Distortion is a core guitar effect that shapes tone in unique ways. The golden fleece here is the Boss DS-1, heard on records by Nirvana, Steve Vai. Boutique builders offer their own spins, while budget brands like Joyo, Harley Benton or Behringer provide affordable clones. Whether you’re chasing classic tones or experimenting with new textures, distortion pedals remain essential. Browse distortion pedals →