How to Set Up a Pedalboard
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Setting up a pedalboard means fixing your pedals to a board in signal order, powering them from one supply, and linking them with patch cables. The board keeps the pedals in one place and the cables tidy, so the whole chain moves as a single unit.
Lay out the board and pedals
Set the board on a flat surface where you can reach every pedal with your foot. Place the pedals on the board without fixing them down, and leave a gap between each one for the patch cables and for your foot to press one pedal without hitting the next. Move the pedals around until the order and spacing work, then mark the layout before you mount anything.
Put the power supply under the board
Place the power supply beneath the board and run its cable up to the pedals, keeping the power cable apart from the patch cables where you can. Pedals run on 9V power, so check that the supply output matches each pedal before you plug it in.
Connect the pedals in signal order
Link the pedals with short patch cables, running from the output of one pedal to the input of the next. Start from the guitar and work toward the amplifier, so the cable from the guitar plugs into the first pedal and the cable to the amplifier leaves the last pedal. Keep the cables short and flat against the board so they do not snag or pull a pedal loose.
Fix the pedals down with hook-and-loop tape
Once the layout is set, stick hook-and-loop tape to the back of each pedal and press it onto the board. The tape holds the pedal in place while still letting you lift it off to change the layout or swap a pedal. For the power supply, use straps or tape to hold it in place, and check that nothing moves when you press a pedal down.
Check every connection before you play
Plug the guitar into the first pedal and the last pedal into the amplifier, then switch each pedal on and off to check that the signal passes through. Listen for noise or a drop in volume, and trace the cables to find a loose plug or a pedal with no power. If a pedal stays silent, check its power cable and its patch cables before you move anything else.
What you need
SOYAN 18" x 11.8" Guitar Pedal Board
An 18 x 11.8 inch steel board that holds up to 10 pedals, with a tray beneath for the power supply and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
GOKKO Guitar Pedal Board with Power Supply
A 13.8 x 11 inch steel board that holds 6-8 pedals, with a bracket beneath for the power supply and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
Ghost Fire Guitar Pedal Board Aluminum Alloy
A 19.8 x 11.5 inch aluminum alloy board that holds 8-10 pedals, with a carry bag that has a side pocket for cables.
- Case or gig bag included
STRICH Guitar Pedal Board Aluminum Alloy 1.2lb Super
A 15 x 8.66 inch aluminum board that fits up to 5 standard pedals, with hook-and-loop strips and ties and a carrying case.
- Case or gig bag included
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Pedalboard, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a power supply for a pedalboard?
Yes, if your pedals need power. One supply can feed each pedal, which keeps the setup tidy and avoids a tangle of wall plugs.
What order should pedals go in on the board?
Put them in signal order, from the guitar toward the amplifier, with the first pedal taking the guitar cable and the last pedal sending the signal on. The exact order is a matter of taste, so try the chain and move a pedal if the result is not what you want.
Can I move pedals around after I mount them?
Yes. Hook-and-loop tape lets you lift a pedal off the board and press it down in a new spot, so you can change the order or swap a pedal without tools. Re-route the patch cables to match the new layout and check the connections again.
Ranked pedalboards lists
More how-to guides
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