A fuzz pedal gives you a gritty, gnarly sound.
Scientifically speaking, a fuzz pedal alters your sound wave until it is almost square and adds overtones.
It is a more intense than a distortion pedal.
Fuzz pedals are available for electric guitars and bass guitars.
You will find fuzz pedals for both bass and electric guitars from brands such as MXR, Electro-Harominx, Wampler, and EBS.
Fuzz was the first kind of distortion to be available in a pedal form. Fuzz pedals use transistors to add gain to your signal. You will get a gritty, distorted sound with this pedal.
There are key two types of transistors to consider when picking out a fuzz pedal.
These transistors produce a warmer, smoother fuzz. This is the type of fuzz pedal that Jimi Hendrix often used (Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face Pedal).
These produce a brighter, aggressive fuzz.
For comparison purposes, take a look at Dunlop FFM1 Silicon Fuzz Face Mini pedal compared to Dunlop FFM2 Germanium Fuzz Face Mini pedal. These are very similar pedals but have different transistors.
If you aren't sure which type of pedal to try, we would love to help you out. Feel free to reach out via the chat button!
Your fuzz pedal (as well as distortion and overdrive pedals) should be at the start of your pedal chain as these pedals have a huge impact on tone.