatoz]

During the early and mid-80s, I nearly lost myself in the nether world of guitar pedals and effects. It became an addiction and obsession. But what I found was, instead of spending more useful time composing music or learning more about how to become a better player, I was instead lost in this world of tweaking knobs and my eternal sonic kaleidoscope quest. How many late nights to 2 a.m. (had to be at work at 8 a.m.), just seeking the perfect sound setup? I also know that I often had an over-saturated sound that wasn't necessarily useful in a band context. And before the internet and youtube, with only guitar magazines, I mostly learned what worked and didn't by experimentation. I eventually scaled everything back to mostly my amp, a good reverb and overdrive - ok, I did have a digital delay that could dial up just about whatever, LOL. Thank God the era of boutique pedals hadn't arrived, or I might have been working three jobs just to feed my addiction. So, I like this idea of keeping a small number of basic / versatile, high-quality pedal types. And then just get on with composing songs, music and PLAY your guitar! This modern pedal world is even more seductive - and expensive. Last thought: NEVER buy new effects - find deals on good used gear!

[@afterglow2020]

At the risk of stating the obvious--- if no one should ever buy new effects there won't be any used ones.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I've kept my board simple (for the most part). I play bass and guitar, and like having a board that serves both with the same effects. I have 2 drive pedals (one for bass, one for guitar, but I still use both for both instruments), a chorus, a reverb, and a delay. All pedals are LPD. He makes killer pedals, and I also get to support a local Arizona builder

[@Russell_Optics]

I would also include an EQ pedal like the Boss GE-7. They allow you an amazing amount of shaping to the sound. Reverb is #1 for me as an effect and on pretty much all the time at some level. Delay is the one I have the hardest time with dialing in, but I love the effect. Like reverb I probably use the chorus pedal more than I should, but they sound awesome. Thanks Rhett, great video.

[@billherbert4961]

For the poor-ass guitarists out there: I salute you. Solidarity. This Rhett stuff is all awesome stuff...that I can't afford. Not pissing and moaning. Just is what it is. It's a great channel...but miles from what MOST of us can do. Me: I got a used one-owner 2007 Line 6 Flextone III with a great stomp box. Big combo amp. 150 solid state watts, twin Celestion G-12s. Decent cabinet and IT WORKS EVERY DAY. Interacts with Garage Band for recording so I can hear myself and become a better player. Made a killer HEAVY tilt stand that lifts the beast, aims the sound, stores the stomp box and its on casters. Made from a free, ugly, solid wood chest of drawers, free ugly ply, paint to make it pretty and TIME. Sounds good loud, sounds good quiet. Has Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, many Delays, and great Reverb. Lots of useful dials and buttons. Can't do EVERYTHING at once, but does plenty at once. About $300 USD. Mine's in near mint condition. It has ALL the categories of effects and does a decent modulation of different amps. Not all are AMAZING, but some are actually fantastic and really I just want a good Clean, a good OD, a good Distortion. Does those fine and has a cool wah pedal/volume pedal too. Got a Boss RC-1 Loop Station. Got lots of partscasters I built myself from decent enough used guitars and the awesome unwanted factory pickups, etc., of obsessed people with money. I too am obsessed, but it's the VALUE and the PROJECT that get me going. Win win. Took 5 years of good times to assemble my kit and luthier skills so far. Like everyone, a lifetime to play well. Or well enough so far. Took lots of research and time to find what came my way when I could afford it. So I didn't get much of the stuff I came across...other priorities. That's fine. Hanging gats and gear fill my tiny dining room and they mostly make my family happy. Living room taken by kiddo's drum kit so we can make some noise together. Sometimes my wife plays my bass through the kiddo's e-drum amp/PA. Good enough, we're not really bass players. Music wins, family wins. Life is good. But watch those finances ya'll. Do you really have as much money as the influencers? Beware the shiny and new, beware the sales pitch. New creates debt and the thrill is SHORT. Used and modded and crafted and CREATIVELY assembled makes more joy. Long live the slow project. Long live the GOOD ENOUGH!

[@timbaxter9932]

I agree with the kinds of pedals every beginner should start with but you pushed the very expensive pedals. Beginners should be buying Donner, MonoPrice, or Axcess pedals to start with so they can find out what they need and like to make their tone/sound.

[@lescaster2179]

and Joyo, TC Electronic, etc. Some great bang for you buck options out there. For under $50 a pop you can score some really great pedals of all types and flavors. I really like(d) my TC Electronic Rusy Fuzz - worked great with volume control on the guitar to sweep from mild overdrive to full on fuzz. Dirt cheap dirt. What's not to like. I gave it to my daughter when I bought a different fuzz pedal. I would buy it, or the TC Electronic Honey Pot fuzz without hesitation.

[@adammcghee3877]

@@lescaster2179 I have a Rusty Fuzz and I love it! Agree with the Honey Pot suggestion, too.

[@jeremylove6594]

I've got a stack of behringer clones that work fantastic for learning what I like and dislike. Note the vintage tube overdrive is indistinguishable from a tube screamer in a blind test.

[@WillyPDX94]

Great job. I appreciate the way you explain the pedals. Any beginner who watches this video will immediately understand what pedals can bring to their sound and why people go crazy searching for the exact right pedal.

[@robertpavey5615]

The sliding in this is absolutely fine. You just ignore that nasty JHS man.

[@cheycasters]

hahaaa

[@russellives6069]

I came here searching for the slide comments. Thanks for not disappointing.

[@mykhedelic6471]

That is one of the keys-- changing the feel/response/interplay between your fingers, your ears and the guitar. More than wacky sounds, it's that connection that knocks on the doors of perception for the young player.

[@f.fields2703]

I bought a line 6 PodGo and that includes all pedal sounds you could ever want. A simpler version of the Helix, but cheaper and for hone basement players like myself it works very well. Rett should do a video about this piece of affordable gear.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Hx stomp?

[@KeithShelley1]

He's got a few videos on the HX Stomp and a couple killer preset packs for sale, too.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Exactly That over pod any day

[@aaronkerr2481]

Why do you choose the Stomp over the PodGo, Kody Kindhart? I'm just curious.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Pod is too big for me I need modular I gig I also like to play around Hx stomp with 3 button is perfect for me My guitarist have plethora and stomp xl Podgo is too big and bulky for my needs

[@waynetykocki3964]

A good tube amp with the capability to put the amps down and let you reach the point of break up earlier works well for me. My Fender blues jnr now can be switched from 18 Watts down to 10. My Peavey head goes from 20 to 5 and right down to 1 and at 20 fills big halls and gets up over the top of the drummer (plenty of headroom).

[@bobmaulucciproject]

I think this is a great list. For me, I think I can get all the modulation effect I need from something like the EQD Night Wire harmonic term or on the cheap just an MXR Univibe. For delay/echo, I love the Strymon Volante and the basic MXR Carbon Copy. I think everybody should have a fuzz, too. For me, I have been using the Pine Box Customs, Tall. That with the JHS Andy Timmons @ behind it is a great combo for all my overdriven tones. The boost side of the @ (or the transparent EHX Soul Food) can really shape the fuzz nicely. Fuzz into the Volante is just heaven. So basic board for me would be Tall, Soul Food, JHS @, Univibe, and Volante. Big board also has Volume, Cry Baby, JHS 3 Series Compressor, MXR Carbon Copy, OBNE Dark Star, EQD Night Wire, and a Ditto looper. Considering this, I also have the Line 6 PodGo, and at $4-500, it would be an outstanding way to get a versatile playing and recording sound experience. Adding a cheap FRFR, you would have all you need. The pedals are simply for when I play in the living room and want to tweak actual knobs. You could get the PodGo easily for less than the cost of five pedals. Easily.

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

Nice, man! Just built a “pedal board” on my fender tone app for the GTX while watching the video. Looking forward to messing with it today. 🤘🏻

[@batman48195]

Great video, Rhett! I’m overwhelmed by the choice of pedals in this really helps

[@travis43]

pedals I would suggest: 1 tuner 2 drive 3 modulation 4 delay

[@cgiunta6542]

Why tuner? Just use guitar tuna?

[@luisjustiniano2385]

@@cgiunta6542 if you are gigging thats not the best option

[@travis43]

@@cgiunta6542 I'm playing guitar not on my phone. Find a pedalboard without a tuner.

[@cgiunta6542]

@@travis43 dude why pay for a tuner when a tuner on your phone is free? Just spend that money on a different pedal

[@travis43]

@@cgiunta6542 I have never seen a phone used for a tuner on a pedalboard. If it works for you go for it.

[@czarofzonk1360]

I started playing guitar over 50 years ago. Been steady at it all these years, some spans of years more so than others. With that out of the way ... The best thing for any serious musician, including beginner (that is, if you are really serious), is to not have any pedals at all, not even a tuner (just a pitch fork). My first "good" guitar, which I still have, is a Univox LP-JR-DC single-P90 (limited edition). That guitar is sooo underrated, even by myself (neck dive notwithstanding). The Univox even has an adjustable bridge, although intonation has been perfect over the years. I mention the LP-JR because I would just plug it straight in to the left (or right) channel of my cassette recorder and create new music from scratch. No pedals. If anything, the idea of requiring toys is the antithesis of musical creation. The toys should come afterward. My past year's worth of music videos on my channel feature acoustic guitars, and I use the "woody" amp model of the Pod Go, or I use an SM58 / Zoom-H1N direct to mixer. I have a playlist for that. Your toys should be usable for clean tones, first.

[@j.r.9380]

While cheaper guitars are way more usable than they were two (plus) decades ago - I would probably not miss much using a Squier CV nowadays instead of my Fender Strat - it is crucial to get a decent amp. And a good practice amp, which doesn't need to be expensive either, can carry you a while. If one is planning to go into electric guitars the right amplifier should be on top of the list when it comes to he budget planing. I can vouch for the smaller Orange practice amps as they have a decent distortion and overdrive, which basically saves you money on a pedal and give you more flexibility to explore your sound. Getting an amp with good effects build in (i.e. Fender Super Champ) or using the tools you already have (using the tone control to get fuzz distortions and wah sounds, using your fingers to get modular-effect-like sounds) can carry you some until you get good deals on used gear, if you need more.

[@winstonsmith8236]

I LOVE that Oracle pedal. Somehow a 3 knob delay has been more exciting and fun than the glitchy weirdo pedals I’ve been trying out the last few years. I guess it’s just simple and makes me focus on playing but that pedal just feels perfect-

[@brauliogreen9110]

As a response to those who are saying that no pedals needed. While this may be technically true, I think the thought of pedals not being important is inherently wrong. As an example; Touch is by far the one of the most important things a guitarist can develop. Guess what learning how to play with and overdrive teaches you? Pedals react to you more in a more extreme manner than an amp will at practice volumes. Ignore the comments, you will develop your technical and mechanical skills with your hands as you practice with pedals, so in the end you will be more equipped to play in a professional setting if that’s what you want.

[@Newnodrogbob]

Seriously. “Pedals aren’t important! It’s all about feel and technique!” Which is why when you listen to all of the greatest guitar songs of all time, they were all recorded without any pedals. Right? Right?

[@blownspeakersss]

​@@Newnodrogbob But in today's world, I can plug into my DAW and have access to countless plugins with seemingly infinite effects--and I didn't need to spend $100 (or more) per effect. That's not to say real amps/pedals aren't the gold standard, it's just for most musicians (especially casual or beginner musicians) it's a waste to go out and spend huge sums of money on hardware.

[@Saurondor]

Great point. I'd add delay to your point. It makes practicing with a metronome super important. Try playing some U2 without good timing and only garbage comes out.

[@Newnodrogbob]

@@blownspeakersss no no, I’m not in any way making an argument against effects in DAW or saying that beginners should pony up $200 for their first boost pedal. I’m just rolling my eyes at the “All you really need is an amp” crowd.

[@dudeman5303]

I mean, it depends on what you're going for. I almost never play without a pedal if I'm using my amp, but I also fon't usually play plugged in though. I spend most of my time writing stuff so I could probably work a bit more on sounds/tones I like more - but I just like writing a lot so I tend to end up doing it even when I *want* to stop to find a good tone with the pedals I have. But I also don't really care for the sound of electric guitar just straight clean, I'll even just put a super light overdrive on it, I just don't like the sound of plain clean guitars like that. I dig acoustic stuff but that is not the same as a clean electric. Clean electric just sounds weak and brittle like it's in the process of dying, I don't like it and I only ever use it if I need to practice something and I want it to be louder but want to hear every mistake that I make. (Edit: I want to hear the mistakes so I can improve I mean. Cuz overdrive can cover it up and you can accidentally get cocky about it.

[@PedalChainsAddiction]

Groovy video. I was excited to see the NU-33 shoutout. I just got one and it’s my favorite lo-fi pedal specifically because of the hiss and crackle switches. The Oblivion sounded great, too. Thanks for the rundown.

[@Artec619]

Ok so... if you are a beginner please, PLEASE don't buy a boost. Buy something that gives you a sound that inspires you to play (Distortion, Delay, Wah, Flange, Octave, whatever), a Boost is a useful tool to have but as a beginner I think it's pretty pointless, especially as you are most likely not using tube amps which benefit the most from the interaction with boosted input signals. Hard disagree with that recommendation.

[@nostro1001]

Totally agree...seemed a promo for Vertex. Nothing against Mason or Vertex at all, but a boost would be useless. Beginners don't gig or even solo. ✋ Hard to trust anybody these days. Content = $$$ and so do promos. I certainly want the channels I like to succeed, but really pushing Strymon etc on beginners also seems ridiculous. Which makes me wonder does that equate to free pedals also? Nobody will argue that the pedals aren't good, but most would argue they aren't beginner friendly. The cost alone would say just that. This was a very weird video!

[@Artec619]

@@nostro1001 that could be a part of it but i can also believe that a boost is important in Rhett's setup and that he could assign more importance to it than what it would have on beginner hands. I have been playing for 10 years and only bought a dedicated overdrive (not distortion) pedal last year and I don't have a dedicated boost.

[@nostro1001]

@@Artec619 Oh for sure...but I think Rhett is well enough aware of what it's like to be a beginner, the cost and so on...he completely missed the mark with this video. It just seemed odd with his knowledge & a guy who sells courses to beginners etc. Cheers. 🎸🎸🎸

[@afterglow2020]

I agree. My first pedal was a one-knob boost and it worked great for me-- at the time I was just running my guitar straight into an audio interface and playing through my computer speakers. If you've ever done this, you know that the resulting tone can be a little anemic. Solution? Always-on boost pedal. However, a beginner with only enough money to buy one pedal would do just as well to buy an overdrive and just turn the volume up and the drive down.

[@johnh7918]

I was about to recommend the same thing. With what I am playing (P&W church stuff) boost isn't needed. With what Rhett is playing I can see using it. As a beginner I'd say make it sound good with your hands and muting before making it loud.

[@ZeroFretGuitar]

Just Signed up for the full tone course! Can’t wait to set up my pedals

[@NWTMasterWolf]

Love it man. And I love the way you cruise that reverb. Thanks for the great pointers.

[@davidpeacock6862]

I’ve learned to run my clean volume booster thru the effects loop. Big difference!!!!!

[@12thfret66]

Multi effects are the way to go for beginners. I'd get a stomp. A powercab if you're gigging and some studio monitors for practice. That's my recommendation anyway.

[@АртёмСалахетдинов-ь9в]

Man I love your videos. They look beautiful, they are educational and fun to watch! Thank you for sharing your knowledge Rhett!

[@zedcarr6128]

IMHO the very first pedal a beginner should buy is a digital delay. Using it will teach you about musical timing and playing accuracy, try playing every breath you take by The Police with a digital delay, record it and then listen to your performance. The delay will throw your errors back at you, and they will stick out like a sore thumb. The part you played between 14:55 to 15:10 would have sounded awful if you didn't have a VERY good sense of musical timing.

[@vancesnyder2426]

I am a beginner and my first pedal was a delay. Thank you U2.

[@musicisfree91]

I just made a pedal shopping list based on this, thanks Rhett!

[@larion_de]

That LPD 87 sounds fucking incredible, chills through my spine with your amazing slide playing too. I’m floored just wow. Gonna have to get one

[@vancesnyder2426]

I don't understand why people would give a thumbs down? This is good info whether you agree or not. Thanks Rhett.

[@damasterkarej]

Boss Tu-3 Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini Some dist Behringer Ultra Chorus / Line6 M5 Boss Delay of your choice

[@jasondebroux9307]

Quality stuff man. Even for a player such as myself that’s got 20+ years of picking under my fingers, your content is always entertaining, but even more importantly, it’s gotten me out of a few creative ruts. Keep Up the EXCELLENT work Rhett!!!

[@thinkthirsty1305]

I like these "beginner" videos because they get me to think about different combinations a little more objectively, even though I have spent a long time getting into a groove I like with my gear.

[@JV-rx3ov]

Getting into pedals back in the 80's was easy. You had Boss, Maxon & Ibanez for new stuff and most places had some used EHX stuff too. The 90's was better when EHX started coming back, Way Huge was starting to get distribution and I sent Bill Finnegan cash in an envelope for my first Klon Centaur(I immediately ordered a 2nd one after a week with it). For a player starting in the last ~15 years...I get the feeling of overload.

[@robinspat]

Andy Summers, 79 “more flanger than chorus, but I'm pretty sure he used both.” “those Police sounds back then with the following chain. Dyna Comp or Boss Compressor (was it a CS-1?) into a Boss Flanger (BF-2) into a Boss Analog Delay (DM-2). Generally ran stereo during that era using a CE1 Chorus to split the signal to two amps. The main Andy Summers swirl was the flanger. Set the analog delay to an 1/8th note with a fairly loud repeat, not too many repeats and you're there. Gotta have the Tele though!”

[@jeremystephens6048]

Great informative video. Lighting, clarity, and editing look great as well in the new space.

[@thseed7]

I really enjoy your videos like this one or the one on amps. You do an excellent job of describing what to expect or what things do. Great job sir.

[@awittypilot8961]

No tuner? My board is pretty simple. I have tuner > compression > OD > Phaser > chorus > reverb > delay > booster (for lead). ALL mini pedals. It's a short board (5 member band and I'm the junior member...not allowed to take up a lot of floor space). Our band is 21 years old but I've only been with them 4. I normally play through a Mesa Boogie 20w with 2-12 cabinet set pretty clean and we mic everything. Works for me. I've tried a dozen multi effects...every one sucks.... I just bought a Chaos Stratus pedal with bluetooth and if it gets just a little better it might be the one that cleans up the whole floor space. I think that might be the wat of the future.

[@dorhobel3113]

Thank you! It helps me to find through the the jungle of thousands of pedals.

[@Nckfallin]

Well the categories are right for sure. You decide which brand you buy from.

[@TheVectorious]

Killer video. As someone who learned of what I know on my own there’s things like this where I don’t even know where to start. It’s overwhelming.

[@brianrollins7275]

Starting out at 12 40 year’s ago I was lucky my older brother bought me a cheap Memphis Flying V. That burned in a fire just months later. I used to start my dirt bike in the basement and drive it out. My friends dad who is a mechanic had just done work on the carburetor and the next day I had trouble getting it started and on about the 10th kickstart attempt it blew up in my face, fell against the basement wall and burned the house down. Luckily we all got out unharmed but the dirt bike and my guitar were toast along with everything else. Started working at 14 and saved up for a strat style Ibanez with a Floyd rose. Saved again and got a small Marshall stack. That was my start in the guitar world. These days I just play my tele through a clean amp with a few pedals in front. Never gigged or anything, just a home player that loves the guitar. My suggestion to beginners would be to avoid GAS at all costs and it will save you a lot of time and money. But most importantly have fun. Thanks for your work on the video. ✌🏻

[@thinkthirsty1305]

It would be so cool to be starting out as a beginner right now! pedals, and information about pedals are so accessible now. If anyone in the comments is a Time Swapped version of me that's living in the midwest and a very angsty teen, get an MXR Carbon Copy and an EHX OpAmp Big Muff reissue and go nuts. Couple good weekends delivering Pizza Hut and you'll get there.

[@eljoel89]

Wah, reverb or delay, overdrive or boost, modulation (phase, flange, chorus, tremolo), and fuzz or distortion.

[@robertprice5039]

So is the Telecaster Custom an original or a reissue. I have the Mexican Telecaster Deluxe Reissue. A lot of people complain about the reissue bar magnet pickups, but if you change the pots to 500K, they sound a lot better.

[@lazarus-lake]

Looking forward to the release of the Shoyles Phull Pheatured Phaser (TM)

[@henryvaneyk3769]

As a beginner I am thinking of the Boss 200 series. Easy to use without knowing much of the programming, but with the ability to extend the feature set once you understand the programming.

[@miguela.migallon5055]

The quest of looking your pedals and equipment is part of the game. THIS IS THE WAY ;)

[@peterthomas5922]

Jeez, Rhett. The five are a compressor to smooth out spikes, a digital delay to fatten the tone, an overdrive if your amp doesn't have a second channel, a volume pedal because it does not change your tone like the volume control knob on your guitar does, and a looper like a Ditto so you can hear yourself. These all work at both low and high volume levels so are good at home and at gigs. I like your vids mostly your gig ones. Showing the nuts and bolts of actual gigs is very helpful. I would ask you tell all about the importance of getting warmed up before the performance. In the madness of set-up you often run out of time to get your hands and head ready.

[@DougJones-m2d]

Great explanation/demo, Rhett!

[@PhotoTrekr]

Did you mention a looper pedal? Maybe more advanced for a beginner. But, you can play along with yourself.

[@lruddy8820]

Id say a metronome is more important then a looper pedal, especially for beginners, no point playing along with yourself if you cant keep time

[@Debtwarrior]

A looper pedal for your music career is like a fleshlight for your marriage

[@tinyb69]

@@Debtwarrior I much prefer an Au Pair.

[@Newnodrogbob]

@@Debtwarrior yeah! No one with a real music career uses loopers! Just losers like Robert Fripp, KT Tunstall, Kurt Vile and Ed Sheehan…🙄

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@lruddy8820 Probably a good idea to buy a metronome before any pedals.

[@daves.2111]

My advice for beginners is go find one of the dozens of great pedal modelers out there and experiment like crazy. Its a much more cost effective way to play with a lot of different pedals. In time you most likely will want to graduate to individual pedals, but at least by that time you’ll have an idea of what you want/like.

[@mikeblaszczak5346]

Which would you recommend? Or maybe you have a link to a comparison video of pedal modelers?

[@daves.2111]

@@mikeblaszczak5346 I only have experience with the Line 6 M9 Stompbox. Bought it for my son when he was just starting out. It worked great and did exactly what he needed it to do. He eventually moved on to more traditional individual pedals/pedalboard, but by that point he knew enough to know where to start. Pedals are a lot of fun but can be daunting for beginners with all the options on the market today.

[@NuclearDeathWalk]

The right flanger can give you Phaser, Chorus and Flanging sounds - I don't mean a 3:1 pedal. I mean a flanger. I like the MXR for this. I can get a lot of modulation from it.

[@rwolff56]

Just a quick note, flangers, chorus, and delay devices are basically the same thing except for the delay time, in milliseconds, needed to produce the effect.

[@paulcantrell1615]

My first pedal when I was 14-15 was a danelectro pepperoni phaser.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Boss pedals are the best for beginners. You just can't miss the big on/off switch 😂😂😂

[@RobertVeasquez]

A great video. ThIs will be an ongoing primer for beginners.

[@Jeffy2n]

Rhett, I just picked up the new Fender reflecting pool. It is a delay and reverb pedal, and it has a ton of options one can use together or not. I know you would love it.

[@davidcollins.firstplaceeve6005]

Nice video. The Chorus helped me with playing chords as a beginner. The Wah pedal helped me with my leads. But, that's probably more intermediate. These really added confidence and helped me explore more.

[@Mannymayhem94]

So I’ve been playing guitar for about 15 years but I have always used multi effect pedals. I play at my church and go directly into a DI box. I use the ME80 so it have preamp setting that I use (tweed) but I’ve been thinking about building a pedal board and don’t know if it’ll work without an amp going through the DI box. Would I need a preamp pedal?

[@ZackSeifMusic]

This ties into the latest Dipped in Tone episode really well. Everyone should be checking that out if you haven’t yet😁

[@SandauxBeats]

Do I need a boost pedal while recording?

[@RJW14]

Delay and Reverb are the best of friends. For lead, for ambient, for just about anything.

[@troyspencer712]

As a beginner who has now gone through most basic types of pedals, even if its the amazon cheapies, ive come away thinking a good amp, 1 good overdrive, a distortion or fuzz, a reverb and delay is all I need. I really can live without moduation and multiple od's. Granted I'm a simple blues novice and sometimes just straight into my Hotrod deville is enough. Now the journey of upgrading those cheap clones to something better, the Morning Glory is tops on the list. Great video Rhett

[@theresnotoolinthispool857]

This couldn’t have come out at a better time! I am finally ready to invest in a decent set up but didn’t really know what basics should be covered. Thank you!

[@theresnotoolinthispool857]

@@EjohnsonDrums it’s one of my favorites by far!

[@natenobrakes6292]

Really, really helpful video especially for someone like me who had only ever owned the one pedal.

[@MikeNRoll808]

Awesome video. Thanks for posting bro. I just picked up a Boss ME-80 and for anyone who finds the world of pedals daunting, it's a good option.

[@simpwood4973]

Brett Schultz, you gotta admit that you need a boss metal zone in your life

[@luminousbrilliance1711]

With all the EQ knobs just twisted all over the place in Random patterns! All Hail The Metal Zone! :-)

[@ksully27]

Fave tremolo trick = on a slow jam, depth at enough to give 'momentum', but not too much and rate at slightly behind the beat/tempo. money.

[@taijazvidfish]

My two cents having played guitar since the time there were no pedals. Get a good tuner. Try guitars that are in tune and find one you like. Try amps until you find one you like and fits your needs. Take the next year learning what you can do with your guitar and amp. Then decide on what you “need”. Buying anything new to you before exploring what you have will lessen your money and take you down many a dead end/ black hole.

[@CalvinMagnusMusic]

Tone is in the hands! That's why I bought a Dual Recto and boost it with a Maxon 808 :P

[@jerod256]

I have a TC electronic vortex flanger. It's a tad pricey but its very versatile and you can even tweak it to sound like a chorus or flanger. I also agree with you on the point about reverb pedals. The reverb in my amp is very generic, doesn't even sound that good and is not very distinct in character (I think its a cheap digital kind). Whereas my pedal (which is a digital effect, a very good one) can emulate plate and spring reverbs as well as emulate all kinds of rooms and ambience. It's very inspiring to just dial something in on that pedal and just play a chord and see how it strikes you.

[@raymeedc]

I would definitely include a compressor in that must have pedal mix ✅

[@reinotsurugi]

Rhett: you're simply the best (better than all the rest).

[@thecruddybug4437]

I don't know if I'd recommend beginners start with things like the Source Audio Nemesis. That thing is way too complicated, and I think it requires experience with how delay is used musically and practically as both an obvious effect and a tool to create space. I'd just recommend something simple like a Boss delay, or something that has a switch between an analog and digital emulation, so they can mess with it simply. Then, if they want to, they can go down the Nemesis rabbit hole. I had a Nemesis myself, after having a EHX Echo, Memory Boy Deluxe, and Carbon Copy first. Then I sold the Nemesis because it was wayyyyy too overkill for me. Finally settled on a DD-20, which has been the best for me.

[@libradosanchez2701]

I've gone through the rabbithole as I look to build my first pedal board...and I'd love if there was some kind of glossary on some of therms. I can't quite grasp the terminology like bite, color, grit, etc...to explain a sound. A noob here trying to figure this out. Maybe it just comes with time.

[@reidkuhn5959]

Hey Rhett - Great information here. Is there a particular order to laying out the pedals?

[@mickkraviz]

Cool video, I really like the style of your videos, they look stunning. I hope I can step up my own videos to somewhat your quality. … *but* I think this video is especially not for beginners. I would‘ve never bought the things you recommend in this video. Even 200-300$ for a guitar were too much for me, I just got a cheap crappy squier and a 20 bucks overdrive pedal. I agree with your pedal choices as an intermediate guitar player now and would shake hands, but thinking of me 2-3 years ago, I guess I would be overwhelmed with the prize tags on these pedals. Nevertheless, when I just look at the categories you show, I 100% agree. Maybe you didn‘t want to make another video like your „Expensive Overdrives and their „cheap“ counterparts“ one (something like that). Thanks for constantly pushing out this great quality content, big fan out here! :) Greetings from Austria, Mick.

[@OutpourEast]

why hand held for this one brother? Looked great but just wondering why? if you're willing to share haha. awesome vid as always

[@gahangore111]

How do you get the deal on the courses? Was there a limited number??

[@jukruhar94]

Every beginner should have 3 pedals: TUNER, LOOPER and any overdrive of choice to expand the sound of the amp... in any case you could also add something for ambience (delay or reverb)