Distortion pedals are essential tools for guitarists looking to achieve heavy tones.
They help shape your sound, giving it character and depth.
With the right distortion pedal, you can transform your guitar’s clean signal into a powerful, aggressive sound that works well for genres like metal, rock, and punk.
When you look for distortion pedals, you’ll notice that they come with different features and sounds.
Some focus on getting a thick, creamy distortion, while others might lean towards a sharp, edgy tone.
Choosing the right one often depends on your musical style and what you want to express through your playing.
Pay attention to the type of distortion each pedal provides, as well as their controls.
Look for options to adjust gain, tone, and level, since these can greatly impact your overall sound.
The build quality and price are also important, so you’ll want something that’s both durable and fits your budget.
With these factors in mind, let’s check out the top 7 distortion pedals that can help you achieve those heavy tones you’re after.
Top 7 Distortion Pedals for Heavy Tones
If you’re looking to crank up your sound and add some serious grit to your playing, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a roundup of the top distortion pedals that will help you achieve those heavy tones you’ve been dreaming of.
Check out these options to find the perfect fit for your setup!
Behringer Ultra Metal UM300
This pedal could be a great option for you if you’re looking for heavy metal sound without spending a lot.
- Offers extreme and thick distortion for powerful tones.
- Includes a 3-band EQ for customizable sound.
- Built with rugged construction for durability.
- The plastic casing might feel less sturdy.
- Battery replacement can be tricky.
- Not all users love the stock sounds without adjustments.
The Behringer Ultra Metal UM300 is designed for heavy metal and hard rock players.
It pulls off thick, tube-like distortion that adds depth to your guitar tone.
With control knobs for Distortion, Level, and a 3-band EQ, you can shape your sound just the way you like it.
You also get a unique MID FREQ control, allowing you to manipulate middle frequencies.
This feature sets it apart from many other pedals.
It helps you boost or cut the mids, which is important for achieving a fuller tone that’s not lost in a mix.
A blue LED indicator shows when the pedal is active, making it easy to know if you’re in effect mode.
While it runs on a 9V battery or optional power supply, some users find changing the battery a bit challenging.
Overall, you’ll be impressed with the sound options at such an affordable price.
Sondery Metal Distortion Pedal
This pedal is a solid choice if you’re looking for a warm, vintage distortion at a great price.
- Offers three modes: Solo, Turbo, and Normal for diverse sounds.
- True bypass lets your tone shine through without loss.
- Compact design with an attractive look and solid build.
- Needs an AC adapter, which isn’t included.
- Some users report noise issues at higher settings.
- Limited control options might not satisfy advanced users.
With a rating of 4.1 from over 1,100 customers, this pedal is gaining attention for good reasons.
It produces a smooth and rich distortion that can enhance your playing.
The three different modes let you experiment with a variety of sounds.
You might appreciate the true bypass feature, which allows your natural tone to come through when the pedal is not in use.
The design is eye-catching, and the mini size makes it easy to fit on your pedalboard.
Keep in mind that you will need to buy a power adapter separately, as it doesn’t run on batteries.
Some users also mention that it can create noise at certain settings, so it’s worth checking how it interacts with your gear.
Overall, for the price and features, the Sondery Metal Distortion Pedal is a great option for adding depth to your guitar sound.
VSN Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
The VSN Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal is a solid choice if you want to capture those classic 80s and 90s metal sounds.
- Clear and defined sound, even at high gain levels.
- Wide range of tone controls allows for versatile sound shaping.
- Strong metal build ensures durability.
- Power adapter not included, which is an extra purchase.
- Some users report background noise.
- Size might be smaller than expected for some.
This pedal offers a strong performance for guitarists looking to dive into heavy tones.
Its controls let you dial in everything from crunchy rhythms to piercing solos.
The three-section equalizer gives you more freedom to find your ideal sound.
You’ll appreciate the clarity this pedal brings, especially at higher distortion levels.
Unlike many pedals, it maintains definition, so your riffs won’t get muddy.
The high-gain rotary knob adds a boost for those intense moments in your playing.
While it packs a punch with its sound quality, remember to grab a power adapter because it doesn’t come with one.
Some players have noticed a slight hiss, which could be a concern.
Despite this, the VSN Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal remains a noteworthy tool for getting your metal vibes just right.
AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
If you’re a guitarist looking for a budget-friendly way to achieve that classic heavy metal sound, this pedal might just be your new best friend.
- Classic heavy metal distortion for those powerful riffs.
- Customizable tone controls to shape your sound the way you like.
- Small and durable design for easy transport.
- Requires a separate 9V adapter, which is not included.
- Some users might find the tone options limited.
- Compact size could be challenging for those who prefer larger pedals.
This AZOR pedal delivers the heavy distortion you want when jamming out hard rock or metal.
Its three knobs give you control over volume, distortion, and midrange, making it easy to create your ideal sound.
With a two-way selector switch, you can switch between extreme and classic tones.
This flexibility allows you to find the right sound whether you’re hitting those high notes or playing in a lower register.
The pedal is designed to be lightweight and easily portable, so you can take it with you wherever your music takes you.
While it does require a 9V DC adapter, the build quality seems solid, and it holds up well under regular use.
Even at a budget price, this pedal can keep up with your playing.
If you’re looking to amp up your tone without breaking the bank, the AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal could be a great fit for you.
JOYO Distortion Pedal
This pedal delivers a range of heavy distortion suitable for various rock genres, making it a solid pick for your rig.
- Wide range of tones from crunch to heavy metal.
- Built tough with an aluminum body for durability.
- Affordable option with great performance.
- Some users report noise issues.
- May not achieve the heaviest distortion for advanced players.
- Can be tricky to find the right sound at higher gain settings.
The JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal offers versatility that many guitarists appreciate.
The full EQ control lets you dial in the tone you want, whether you’re rocking out to AC/DC or going for Metallica’s sound.
Users mention that it has a good crunch and sustain, making it fun to experiment with different styles of music.
Many have found this pedal easy to use, especially if you’re just starting out with distortion pedals.
It can go from a light crunch to a more aggressive sound with a twist of a knob.
Yet, while it handles a range of sounds well, some players noted it might not deliver the heaviest tones needed for intense metal riffs.
The construction is another highlight.
Made from aluminum alloy, it feels solid and reliable underfoot.
However, a few users did mention noise when using the pedal, which might be something to consider if you’re aiming for a clean sound.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right distortion pedal can be tricky.
Here are some key features to think about.
Sound Quality
Look for pedals that offer rich, heavy tones.
A good pedal should have a clear sound that doesn’t get muddy when you play.
Controls
Pay attention to the control options.
Common controls include:
- Gain: Influences the amount of distortion.
- Tone: Adjusts the brightness or warmth of the sound.
- Level: Balances the pedal’s output with your amp.
Type of Distortion
Consider the type of distortion you want.
Some pedals provide classic overdrive, while others offer more modern, aggressive tones.
Think about what fits your style best.
Build Quality
Check the build quality of the pedal.
A sturdy, metal casing is ideal for durability, especially if you gig regularly.
Price Range
Set a budget before you shop.
Distortion pedals come in various price ranges, so it’s essential to find one that fits your wallet.
Reviews
Look for reviews and feedback from other players.
This can give you insights into how well the pedal performs over time.
By keeping these points in mind, you can find the right distortion pedal to enhance your sound.