If you’re just starting to build a pedalboard, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole. Between the endless YouTube demos, the hype around boutique pedals, and a million tone-shaping options, you can end up buying pedals that look cool but don’t actually help your playing. I’ve been there myself.
When I first got into pedals, I started with a Tube Screamer—one of my dad’s, actually—along with an Ibanez Soundtank Classic Metal pedal. Eventually, I added a Metal Zone, and my mate was stacking a Boss CS-3 Compressor in front of his setup, so i figured i needed one of these as well to tighten the sound. I thought I was set. Of course, I ended up selling the Tube Screamer because I was chasing heavier tones at the time (I regret that now). But like many players, I learned the hard way what worked—and what didn’t.
In more recent years, I’ve built boards around more thoughtful setups. I’ve used the Way Huge Overrated Special for a gritty drive, the Keeley DDR for drive and reverb in one box, and the ever-reliable MXR Carbon Copy for delay—one of my favourite pedals of all time and one I still recommend to players starting out.
This is my current go-to Pedalboard configuration.
So, what should a beginner actually start with?
Start Simple: Three Pedals That Cover a Lot of Ground
If I was starting fresh today and had to recommend a simple but versatile starter setup, I’d say:
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A Good Overdrive or Distortion – This is your foundation. For blues or low-gain tones, go with a Tube Screamer or a Klon-style pedal. Rock players might love something Marshall-inspired like the Nux Plexi Crunch, Fender Pugilist Distortion, or the MXR ’78 Badass Distortion. If you’re into metal, a Nux Recto or the MXR EVH Overdrive is a great place to start.
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A Reverb or Delay Pedal – You don’t need both to start, but having some space or ambience in your sound makes everything more dynamic. I’m a big fan of the MXR Carbon Copy for delay—warm, simple, and always musical. A reverb like the Keeley Caverns or Boss RV-6 would also do the trick.
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A Colour Pedal (Optional) – This could be a tremolo, chorus, or phaser. Not essential, but they’re fun and expressive. You’ll know when it’s time to explore here.
The Pedal Tuner is a must have for your pedalboard.
Bonus Must-Have: A Tuner Pedal
It might not be the most exciting pedal on your board, but a good tuner pedal is worth its weight in gold. Not only does it keep your instrument in check, but most tuner pedals also mute your signal while tuning—perfect for swapping guitars or quieting your rig between songs, especially if you’re running high gain.
Do You Need a Board and Power Supply Right Away?
Not necessarily. If you’re only running one or two pedals, a few patch cables and a daisy chain power supply might do the trick. But if you’re serious about building a real pedalboard, investing in a proper power supply (like a MXR Iso Brick) and a simple board will make your life easier and your tone more consistent in the long run.
Your first pedalboard does not have to look like this one.
Final Tip: Don’t Buy Pedals for the Sake of It
Buy pedals because they solve a problem or inspire your playing—not just because someone said you “need” them. The pedals you choose should support your playing style, not distract from it. And if you’re ever unsure, come in and try some out. We’re always happy to talk tone and help you put together something that works for your playing.
Whether you’re building your first board or rebuilding for the third time, keep it simple, build around what you love to play, and don’t underestimate how inspiring a good setup can be.
