19 Best Distortion Pedals To Growl The Crunchy Harmonics

As a seasoned music enthusiast, I can tell you that the rhythm of rock-n-roll would be incomplete without the growl and grit of distortion.

It’s the crowning touch on your guitar performance, the wild element that brings out the beast in every chord.

That’s why I’ve curated a list of the 19 best distortion pedals to growl the crunchy harmonics and take your playing skills to a whole new level.

In this carefully curated list, you’ll find top-quality distortion pedals handpicked for their unique features, robust performance, and rave reviews from countless musicians.

But keep in mind – there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pedal out there; just like you have your unique sound and style, each of these pedals has its unique charm and specialty.

So sit back as I confidently guide you toward the perfect pedal to revolutionize your rock-n-roll experience.

19 Best Distortion Pedals to Growl the Crunchy Harmonics

When it comes to achieving that unmistakable growl and crunchy harmonics in your guitar tone, having the right distortion pedal is crucial.

With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the best distortion pedals that will help you achieve that perfect sound.

Pro Co Sound RAT2

The Pro Co Sound RAT2 is a classic distortion pedal that has stood the test of time. It is known for its raw and aggressive sound, making it a favorite among rock and metal guitarists.

With its simple three-knob design, the RAT2 allows you to easily dial in your desired level of distortion.

Key features of the Pro Co Sound RAT2 include:

• Volume: Controls the overall output level of the pedal.
• Filter: Adjusts the tone by cutting or boosting treble frequencies.
• Distortion: Determines the amount of gain and saturation.

The RAT2 excels at producing thick, fuzzy tones with plenty of sustain. It offers a wide range of distortion, from smooth and warm overdrive to full-on, teeth-gritting saturation.

BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone

The BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is a go-to pedal for any guitarist looking to achieve heavy metal tones. It is famous for its ability to deliver crushing high-gain distortion with plenty of clarity and definition.

Notable features of the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone include:

• Level: Controls the overall output level.
• Low, High, Mid: Three-band EQ for shaping your tone.
• Gain: Adjusts the amount of distortion applied.

With its powerful EQ section, you can tailor your sound precisely to cut through in any mix. From searing leads to bone-shaking rhythm tones, this pedal has you covered.

Dunlop MXR Super Badass Distortion M75

The Dunlop MXR Super Badass Distortion M75 offers a wide range of saturated tones suited for various styles of music.

It packs an impressive punch while maintaining excellent clarity and note definition.

Highlighted features of the Dunlop MXR Super Badass Distortion M75 include:

• Output: Controls the overall volume output.
• Distortion: Adjusts the amount of gain, from mild overdrive to heavy distortion.
• Tone: Shapes the overall tonal character of the pedal.

With its versatile range of distortion, the Super Badass Distortion can deliver everything from classic vintage crunch to modern high-gain sounds. It is a pedal that truly lives up to its name.

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is a legendary pedal that has been used by countless guitarists to achieve smooth and creamy overdrive tones.

It is renowned for its ability to push tube amps into natural-sounding breakup while maintaining excellent clarity.

Key features of the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer include:

• Drive: Determines the amount of overdrive and saturation.
• Tone: Controls the overall tonal character.
• Level: Adjusts the output volume.

The TS9 excels at adding a subtle touch of warmth and compression to your tone. It is perfect for blues, rock, or any genre that requires smooth and dynamic overdriven tones.

Also Read: All 23 Types Of Guitar Pedals [How To Choose Guitar Pedals?]

Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food is a transparent overdrive pedal known for its versatility and clean boost capabilities.

It provides a touch-sensitive response that allows your playing dynamics to shine through while adding just the right amount of grit and sustain.

Highlighted features of the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food include:

• Volume: Controls the output level.
• Drive: Determines how much gain you want.
• Treble, Bass: Tone controls for shaping your sound.

The Soul Food excels at pushing your amp into mild breakup territory or enhancing an already driven sound. Its transparency and flexibility make it suitable for various musical styles, making it an excellent addition to any guitarist’s setup.

Fulltone OCD

The Fulltone OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Drive) is a highly regarded distortion pedal known for its versatility and ability to deliver both overdrive and distortion tones.

It has gained a loyal following among musicians of all genres, thanks to its dynamic response and rich harmonic content.

Key features of the Fulltone OCD include:

• Drive: Controls the amount of gain.
• Volume: Adjusts the overall output level.
• Tone: Shapes the overall tonal character.

The OCD provides a wide range of drive options, from subtle crunch to more saturated distortion, making it suitable for various styles of music.

It maintains clarity even at higher gain settings, ensuring that every note rings through with precision. The pedal is also incredibly responsive to picking dynamics, allowing for expressive playing.

BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver

The BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver is a classic overdrive pedal that is often considered a staple in many guitarists’ arsenals. It is specially designed to deliver smooth and warm blues tones but can also excel in rock and other genres.

Highlighted features of the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver include:

• Level: Controls the output volume.
• Gain: Adjusts the amount of overdrive/distortion.
• Tone: Shapes the tone, from dark and mellow to bright and crisp.

The BD-2 offers a wide range of overdrive options, from subtle grit to full-bodied saturation. It retains the dynamic response of your playing and can enhance your guitar’s natural tone without overpowering it.

This pedal responds well to picking nuances, allowing players to achieve expressive and soulful sounds.

BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion

The BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion is a versatile distortion pedal that offers an array of tones ranging from mild crunch to heavier distortion. With its built-in Turbo mode, it provides an extra kick of gain and saturation.

Key features of the BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion include:

• Level: Adjusts the overall output volume.
• Tone: Shapes the tonal character of the pedal.
• Mode Selector: Switches between Normal and Turbo modes.

In Normal mode, the DS-2 offers classic distortion tones, perfect for rock and metal genres. Engaging the Turbo mode increases the gain, delivering heavier sounds with increased sustain.

This pedal excels at producing thick, powerful tones that cut through in live performances and recordings.

Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff

The Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff is a high-gain distortion pedal specifically designed for metal guitarists looking to achieve aggressive and gritty tones.

It is well-known for its ability to deliver crushing distortion while maintaining clarity and tightness.

Highlighted features of the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff include:

• Volume: Controls the overall output level.
• Top Boost: Adds more high-end presence to your sound.
• Distortion: Adjusts the amount of gain applied.

The Metal Muff provides massive distortion with excellent note definition, making it suitable for chugging riffs, searing solos, and heavy palm-muted rhythms.

Its top boost feature adds extra bite to your sound, allowing you to cut through dense mixes effortlessly.

BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive

The BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive is a classic overdrive pedal beloved by many guitarists for its warm and natural tube-like tones.

It is known for its versatility, allowing players to dial in both subtle overdrive and more saturated tones.

Key features of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive include:

• Level: Controls the output volume.
• Drive: Adjusts the amount of overdrive.
• Tone: Shapes the overall tonal character.

The SD-1 offers a wide range of overdrive options, from light and smooth to gritty and aggressive.

It effectively enhances the natural sound of your guitar and amp, providing an organic crunch that responds well to your playing dynamics.

The SD-1 is ideal for blues, rock, and any genre that benefits from warm and dynamic overdrive tones.

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2

The EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 is a powerful distortion pedal that aims to recreate the sound of high-powered, cranked tube amplifiers.

It delivers a thick and aggressive tone with plenty of sustain, perfect for those who crave a wall of sound.

Key features of the EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 include:

• Drive: Controls the amount of gain and saturation.
• Level: Adjusts the overall output volume.
• No Loop/Jumper Mode: A mini toggle switch that allows you to bypass the clipping diodes for a louder and more open sound.

This pedal is known for its simplicity, featuring only two knobs and one mini toggle switch. It is designed to be set at maximum gain for maximum impact.

The Acapulco Gold V2 reacts well to your playing dynamics, making it highly responsive and expressive.

Walrus Audio Iron Horse LM308 Distortion V2

The Walrus Audio Iron Horse LM308 Distortion V2 is a versatile distortion pedal that offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. It is renowned for its ability to deliver high-gain tones with excellent note clarity.

Highlighted features of the Walrus Audio Iron Horse LM308 Distortion V2 include:

• Level: Controls the overall output volume.
• Tone: Adjusts the tonal character, from bright to dark.
• Distortion: Determines the amount of gain applied.
• Texture: A multi-position switch that alters the clipping characteristics for different flavors of distortion.

This pedal excels at delivering heavy and aggressive tones suited for rock, metal, or any genre that demands high-gain fury.

Its versatile tone controls allow you to shape your sound to perfection, while the Texture switch adds extra flexibility to explore different clipping options.

KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal

The KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal is a collaboration between Kirk Hammett of Metallica fame and pedal designer David Karon. It is designed to deliver high-gain tones with an emphasis on rich harmonics and tight low-end response.

Notable features of the KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal include:

• Volume: Controls the overall output level.
• Gain: Determines the amount of distortion applied.
• Tone: Adjusts the overall tonal character, from scooped mids to full-bodied tones.
• Gate: A built-in noise gate to control excessive noise and feedback.

The Dark Blood is capable of producing massive, saturated distortion that retains excellent note definition.

It handles complex chord voicings and fast riffing with precision, making it a favorite among metal guitarists seeking articulate yet aggressive tones.

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals is a renowned brand known for producing high-quality and versatile pedals. Their distortion pedals offer a range of tonal options suitable for various musical styles.

Highlighted features of Wampler’s distortion pedals include:

• Gain: Controls the amount of saturation and distortion.
• Tone: Adjusts the tonal character, from warm and smooth to aggressive and biting.
• Level: Determines the overall output volume.

Wampler offers several popular distortion pedals like the Sovereign, Plextortion, and Pinnacle. Each pedal brings its unique flavor of distortion to suit different musical tastes.

Dunlop MXR Fullbore Metal M116

The Dunlop MXR Fullbore Metal M116 is a powerful pedal designed specifically for guitarists who crave extreme levels of gain and distortion. It is known for its ability to deliver bone-crushing tones with excellent clarity and tightness.

Key features of the Dunlop MXR Fullbore Metal M116 include:

• Gain: Controls the amount of distortion applied.
• Frequency: Adjusts the frequency sweep for different tonal variations.
• Scoop: Engages a mid-scoop feature for aggressive modern metal tones.
• Bass, Mid, Treble: Three-band EQ to shape your tone.

This pedal is perfect for players who indulge in heavy genres like metal or hardcore. It offers a wide range of tonal options, from classic midrange-focused tones to modern scooped sounds.

Its exceptional note clarity and tight low-end response make it a go-to choice for guitarists who demand unparalleled aggression in their tone.

Also Read: 32 Best Guitar Synth Pedals [Upgrade Your Guitar Effects]

JHS Morning Glory V4

The JHS Morning Glory V4 is a versatile overdrive pedal that delivers transparent and smooth tones. It is known for its ability to enhance the natural sound of your guitar without overpowering it.

Highlighted features of the JHS Morning Glory V4 include:

• Drive: Controls the amount of overdrive.
• Tone: Adjusts the EQ of the pedal.
• Volume: Sets the overall output level.

The Morning Glory V4 can go from a clean boost to mild overdrive, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Its transparent nature allows your guitar’s true tone to shine through, adding just the right amount of sparkle and warmth to your sound.

BEHRINGER Ultra Metal UM300

The BEHRINGER Ultra Metal UM300 offers high-gain distortion perfect for metal and hard rock genres. It is designed to provide extreme distortion while retaining clarity and definition.

Key features of the BEHRINGER Ultra Metal UM300 include:

• Level: Controls the overall volume.
• Low, High: Tone controls for shaping your sound.
• Distortion: Determines the amount of gain applied.

This pedal can deliver aggressive tones with sizzling highs, tight low-end response, and plenty of saturation. With its dedicated EQ section, you can sculpt your tone precisely to suit your playing style.

Friedman BE-OD

The Friedman BE-OD is an amplifier-style overdrive pedal that emulates the classic British tube amp sounds. It captures the essence of high-gain Plexi-style tones in a compact stompbox format.

Notable features of the Friedman BE-OD include:

• Gain: Controls the level of overdrive.
• Tight, Distribute, Voice: Variety selectors to shape your tone.
• Volume: Sets the output level.

This pedal delivers rich harmonics and touch sensitivity, allowing you to achieve that iconic British crunch.

TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion

The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion offers a variety of distortion tones ranging from mild overdrive to full-on high-gain saturation. It is known for its versatility and affordability.

Highlighted features of the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion include:

• Gain: Controls the level of distortion.
• Level: Adjusts the output volume.
• Bass, Treble: EQ controls for shaping your tone.

This pedal allows you to dial in anything from smooth and warm overdrive to aggressive metal tones.

It excels at delivering dynamic and responsive distortion, making it a great option for players who need versatility in their setup.

FAQs About distortion pedals

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right distortion pedal is crucial for achieving the growling crunch and harmonically rich tones that guitarists strive for.

Through this article, we have explored some of the best options on the market.

The Pro Co Sound RAT2 offers a raw and aggressive sound, while the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is ideal for heavy metal tones.

The Dunlop MXR Super Badass Distortion M75 provides versatility with its range of saturated tones, and the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer delivers smooth and creamy overdrive.

The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food offers transparency and clean boost capabilities.

Whichever pedal you choose, rest assured that it will enhance your playing and take your tone to new heights. Happy growling!