Pitch Shifter Guitar Pedals: A Comprehensive Guide

Guitar players are always looking for new ways to expand their sound, and one effect that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the Pitch Shifter pedal. This pedal is a versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of effects, from subtle harmonies to complete pitch shifting. In this article, we'll explore the Pitch Shifter pedal and take a look at its settings, the most popular pedals on the market, and famous guitarists who have used the effect to create their unique sound.

What is a Pitch Shifter pedal?

The Pitch Shifter pedal is an effects unit that changes the pitch of the incoming guitar signal. This can be done in real-time, allowing the player to change the pitch of the notes they play. The pedal can also store multiple pitches and switch between them, creating complex harmonies or even entire chord progressions.

Settings of a Pitch Shifter pedal

The settings on a Pitch Shifter pedal can vary depending on the manufacturer and the model, but there are a few common controls that you'll find on most pedals.

• Shift: This control sets the amount of pitch shift applied to the signal. It can be set in semitones, allowing for precise control over the pitch change.
• Mix: This control sets the balance between the original signal and the shifted signal. With the mix set to 100%, the output will be entirely the shifted signal, while with the mix set to 0%, the output will be the original signal with no pitch change.
• Direction: Some pedals allow the player to choose whether the pitch should be shifted up or down.
• Intervals: Many pedals offer a variety of interval options, allowing the player to choose the specific interval (e.g. an octave up, a fifth up, etc.) that they want the pitch to be shifted to.

Most Popular Pitch Shifter Pedals on the Market

1. Boss PS-6 Harmonist: This pedal is a multi-voice pitch shifter that can create two- and three-voice harmonies in real-time. It also has a detune effect for creating thicker sounds.

2. TC Electronic Ditto X4 Looper: This pedal is not just a pitch shifter, but also a looper, making it a great option for players who want to create layered loops in real-time.

3. Digitech Whammy 5: This classic pedal has been used by guitarists for decades to create a range of effects, from subtle harmonies to wild pitch shifting.

Famous Guitarists Known for Their Use of Pitch Shifter Pedals

1. Eddie Van Halen: Eddie Van Halen was one of the first guitarists to use the Pitch Shifter pedal, and he used it extensively on many of his early recordings.

2. Jonny Greenwood: Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood is another guitarist who has used the Pitch Shifter pedal to create unique and unusual sounds. He has used it extensively on many of the band's recordings, often using it to create thick, harmonized guitar parts.

3. Tom Morello: Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello is known for his creative use of effects, and the Pitch Shifter pedal is one of his go-to tools for creating unusual and powerful sounds.
   

In conclusion, the Pitch Shifter pedal is a versatile and powerful tool for guitar players looking to expand their sound. Whether you're looking to create harmonies, shift pitches, or create entirely new sounds, there's a Pitch Shifter pedal out there that will suit your needs.