Preamp pedals are designed to shape and boost a guitar’s core tone, often acting as the front end of an amplifier or as a complete amp-style sound on a pedalboard. They can add clean gain, warmth, EQ control, or amp-like drive, and are commonly used to improve signal strength, push an amp harder, or run directly into a power amp or recording interface. Understanding output level, EQ controls and how they interact with other pedals helps players use preamp pedals effectively in both live and studio setups.