Chorus Pedals
Chorus pedals thicken your tone by adding slightly detuned copies of your signal, creating everything from subtle shimmer to wide, 80s-style wash. They work brilliantly on clean arpeggios, strummed chords and even overdrive tones. At Guitar FX Direct you can explore classic analogue designs like the ThorpyFX Deep Oggin, versatile modern options such as the EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3 and more characterful textures from pedals like the SolidGoldFX NU-33 Vinyl Engine and Mojo Hand FX Dream Mender.
Showing 1–12 of 19 results
Showing 1–12 of 19 results
Chorus Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a chorus pedal do to my sound?
A chorus pedal splits your signal, delays and detunes one or more copies very slightly and then mixes them back with your dry tone. This creates the impression of several instruments playing together, adding width and movement. At subtle settings it just adds shimmer and depth; at more extreme settings it can sound almost like a 12-string or a classic 80s studio rack.
Should I choose analogue or digital chorus?
Analogue chorus pedals often use bucket-brigade chips for a warm, slightly dark character that flatters clean tones and light drive. The ThorpyFX Deep Oggin is a good example. Digital chorus designs like the EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3 tend to offer more control, extended ranges and sometimes extra modulation tricks. Both can sound great – it really comes down to whether you prefer vintage warmth or a more hi-fi, flexible approach.
Where should a chorus pedal go in my signal chain?
A typical starting point is to place chorus after drives and before delay and reverb. This keeps your modulation clear and lets the repeats and reverb carry the chorused tone. Some players like chorus in the amp’s effects loop for a more “studio rack” sound, while others experiment with it before dirt for a softer, wobblier character. There is no single correct position – try a few and see what feels most musical.
Is chorus only for clean tones?
Chorus is famous for clean arpeggios and jangly chords, but it can be very effective with overdrive or distortion as well. A gentle chorus into a driven amp can add width and sustain to lead lines, and darker, tape-like chorus textures from pedals such as the SolidGoldFX NU-33 Vinyl Engine can make doom, shoegaze and post-rock tones feel huge without getting too messy.
What are some good chorus pedals to start with?
If you want a classic yet flexible analogue chorus, the ThorpyFX Deep Oggin covers CE-1 and Leslie-style sounds. For a wide range of modern textures, the Sea Machine V3 goes from mild movement to seasick warble. For lo-fi, vinyl-like wobble, the NU-33 Vinyl Engine is a strong option, while the Dream Mender adds delay and vibrato for more ambient sounds.
