Distortion

Distortion is a guitar effect that heavily clips the signal to create aggressive sustain, harmonic richness, and increased gain. By pushing the signal beyond clean or mildly saturated tones, distortion produces a bold, compressed sound with strong upper harmonics and a consistent level. Unlike overdrive, which retains more dynamic response, distortion is designed to deliver a more saturated and controlled tone.

Most distortion pedals include controls for gain, tone, and output level, allowing players to shape everything from tight, crunchy rhythms to thick, singing lead tones. Some models offer additional EQ options to emphasize or cut specific frequencies, helping distortion sit better in a mix. Distortion effects are commonly placed before or after other gain stages depending on how much saturation and compression a player wants.

Distortion is central to genres such as hard rock, metal, punk, and alternative music, where power and sustain are essential. It excels at delivering punchy rhythm tones, articulate palm-muted riffs, and long, sustained leads. For guitarists seeking high-gain clarity and a powerful, driving sound, distortion remains a core effect that defines modern electric guitar tone.