[Beginner-Friendly] Part 1 - Pedalboard Gems: A Slightly Nerdy Effects Pedal Guide: Overdrive Pedals

Everyone’s idea of a "good sound" differs from person to person, depending on individual preferences and the tonal goals they’re aiming for.
Because of this, it’s impossible to definitively say, “This is what a good sound is.” However, in this article, I would like to go into more detail about this, particularly about the role of effects pedals, key points in tone creation, and the intentions behind different sounds—this is especially for those who are beginners when it comes to using effects pedals.

[For Beginners] Jewels at Your Feet: A Slightly Nerdy Guide to Effects Pedals
Part 1: Overdrive
Part 2: Distortion
Part 3: Wahwah Pedal
Part 4: Phaser
Part 5: Patch Cables
Part 6: Power Adapters

Let’s start with one of the classic dilemmas that guitarists always struggle with: distortion-type effects pedals.
Distortion pedals can be broadly categorized into three types: overdrive, distortion, and fuzz.
This time, we’ll focus on the overdrive pedal, which comes in the greatest variety.

■ What Is Overdrive? What’s Its Role?

An overdrive pedal is an effect that transforms your guitar’s sound into the distorted tone that’s typical of rock music. “Turning up the amp volume makes the sound distort, but at home or in a studio, it gets way too loud…” In situations like this, using an overdrive pedal allows you to enjoy that crunchy, distorted sound at lower volumes. You might hear this kind of explanation in many places, but actually, it’s not the whole story. A more effective way to understand overdrive is to think of it as adding an extra push of distortion to an amp that’s already a little bit overdriven. With this approach, you’ll have much more success crafting your ideal tone.

■ The Amp Pairing Matters Too...!

When using an overdrive pedal, one of the most important things is the balance with the amp you’re pairing it with.
If you carelessly raise the GAIN (amount of distortion) too much, you might run into problems like uncontrollable feedback, or your sound getting buried in a band mix (poor projection or “cut-through”).
Since the sound changes significantly depending on the type of amp (tube or solid-state) and the volume of the amp itself, you’ll need to fine-tune your overdrive settings each time.
Getting closer to your ideal tone means understanding your amp’s characteristics and adjusting the overdrive’s GAIN accordingly.

■ A Common Beginner Pitfall: “Not Enough Distortion”

It’s not uncommon for someone who’s just bought their first overdrive pedal to think, “This doesn’t distort as much as I expected…” Even if they bought the same pedal as their favorite artist who was featured in a magazine, they often say, “The sound is totally different from what I hear on the recording.”
This happens because professional artists create their ideal distortion sound by combining the pedal with specific amp settings. On top of that, the environment is different when practicing at home versus playing in a live venue, so even the best choice of pedal can change depending on the context.
When choosing an overdrive pedal, it’s recommended to clearly define the following three points in advance:

• What level of distortion you’re aiming for
• What type of amp you’ll be pairing it with
• What volume level you’ll be playing at

■ Let’s Try Out Some Pedals!

That said, it’s completely natural to think,
“I just want to get an overdrive pedal already!” or “I want to experience distortion for myself!”—even without overthinking it.
In my personal opinion, the best approach is to simply go with your gut and pick a pedal that catches your interest!
Whether it’s the design, the price, or the fact that your favorite artist uses it; any reason is a good reason.
By taking the time to really play around with it and making sounds, you’ll start to discover the kind of tone you like and how to set things up to get that tone.
Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on having fun crafting your own sound.
To help you take the first step in your exciting guitar journey, here are a few overdrive pedals I especially recommend for beginners!

BOSS / SD-1

Let’s start with the SD-1, a legendary overdrive pedal that's widely recognized and beloved by guitarists. It’s practically an icon in the world of compact effects pedals. With just three knobs: LEVEL, TONE, and DRIVE, its layout is simple and easy to use, making it a great choice for first-time users. The LEVEL knob adjusts the output volume, DRIVE controls the amount of distortion, and TONE lets you tweak the brightness of your sound. This pedal is perfect for learning the basic feel and operation of distortion-type effects.
Sonically, the SD-1 is known for its mild and warm overdrive. It’s highly responsive to your picking dynamics. Play it softly and you'll get a cleaner tone; lay it on and you’ll get the most satisfying, crunchy distortion. You can also use it as a clean booster, or stack it in front of an already overdriven amp to achieve a more aggressive sound that gives you plenty of tonal flexibility. Why not kick off your journey into the world of effects pedals with this time-tested classic that has helped shape countless legendary tracks?

Check out how it really sounds here!

Ibanez / TS9　Tubescreamer

The Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer stands alongside the BOSS SD-1 as one of the most iconic overdrive pedals in history. It’s a legendary unit that has been loved by guitarists around the world and, like the SD-1, has been used in countless recordings and live performances. The sound of the Tubescreamer is so distinctive that it has given rise to its own term “TS-style” representing an entire category of tone.
The TS9 features the same simple three-knob layout as the SD-1: DRIVE, TONE, and LEVEL, so beginners won’t feel overwhelmed by the controls. What really sets the TS9 apart is its unique midrange boost that’s often referred to as a “mid boost”. This lift in the mid frequencies allows your sound to cut through the mix clearly, creating a fat, present tone that holds its own within a full band setting. Compared to the SD-1, the TS9 emphasizes the midrange even more, making it a great choice for players who want that extra push in the middle of the spectrum.
Of course, the TS9 works great as a standalone overdrive pedal, but it’s also a classic choice to place in front of an already overdriven amp and use as a booster. Just switching the TS9 on will make your lead guitar tones stand out, with enhanced presence and sustain. It’s a simple way to push your solos forward in the mix and give them a fuller, more expressive character.
With a unique voice that has a distinct character from the SD-1, the TS9 has long been a favorite of many legendary players. If you’re looking to explore what distortion and overdrive are really all about, starting with this pedal could be a great first step.

Check out how it actually sounds here!

PLAYTECH / Leo Drive

The last pedal I want to introduce is the Leo Drive overdrive sold under the PLAYTECH brand produced by Sound House! Its biggest appeal is its outstanding price. If you’re thinking, “I want to try a cheaper overdrive pedal first ,” but you’re also worried that really cheap pedals might sound unreliable, this is one pedal you can confidently choose.
Looking at the controls, unlike the previous two models, the Leo Drive features four knobs: LEVEL, DRIVE, TREBLE, and BASS. You can think of it as splitting the TONE knob from the other two pedals into separate TREBLE and BASS controls. This lets you fine-tune the highs and lows more precisely. It’s quite rare to find an overdrive pedal with a 2-band EQ function at this price point, making it a very attractive and affordable option.
In terms of sound, the Leo Drive is characterized by a smooth, subtle distortion that isn’t harsh or overwhelming. It delivers a clear, well-defined drive tone that feels familiar and comforting to the ear. Additionally, it excels at responding to your picking dynamics, producing a flexible distortion that adapts to your playing style. This pedal pairs especially well with Japanese rock and pop music. It’s a well-rounded, reliable overdrive that’s sure to perform well in a variety of situations. For beginners who aren’t sure what to buy, this is definitely a pedal I recommend starting with!

Check out how it sounds here!