Tremolo Guitar Pedals: A Guide to Modulating Your Tone

Tremolo is a classic effect that has been used in guitar music for decades. It modulates the volume of your guitar sound, creating a rhythmic pulsing effect that can add depth and interest to your playing. In this blog, we'll take a look at what tremolo pedals are, the settings you can adjust on them, some of the most popular tremolo pedals on the market, and some famous guitarists who have used this effect in their music.

What is a Tremolo Pedal?

A tremolo pedal is a type of effects pedal that changes the volume of your guitar sound in a rhythmic pattern. The most common type of tremolo effect is amplitude modulation, which changes the volume of the sound in a smooth, rhythmic way. This effect is sometimes referred to as•volume tremolo," to distinguish it from other types of tremolo, such as phase modulation and frequency modulation.

Settings of a Tremolo Pedal

The settings you can adjust on a tremolo pedal will vary depending on the specific model, but here are some of the most common controls you might find:

• Rate: This controls the speed of the tremolo effect. A slower rate will produce a more subtle effect, while a faster rate will create a more pronounced pulsing effect.

• Depth: This controls the amount of volume modulation applied to the sound. A lower depth will produce a more subtle effect, while a higher depth will create a more intense effect.

• Waveform: Some tremolo pedals will allow you to choose between different waveforms for the volume modulation, such as triangle, square, and sine waves. This will determine the shape of the volume modulation, and can affect the overall character of the effect.

• Shape: Some pedals will have a shape control that allows you to adjust the shape of the volume modulation, such as making it more or less abrupt.

• Mix: This controls the balance between your dry guitar sound and the tremolo effect. A lower mix will result in a more subtle effect, while a higher mix will make the tremolo effect more prominent.

Most Popular Tremolo Pedals on the Market

There are many different tremolo pedals available on the market, each with its own unique features and tone. Here are some of the most popular tremolo pedals that guitarists have used over the years:

• Strymon Flint: This high-end tremolo pedal is known for its excellent sound quality and versatility. It offers a range of different tremolo types, including classic optical and harmonic tremolos, as well as more unconventional effects like auto-panning and ducking tremolo.

• Boss TR-2: This compact pedal from Boss is a classic option for guitarists who want a simple, straightforward tremolo effect. It's affordable, easy to use, and sounds great, making it a popular choice for players of all skill levels.

• EarthQuaker Devices Hoof: This pedal is known for its rich, organic tremolo tone. It has a simple interface with only two knobs for rate and depth, but it's capable of producing a wide range of tremolo effects, from vintage-style optical tremolo to more complex shapes.

Famous Guitarists Known for their Use of Tremolo Pedals

Many guitarists have used tremolo pedals to add depth and interest to their sound over the years. Some of the most famous players known for their use of this effect include:

• Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Hendrix is widely known for his innovative and unique playing style, incorporating the use of the tremolo effect in several of his classic songs such as•Purple Haze".

• David Gilmour: The Pink Floyd guitarist is known for his signature sound, which incorporates the use of a tremolo effect for a hypnotic and mesmerizing sound in songs like•Shine On You Crazy Diamond".

• Jeff Beck: Jeff Beck is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time and is known for his innovative use of the tremolo effect in songs like•Cause We've Ended as Lovers".

• Eddie Van Halen: The legendary guitarist of Van Halen utilized the tremolo effect in his guitar solos, creating a smooth and fluid sound in songs like•Eruption".

• Nels Cline: Nels Cline, known for his work with Wilco, is known for his experimental use of the tremolo effect, incorporating it in unique and unconventional ways in his music.

These are just a few of the many famous guitarists known for their use of the tremolo effect, showcasing the versatility and musical potential of this classic guitar effect.


In conclusion, the Tremolo pedal is a classic effect that has been around for many years and continues to be a staple in the world of guitar effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, a Tremolo pedal can add a new dimension to your sound and enhance your overall performance.