Electric guitar effects pedal is used to change or improve the tone of the instrument. Some of the popular effects today include delay, distortion, phaser, and chorus. Each effect pedal has a processor inside that modifies the signal of the guitar before it reaches the amplifier. The level of the signal can be adjusted with a knob found on the device. Creating one’s own effects pedal is a good way of having a unique sound. It is a simple DIY project for guitar players.

For this DIY project, you’ll need an:

  • effects pedal kit
  • schematic
  • pref board
  • latex gloves
  • wire strippers
  • soldering iron
  • screws
  • screwdriver
  • 9-bolt battery


You should design what effects pedal you want to create. Among the pedals, distortion is the simplest effect to make. The process of assembling the components and circuitry are similar to every effects pedal.

Then order the parts you need for the project. You can buy the parts individually or part of a kit. If you are a beginner, you should start with a kit, which has all the parts and schematic needed for the project.

Then purchase a pref board. It is a good way to learn how to build circuits because they allow you to test the circuit without having to solder. If there is an error in the circuit, you can simply unplug the part and place it correctly.

Read the schematic and make sure you follow them so that the effects pedal works properly. Then set up the pref board by inserting each component, processor, and wire into the holes. Then use the 9-volt battery to power the pref board and test it. you can plug the guitar into the circuit to test whether it words as it should.

Then strip the ends of the wires to make them ready for soldering. Then remove the components from the pref board and solder them together. Then gently place the circuit inside the unit chassis. Screw the top part and place the 9-volt battery. Now plug in the guitar and try it.