Guitar Pedal Order Explained
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Guitar pedal order runs from the guitar through tuner, filter, dynamics, gain, modulation, delay and reverb, then to the amp. A tuner goes first so it reads the clean guitar signal, gain pedals shape the signal before modulation, and delay and reverb sit last so they act on the shaped signal.
Start with the tuner at the front
Plug the guitar into the tuner before any other pedal. The tuner reads the guitar signal directly, with no other pedal changing the signal before it reaches the tuner. Keep the tuner at the front of the chain even when other pedals are added or removed, so tuning stays tied to the guitar signal and not to an effect.
Place filter and dynamics pedals next
Put a wah pedal and a compressor after the tuner. A wah pedal filters the guitar signal, and a compressor evens out the level of the signal, so both work best on the signal before gain pedals add distortion. Place these pedals in the order that suits the playing, with the wah before the compressor or the compressor before the wah, and listen to how the signal changes.
Put gain pedals after the tuner
Place overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals after the tuner, wah and compressor. Gain pedals shape the guitar signal, and the signal they shape then passes to the pedals after them. Stack gain pedals in the order that gives the sound wanted, with the pedal that sets the main gain character placed where it can drive the pedals after it.
Place modulation after gain
Put chorus, phaser and flanger pedals after the gain pedals, along with an equalizer pedal when one is used. Modulation pedals act on the shaped signal from the gain pedals, so the effect covers the full signal rather than only the clean guitar signal. An equalizer after gain can adjust the tone of the shaped signal before it reaches delay and reverb.
Put delay and reverb last
Place delay and reverb pedals at the end of the chain, after modulation. Delay repeats the signal and reverb adds space to the signal, so both act on the signal that has already passed through the gain and modulation pedals. A looper pedal goes after delay and reverb, so it records the full chain and plays back the recorded signal through the amp.
Connect the chain and check the power
Connect the pedals in order with patch cables, then connect the last pedal to the amp. Pedal power is 9V for many pedals, so check the power need of each pedal and use a power supply that matches it. Place the power supply where it stays clear of the pedals, and check each pedal in turn to confirm the signal passes through the chain to the amp.
What you need
SOYAN 22" x 12.5" Guitar Pedal Board
A steel pedal board measuring 22 x 12.5 inches that holds up to 12 standard pedals, with a tray beneath for a power supply and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
- 1-year warranty stated
Vangoa Guitar Pedal Board with Isolated Power
An aluminum pedal board measuring 18 inches by 13.5 inches with an isolated power supply offering 10 9V outputs plus 12V and 18V options, and a backpack-style bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
STRICH Guitar Pedal Board Aluminum Alloy 2.65lb Lightweight
An aluminum alloy pedal board measuring 22 inches by 12.5 inches with a carry bag and mounting strips and zip ties for securing pedals.
- Case or gig bag included
RVONE Guitar Pedal Board with Built-in Power Supply
An aluminum alloy pedal board with a built-in power supply offering 10 independent power outputs, hook-and-loop tapes for holding pedals, and a bag.
- Case or gig bag included
These come from our ranked list Best Pedal Board for Guitar, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Where does a volume pedal go in the chain?
A volume pedal before gain pedals changes the signal that reaches the gain pedals, while a volume pedal after gain pedals changes the level of the shaped signal. Choose the placement that matches the change wanted, and keep the volume pedal in that place while the rest of the chain stays the same.
Where does a noise gate go in the chain?
A noise gate goes after the gain pedals and before delay and reverb. The gate cuts noise from the gain pedals, while delay and reverb sit after the gate so their repeats and space are not cut off by the gate.
Can the pedal order change for a different sound?
Yes. The order in this guide is a starting point, and moving a pedal changes which signal it acts on. Move a pedal, listen to the change, and keep the change only when it gives the sound wanted.
Ranked pedalboards lists
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