The Graphic Equalizer: The Ultimate, Must-Have Effects Pedal

To all the guitarists and bassists out there: do you own a graphic equalizer? Compared to effects pedals like distortion or modulation, which dramatically change your tone, a graphic equalizer often comes across as more subtle. I completely understand the feeling of wanting something with all the bells and whistles with your money (I’ve been there myself). You might also be thinking, "Isn’t the EQ on my amp enough?" (Again, I’ve thought that too). But I want to emphasize something loud and clear: a graphic equalizer is the ultimate effects pedal. So, why am I so passionate about graphic equalizers? Let me explain why they’re indispensable for every musician.

The Benefits of Graphic Equalizers: #1
Build a Solid Base Sound

Whether it’s for guitar or bass, having a solid foundational sound is crucial. You can connect to an amp, adjust the volume and gain, and tweak the 3-band EQ to your liking to get a good sound. But sometimes, even after all that, there’s still something missing.

This is where a graphic equalizer comes in handy. If you want more thickness in your sound, you can gently boost around 1kHz. If you're looking for better clarity, you can reduce the sound to around 200Hz. The graphic equalizer allows for such fine-tuned adjustments.

A great performance comes from a strong foundational sound. This is where the graphic equalizer proves its worth.

The Benefits of Graphic Equalizers: #2
Creating Your Distinct Band Sound

Have you ever experienced a situation where the sound you’ve developed while practicing alone sounds great then suddenly feels buried when you join a band? One of the reasons for this could be that your guitar starts competing with the bass and drums. In such cases, lowering your level to around 100Hz can help your guitar sound cut through the mix more clearly.

Alternatively, if you were told that the guitar is getting in the way of the vocals, cutting around 2kHz might help solve the issue. A graphic equalizer is not only useful for crafting your guitar sound, but it’s also a great tool for shaping the overall sound of the band.

The Benefits of Graphic Equalizers: #3
Convenient as a Booster for Solos

As I mentioned earlier, the sound from your solo may sound great on its own but it may not always fit well in a full band setting. This means that if you use a graphic equalizer to craft a tone that makes your guitar stand out, it will help your solo cut through the mix.

Many guitarists step on a distortion pedal for solos, but a graphic equalizer can also help bring out the best sound out of your distortion pedals. Although they’re often considered to be a subtle effect, a graphic equalizer can be an essential tool for those who want to stand out. It’s a handy item for anyone who wants their guitar to shine, especially during solos.

The Benefits of Graphic Equalizers: #4
Helps Prevent Feedback

If you’ve ever experienced the issue of your guitar mysteriously howling during a practice session in the studio, a graphic equalizer may come in handy. Often, feedback is caused by a specific frequency range that’s triggering the issue. By slightly lowering that range, you can focus on practicing without the hassle of unwanted feedback. Since you’re paying for the space and the session, it’s a waste to be worried about feedback during practice. It’s definitely worth incorporating a graphic equalizer into your setup.

As I mentioned thus far, there are many advantages to using a graphic equalizer, especially for guitarists and bassists. One of the key benefits of continued use is that it helps you understand the relationship between frequencies and tone. Once you start to intuitively grasp where your sweet spots are, you’ll be able to deepen your sound creation. This understanding becomes a significant tool for any guitarist or bassist. This is probably one of the most compelling aspects of the graphic equalizer.

The Frustrating Side of Graphic Equalizers

So far, we’ve focused only on the good sides of graphic EQs, but of course, not everything is perfect. Naturally, there are some frustrating aspects as well. When it comes to getting started with a graphic EQ, the most common struggle is without a doubt how it’s so hard to use!

Unlike distortion or modulation effects, the effect of a graphic EQ can be hard to perceive. On top of that, it has lots of sliders, and it takes time to understand “what to adjust and how to get the sound you want.” There are even cases of people saying, “I bought one, but then I couldn’t figure out how to use it…”

A helpful tip for mastering graphic EQ is to start by moving the sliders drastically up and down. That way, you’ll start to notice changes in your sound, even if it’s only small changes. Over time, you’ll have built enough experience to be able to make changes based on your intuition.

Another important point is to accept that it’s perfectly normal not to use it well at first. Don’t give up by thinking, “I just can’t handle this thing.” Instead, keep at it and just keep using it. Before you know it, it will become an essential part of your setup. If reading this article has piqued your interest in graphic EQs, why not consider adding one to your rig? A whole new world might open up for you.

Recommended Graphic Equalizer

BOSS / GE-7

This is a classic and user-friendly graphic equalizer designed for guitarists. It offers control over seven frequency bands: 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, and 6.4kHz. Each band can be adjusted within a ±15dB range, allowing for detailed and assertive tone shaping. The boost and cut response is strong, making it ideal for creating distinctive sounds.

Bassists should check out the sister model, the GBE-7. It covers a bass-friendly frequency range from 50Hz to 10kHz, letting you sculpt the tone exactly where it matters for low-end instruments.

One thing to keep in mind with both the GE-7 and GBE-7 is that they use buffered bypass. For players who frequently switch the pedal on and off, there may be a noticeable change in tone when the effect is bypassed.

MXR / M108S 10 Band Graphic EQ

This graphic equalizer is highly recommended for those who play both guitar and bass. One of its standout features is the wide frequency range it covers, from 31.25Hz to 16kHz, making it suitable for dialing in critical tonal areas for both instruments. With 10 bands and a ±12dB adjustment range, it allows for fine, precise tonal control.

It uses true bypass switching, which is ideal for players who are concerned about tonal coloration when the pedal is off. The sliders are equipped with built-in LEDs, ensuring visibility even in dark environments like live stages. The housing has a premium and solid feel, making this pedal one that you’ll be proud to have on your board.

However, keep in mind that it requires an 18V power supply. While an AC adapter is included, if your pedalboard power supply doesn't support 18V output, cable management may become a bit messy. Also, its width of 124mm means you'll need to allocate a fair amount of space on your pedalboard.

BOSS / EQ-200 GRAPHIC EQUALIZER

This graphic equalizer features built-in memory, allowing you to save your settings for quick recall. It’s perfect for players who want to switch between different tones—such as rhythm and solo sounds—on the fly. With simple preset recall functionality, it’s especially convenient for live performances where frequent tonal changes are needed. A built-in display provides a graphical view of the EQ curve, offering excellent visibility and intuitive operation.

The pedal offers three selectable center frequency ranges—30 to 12.8kHz, 32 to 16kHz, and 28 to 14kHz—making it compatible with both guitar and bass. It features 10 bands for detailed tone shaping and allows for highly precise adjustments.

One thing to note is its relatively high current draw of 170mA. If you plan to power it via a pedalboard power supply, be sure to check that your power source can handle this level of current consumption.

Effects Bakery / Choco Cornet EQ

This is a great option for those who want to try out a graphic equalizer without spending too much money. It’s priced affordably compared to many other EQ pedals, making it an attractive entry level option for beginners. Despite the lower price, it offers enough functionality to effectively shape your guitar’s tone. It comes equipped with both master and volume controls, which help maintain a consistent output level when switching the pedal on and off, and it’s a useful feature in any setup.

With 5 bands, it may feel a bit limited for those looking for highly precise adjustments. However, the simpler control layout makes it easy to use, which is a major plus for players who aren’t yet confident with detailed pedal tweaking. I especially recommend it for beginners or those who want a straightforward introduction to graphic EQs.

The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.