From the controlled chaos of Rage Against the Machine’s “Calm Like a Bomb” to the anthemic pulse of Muse’s “Uprising,” the octave effect is a seldom-used but incredibly impactful effect that can help take your music to the next level.
Guitar players and bassists alike can leverage an octave effect to create exciting new tones, while also padding out their live sound with more fullness, body, and life. Trouble cutting through the mix? Does your tone seem lifeless or thin? Need a way to differentiate your sound as you create a signature tone? Have a passage you need a 12-string for? The bottom line is that an octave pedal can help with all of that.
Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of octave effects to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can harness an octave effect to send your sound into the stratosphere. We’re also going to take a much closer look at a dozen of the best octave pedals on the market today to help you pick the perfect pedal for your needs.
What is an Octave Pedal?
An octave pedal is a pitch-shifting guitar effect. The circuitry of the pedal takes your dry signal and shifts its pitch before sending it along the rest of your signal chain. While all octave pedals are pitch shifters, not all pitch shifters are octave pedals.
Many pitch shifters, such as the Digitech Whammy Wah can shift the pitch of your dry signal in tons of different ways, whereas an octaver only shifts the pitch of the notes you’re playing in octaves.
In years past, creating the octave effect would require some serious studio trickery. Thankfully, digital signal processing has made it much easier to create the octave effect.
What Does an Octave Pedal Do?
To understand what an octave pedal does, we need to put our music theory hat on for a moment.
In our western musical system, each key is made up of 12 notes, with the first and last note being the same, separated by one octave. An octave is the distance between one musical pitch and the pitch that’s double its frequency.
We’ll use a pitch everyone is familiar with as an example, A440, which corresponds to the open A string on your guitar. The A note one octave above 440Hz is 880Hz, while the A below 440Hz is 220Hz and so on.
An octave pedal takes the note you’re playing and shifts your input signal pitch up or down. Virtually all pedals provide a single octave up or down, while many provide two octaves or more in either direction.
The pedal itself offers mix control, allowing you to blend your input signal with the effect, so you can have as much or as little as the octave effect present in your tone as you like.
Set the mix low and you’ll enjoy a subtle 12-string-like effect that adds some body and fullness to your tone, like how Prince did on his solo for When Doves Cry. Or, dime out the mix control and experiment with far-out octave heavy tones in the style of Tom Morello and Rage Against The Machine.
How To Select The Best Octave Pedal For Your Needs
Before you head out and purchase the first octave effect from our list, let’s learn a bit more about the different factors and characteristics you’ll need to consider to select the best octave pedal for the way you play.
Monophonic vs Polyphonic Octave Pedals
Originally, octave pedals were monophonic, which means they can only track one frequency at a time. So while these pedals did well with single-note lines, they’d short circuit if you tried to play a chord.
Years later, pedal engineers were able to create DSPs that were able to process multiple frequencies at once. These pedals are known as polyphonic octave pedals, and they’re able to track multiple frequencies at once, allowing you to apply the octave effects to harmonies and even entire chords.
Still, the octave pedal tends to sound best with single-note, monophonic playing. Polyphonic octave pedals add a layer of versatility since you’re able to use the effect with chords as well as single notes. At best, a polyphonic octave effect helps approximate the sound of a Hammond organ. At worst, it sounds like a muddy mess.
There’s plenty of experimenting to do with a polyphonic octave pedal, but most guitar players find that a monophonic pedal is just as suitable for their needs.
Analog vs Digital Octave Pedals
The question of whether to purchase an analog or digital octave pedal closely relates to the question of monophonic or polyphonic octaver pedals.
The nature of analog octave pedals means they can only process a single frequency at once. So, an analog octave pedal can only be monophonic. Digital signal processing allows an octaver pedal to track multiple frequencies. If you want a polyphonic octave pedal, you’ll be getting a digital pedal by proxy.
Fast Tracking
With any octaver pedal, whether it’s analog or digital, monophonic or polyphonic, the most important factor is how well the pedal can track your signal as you play. If the pedal doesn’t track especially well, the result is notes dropping out, or strange artifacts making their way to your amp.
With a digital octaver pedal, the tracking is incredibly accurate and fast, and there are virtually no issues with the pedal being able to accurately transpose your signal to the correct note. The tracking on polyphonic pedals is especially smooth and instantaneous, as these pedals must be able to track whole chords with all of their overtones and harmonics.
Monophonic octave effects, especially the analog variety, have a bit more trouble with tracking. Since they only track one frequency at a time, things like a bum note or a stray harmonic or overtone could be enough to throw the pedal’s tracking out of whack.
There are also some instances where poor tracking produces a desirable effect. Older analog octave pedals sometimes produce a fuzzy tone with a subtle, almost tremolo-like warble, and a rawness that’s impossible to replicate with digital pedals.
You can hear this effect on countless Hendrix records which feature Roger Mayer’s iconic Octavia pedal.
Multiple Voices
Most octave pedals on the market can pitch your original signal up or down at the same time, and some can even provide multiple octaves in either direction at the same time.
Sure, you can achieve awesome tones with just a single octave in either direction. But, being able to add in additional octaves allows you to cover more tonal territory while upping the versatility of the effect.
Additional Effects
Some pedals, like the Electro-Harmonix POG2, offer additional effects beyond pitch shifting. The most common extra you’ll come across is fuzz, as fuzz and octave are the stompbox equivalent of shrimp and grits. In other words, they’re perfect together.
You’ll also come across models that offer control for the attack so you can tailor the response of the pedal to your tastes, or extra effects, like a low pass filter or detuning.
The Top 12 Best Octave Pedals
Now that you have a much more complete idea of how octave effects work and how to select one of the best octave pedals for your playing, let’s take a closer look at the 12 best octave effects available today.
Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shift Pedal
Best pitch shifter
Make no mistake, the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a pitch shifter, not necessarily an octave pedal. That said, the pedal does offer octave effects; it just takes it a step further allowing you to apply the same methodology to any pitch, not just the octave. Whether you need an octave effect, or you’re looking to add a major 7th, minor 3rd, or any interval in between, the Pitch Fork has you covered.
The pedal offers an intuitive layout with only two controls: a blend control to dial in the mix between your wet and dry signals, and a rotary knob for selecting which interval you want the pedal to generate, from a minor 2nd to three octaves up or down. There’s also a mini-switch for selecting between harmony up, harmony down, or both and a button that toggles the footswitch between latch and momentary operation.
The tracking is smooth and reliable, and the octave effect is spot on, which makes the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork a fine choice for players who are looking into pitch shift pedals so they can access more than just octave effects.
Features & Specs
Digital pitch shifter
Glitch-free tracking
Two-mode footswitch
Three-octave range
Expression pedal input
Bypass type: buffered
Battery or 9V power supply (included)
Who Should Use This?
The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shifter effects pedals are ideal for guitar players who like the idea of an octave pedal but are looking for a bit more functionality. The Pitch Fork is perfectly at home as an octaver pedal, but it’ll allow you to select any other interval within the scale, too.
Boss OC-3 SUPER Octave Pedal
Best octave pedal for guitar
With the Boss OC-3 Dual SUPER Octave, the legendary pedal manufacturer puts an exciting new spin on a winning guitar effect pedal. Players no longer have to choose between the classic octave effect of the Boss OC-2 and a pedal with more modern sensibilities. With the Boss OC-3, you get both. This pedal offers the classic OC-2 mode, as well as a new polyphonic mode and a third mode that adds overdrive.
The Boss OC-3 SUPER octave pedal offers control over your overall level, the octave level, and the sub-octave range. There’s also a three-position knob for toggling between the pedal’s three effect modes. The original OC-2 mode is here in all its glory, and the drive mode is surprisingly useful, and it offers a modern take on the classic octave and fuzz combo made famous by Jimi Hendrix.
This digital octave guitar effect also offers wet and dry outputs as well as separate inputs for guitar and bass which ensure the effect sounds its best for both electric or acoustic guitar and bassists. Like all Boss stompboxes, this little tank runs off a 9V battery or power supply, features a heavy die-cast case for road-ready durability, and it’s backed by a 5-year warranty should anything go wrong with your pedal.
Features & Specs
The original polyphonic octave effect
Separate inputs for guitar or bass guitar
Direct out
Three different effect modes
Bypass type: buffered
Battery or 9V power supply
Who Should Use This?
The Boss OC-3 SUPER Octave is perfect for Boss pedal purists and any guitarist looking for an easy-to-use and ultra-reliable octave stompbox with great sound.
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Pedal
Best guitar octave pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Micro POG polyphonic octave generator put the pedal world on notice when it first hit the market in 2005, and it’s one of the most popular octave effect lines on the planet today.
Following the success of the original POG, several other iterations have made their way to pedalboards everywhere, including the Electro-Harmonix Micro POG polyphonic octave generator, which is perhaps the most popular model of all. The Micro POG effortlessly delivers the sound EHX POG’s are famous for.
The Micro POG brings the legendary sound and performance of Electro-Harmonix to you in a more compact form that occupies less pedalboard space. It offers simple controls for the dry mix, sub-octave, and octave above, so you can quickly dial in the perfect guitar effect for your playing.
EHX includes a 9V power adapter with the Micro POG, so you won’t have to worry about burning through batteries. There’s also a dry out for running your raw sound out to another amp.
The tracking on the Electro-Harmonix Micro POG is second to none, and the pedal effortlessly tracks everything you’re playing, from relaxed rhythm parts to lighting fast leads and solos. It’s also an ideal effect for achieving the Hammond organ-like tones that polyphonic octavers are known for.
Features & Specs
Polyphonic octaver pedal
Control over dry blend, octave up, and octave down
Bypass type: buffered
Battery or 9V power adapter
Who Should Use This?
The Electro-Harmonix Micro POG is an ideal pedal for guitarists who demand the legendary sound and control of the POG but don’t need all the extra bells and whistles of the POG2.
Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal
Best Boss octave guitar effects pedal
The Boss OC-5 exists at the intersection of classic and modern, and it offers an interesting take on the multi-mode operation of the Boss OC-3. Like the OC-3, the OC-5 also features Boss’ legendary OCT-2 sound, which is a classic monophonic octaver that delivers vintage vibes from Hendrix to Bootsie Collins.
Beyond the classic OCT-2, there’s also a polyphonic mode that offers precise tracking and allows you to dial in the perfect blend between your dry signal, octave above, one octave below, and sub-octave. There’s also a range knob that restricts the notes that receive the octave effect, which makes for a unique and musical tone that you’ll have no trouble finding a home for in your music.
The OC-5 also offers an instrument input switch, which tailors operation to either guitar or bass, and a direct out for running your dry tone to a mixing board or secondary amplifier.
Features & Specs
Digital polyphonic octaver
Two effect modes – classic mono, or polyphonic
Instrument switch tailors the effect to bass or guitar signal
Range control for poly mode
Direct output
Bypass type: buffered
Battery or 9V power supply
Who Should Use This?
The Boss OC-5 pedal is the perfect choice for guitarists who want the modern capabilities of a polyphonic octave pedal without losing the classic sound of the original monophonic pedals.
TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver Dual Octave Pedal
Most innovative octave pedal
The TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up octaver pedal is an ideal pedal for guitarists who demand top-of-the-line tone but aren’t trying to shell out hundreds of dollars on trendy new boutique effects. The Sub ‘N’ Up from TC Electronic delivers the studio-quality tone you’re after while also providing some extra bells and whistles that are absent from pedals costing as much as double the price of this model.
The pedal offers control over your wet/dry mix and each octave the pedal can generate; an octave below, sub-octave, and an octave above. There’s also a mini-switch that allows you to toggle between monophonic and polyphonic modes, as well as TonePrint. Like all TC Electronic stomps, the Sub ‘N’ Up is true bypass, so there’s nothing getting in the way of your sound when the pedal isn’t on.
TonePrint is TC Electronic’s revolutionary app that allows you to choose from a library of incredible octave effects and beam them from your smartphone right to your pedal. With TonePrint, you’ll also find preset tones that include additional effects beyond the octave effects available on the pedal.
Features & Specs
Digital polyphonic octaver
Three-octave range
Polyphonic and monophonic modes
Compatible with TC Electronic TonePrint app
Bypass type: true bypass
Battery or 9V power adapter
Who Should Use This?
The TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up Octaver is the one for value-driven guitarists who love the idea of accessing hundreds of excellent preset tones with the help of their smartphones.
DigiTech Whammy 5 Pitch Shift Pedal
Best pitch shifter with expression pedal
Fans of Pantera or Rage Against the Machine already know, there’s no substitute for the DigiTech Whammy pedal. This unique effect adds a built-in expression pedal to a pitch shifter, and it’s one of the most unique guitar effects pedals on the market. It works well as an octaver pedal, but it’s capable of tons more.
The pedal offers almost twenty different effect modes, including four different octave effects with precise expression pedal control over how the pedal behaves. A toggle switch allows you to choose between poly or mono operation, and there are also detune and divebomb effects to help push your sound into new sonic territory.
The Whammy also has a MIDI input which allows you to use any MIDI-enabled device to send and receive pitch-bend information so you can control your pedal from a secondary source. The Whammy also features true bypass switching so your natural guitar tone is uninhibited by the pedal’s circuitry when it’s not in use.
Features & Specs
Digital pitch shifter pedal
Built-in expression pedal
Monophonic and polyphonic modes
Detune effect
MIDI compatible
Bypass type: true bypass
Includes power adapter
Who Should Use This?
The DigiTech Whammy 5 is the ideal pedal for Pantera or RATM fans who need an octave pedal but also want to channel Tom Morello or Dimebag Darrell whenever the mood strikes them.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Pog Polyphonic Octave Generator Pedal
Best octave guitar effect pedal for small pedalboards
The Electro-Harmonix Nano POG delivers all the tone control and high-quality sound that put the original POG on the map in its smallest enclosure ever. This tiny stompbox boasts the same pedal features as it’s big brother, all you’re losing is extra space.
These pedals are famous for their no-frills layout which offers complete control over your input signal. There’s a dry mix control along with controls for one octave up and one octave down, so you can tinker with the mix to find the exact high-quality octave tone you’re hunting for.
The Nano POG is ideal for guitar or bass guitar, and it also offers a direct out for your dry guitar signal, which you can run to the front of house or to a secondary amplifier. Since each octave offers independent control, you can easily zero out the sub octave for high-quality upper octave tones, or do the opposite to mirror the sound of bass guitars with your 6-string.
Features & Specs
Polyphonic octave pedal
Same POG sound with a nano footprint
Controls for dry mix, octave below, and octave above
Direct out
Bypass type: buffered
Battery or 9V power supply (included)
Who Should Use This?
The Electro-Harmonix Nano POG is the perfect guitar effects pedal for guitarists who want the legendary sound and dependability of a POG but can’t afford to dedicate the space that EHX’s larger octave pedals like the Micro POG require. This little wonder provides the same great effect in the smallest housing possible.
EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 Analog Octave Up Pedal
Best octave up pedal
Most guitarists will look at the EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle and think of how restrictive it must be to have so little control over an effects pedal. Skepticism is understandable, in this case. You’re telling me that this pedal is going to slay the vintage octave tones of the 70s without a single knob to dictate how the effect works?
With the Tentacle V2, the proof is in the pudding. This unbelievably simply stompbox is ideal for achieving the classic analog octave-up sound made famous by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix.
The creation of the Tentacle V2 was almost by accident. Guitarists who had fallen for Earthquaker’s amazing Hoof Reaper fuzz pedals were loving the one octave up functionality that pedal provides, so the folks at Earthquaker hit the drawing board to produce a standalone version of that popular octave effect.
These pedals are ultra-responsive, especially when you switch to the neck pickup, and it gets especially interactive above the 12th fret. Use the Tentacle on its own, pair it with fuzz, or run it alongside a second octave pedal for truly incredible tones you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Bass guitars aren’t left out of the fun, as the Tentacle offers a gorgeous singing quality that any bassist will love playing around with.
It also features Flexi-Switch technology, which provides either latch or momentary functionality depending on how you engage the pedal. The Earthquaker Devices Tentacle V2 is also a true bypass pedal, so your natural tone can travel through the pedal without issue when the effect isn’t on.
Features & Specs
Analog monophonic octave effect
Foolproof design
2-mode footswitch
Bypass type: true bypass
9V power supply (not included)
Who Should Use This?
The Tentacle V2 is perfect for guitar players looking for a simple octave up effect that captures the undeniable tone of the late 60s and 70s. Jimi Hendrix fans and tone purists are going to fall in love with the Earthquaker Devices Tentacle V2.
Mooer Pure Octave Guitar Effects Pedal
Most pedal modes
A simple and effective octave generator that maintains an exceptionally small footprint, the Mooer Pure Octave is a comprehensive and versatile polyphonic octaver pedal that delivers precise control over all the key parameters that make up its tone, and tons of different octave modes so you can pick and choose which octaves you want present in your tone.
The pedal offers control over the effect mix, sub-octave, and upper octave, as well as an 11-position mode knob that lets you select which octaves are present in your sound. There’s a variety of octave up and octave down tones, but there are a few that are suspiciously absent, like a single octave up mode.
Mooer builds this diminutive pedal into a nano housing, so it’s ideal for guitar players who don’t have much space to spare on their already tight pedalboards. Unfortunately, one of the ways Mooer manages to save space is by eliminating the battery compartment, so you can only power this pedal with a power supply, which isn’t included.
Features & Specs
Polyphonic octave pedal
Control for dry mix, octave below, and octave above
11 different octave modes
Nano pedal housing
Bypass type: true bypass
9V power supply (not included)
Who Should Use This?
The Mooer Pure Octave is a good choice for players who like the idea of a three octave range, but want the ability to choose which octaves are included.
TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Mini Octave Pedal
Best octave pedal value
TC Electronic’s Sub ‘N’ Up is one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich octavers on the market. While the Sub ‘N’ Up isn’t that large, guitar players are always looking for the smallest and most streamlined pedal options so they can fit more effects onto their pedalboards. With that in mind, TC Electronic is back at it with the Sub ‘N’ Up Mini.
The TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up Mini provides most of the same functionality as the full-size pedal while achieving a much smaller footprint. This tiny pedal removes the control for the second octave below, allowing guitarists to blend their dry signal with one or two octaves (an octave above and an octave below.) There’s also no longer a mode option, and this pedal provides polyphonic operation at all times.
Guitar players can still access tones with the second low octave via the TonePrint app, which is as easy to use and intuitive as ever. Like its full-size brother, the Sub ‘N’ Up Mini is still true bypass, with a USB input for making firmware updates or uploading settings to the TonePrint app.
Features & Specs
Digital polyphonic octaver
Controls for dry mix, octave below, and octave above
Nano pedal housing
TonePrint app compatible
Bypass type: true bypass
Battery or 9V power supply
Who Should Use This?
The TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up Mini is ideal for guitar players who are looking for the most affordable octave pedal that delivers professional-quality sound.
Electro-Harmonix Octavix Fuzz Octave Up Pedal
Best octave and fuzz pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Octavix is a modern take on the classic Octavia pedal, and it delivers all the vintage vibes of its muse while offering more precise tracking and a tighter and more musical fuzz effect. Hendrix fans and anyone who is looking to channel some iconic 70s sounds are going to quickly fall in love with the Electro-Harmonix Octavix pedal.
The pedal offers control over the effect level, boost, and octave effect, and it provides an impressive range of tones. Roll back the octave control to use the pedal as a fuzz, and vice versa. Of course, this pedal is at its best when you pump up both the boost and octave controls. Whether you’re looking to nail Jimi’s signature tones or explore completely new tonal territory, the Octavix can serve it up for you.
One of the most notable features of the Octavix is its dual-voltage switch, which changes the pedal from 9V to 24V operation. Depending on how much power you provide, you can achieve a broad range of tones.
In 9V mode, the Octavix delivers chaotic, vintage-style fuzz. In 24V mode, the fuzz tightens up considerably, becoming more musical in the process while the octave effect becomes fatter and more aggressive. Whichever mode you choose, the Electro-Harmonix Octavix is an awesome addition to any pedalboard.
Features & Specs
Digital fuzz and octave pedal
Controls for effect level, octave, and fuzz
Perfect for channeling the sounds of Jimi Hendrix
Bypass type: true bypass
9V or 24V operation
Includes power supply
Who Should Use This?
The Electro-Harmonix Octavix is perhaps your best shot at channeling the legendary tones of Jimi Hendrix and the original Octavia stompbox.
Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator Pedal
Best octave pedal overall
The octave pedal to end all octave pedals, the Electro-Harmonix POG 2 is the most feature-rich and customizable octave effect on our list. Since its unveiling about a decade ago, there hasn’t been a single pedal on the market that can hold a candle to the capabilities of the POG 2.
This smartly designed pedal provides a visual interface similar to a mixing console, with sliders to control the voice mix and the additional effects that are available. You’ll find sliders for your dry signal, two octaves above your dry signal, and two octaves below it. There are also level sliders for the low pass filter, and detune effects. The effect section also has an on/off toggle, and there’s a selectable Q for the low pass filter.
One of our favorite features is the attack slider, which lets you tailor how quickly the additional octaves fade into your sound. It seems small, but it has a major effect on how the pedal behaves, and it’s a feature usually found on expensive studio plug-ins, not stompboxes.
You can save up to eight presets to the pedal, and the presets are accessible via a secondary footswitch, so you can easily select presets or save new ones with no hands, which is a huge benefit for live performance. Bright LED lights indicate which preset you’re on, and you can change presets with a single tap.
Features & Specs
Digital polyphonic octave generator
Slider controls for voice mix and effects
Four octave range
Save up to eight presets
LED lights indicate preset mode
Separate footswitch for hands-free preset selection
Attack, low pass filter and detune effects
Bypass type: buffered
9V power supply (included)
Who Should Use This?
The Electro-Harmonix POG 2 is the granddaddy of all octave effects, and it’s the ideal choice for players who demand the utmost in versatility and control.
How to Use an Octave Pedal
The best octave pedals are surprisingly versatile effects that deliver a wide range of tones depending on how you use the pedal. Of course, the best way to use any pedal is to experiment with it until you’ve found a unique tone that’s perfect for what you play. Still, there are some easy ways to dial in an awesome tone with an octave pedal right out of the box.
- Add a touch of the upper octave to your playing to produce an angelic shimmer effect that adds life and interest to your clean tone.
- Add a bit of both the upper and lower octave to fatten up single-note lead lines.
- Apply a light dose of the lower octave to single note riffs to make them appear fatter and more present.
- Balance your dry and wet signals and add upper and sub octaves to achieve a Tom Morello-esque tone in the vein of Rage Against the Machine or Audioslave.
- Remove the dry signal from the mix and add both upper and lower octaves to achieve a tone reminiscent of a Hammond organ.
- Remove your dry signal and dial in a heavy dose of the lower octave to achieve tones reminiscent of the bass guitar, like on The White Stripe’s anthem “Seven Nation Army.”
These are just a few ideas of how to use an octave pedal to get you off on the right foot. Play around as much as possible and you’ll no doubt bump into a handful of other amazing ways to use the octave pedal in your playing.
Where to Place Octave Pedals in the Signal Chain
How you arrange your pedals can have a significant impact on your sound and the way your different pedals interact with each other. While there aren’t any hard and fast rules to set up your signal chain, you can certainly optimize your setup to ensure your guitar sounds its best by following a few simple tips.
The first pedals that most guitar players place in their signal chain are dynamic effects and filters. This includes effects like compressors, a graphic EQ, or a wah pedal. Pitch shifting effects typically come next, so that’s where you’ll want to place an octave pedal or pitch shifter.
Rounding out the signal chain are your gain effects, like overdrive or distortion, modulation effects such as chorus or flanger, and finally, any time-based effects like reverb or delay. A volume pedal can be placed virtually anywhere without negatively affecting your sound, and it will behave slightly differently depending on where it’s placed in the chain.
Are Octave Pedals for Guitar Worth It?
Octave pedals can be an incredibly worthwhile effect that can add a unique flavor to your music, help you add more depth and body to your tone, or help you nail the signature sounds of some of the biggest guitarists in rock.
But, deciding if an octave pedal is a worthwhile addition is another story. An octave effect is a specialty pedal, and even guitar players who regularly use an octave pedal will tell you that it doesn’t get nearly as much mileage as other effects like distortion, chorus, or delay.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add an octave pedal. The bottom line is if you have room on your pedalboard and room in your budget, adding an octave pedal is an awesome way to increase the sonic range of your instrument while tapping into some truly unique tones that can take your playing to the next level.
