Best Electric Guitar Pitch & Octave Effects of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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Electric guitar pitch and octave effects are essential tools for any guitarist looking to add depth and character to their sound. These effects allow players to shift the pitch of their guitar up or down by varying degrees, creating unique harmonies and melodies. Octave effects, on the other hand, can double or halve the frequency of the guitar signal, producing a fuller or thinner sound. Common pitch and octave effects include pitch shifters, harmonizers, and octave pedals. These effects can be used in a wide range of genres, from rock and metal to funk and jazz.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Donner Harmonic Square Digital Octave Guitar Pedal Cover #TOP 1
Donner Harmonic Square Digital Octave Guitar Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter Pedal Cover #TOP 2
BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal Cover #TOP 3
Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Electric Guitar Pitch & Octave Effects

#TOP 1

Donner Harmonic Square Digital Octave Guitar Pedal

EC966
Red Octave
Donner Harmonic Square Digital Octave Guitar Pedal Cover
Donner Octave Guitar Pedal, Harmonic Square Digital Octave Mini Pedal Pitch Shifter 7 Shift Types 3 Tone Modes Sharp Detune Flat True Bypass

The Donner Harmonic Square Digital Octave Guitar Pedal is a durable and versatile pedal that offers 21 options of semitonal, octave and detune sounds with 7 shift types and 3 tone modes. Its two knobs allow for adjusting the harmonic and dry signal levels with LED indicators showing the working state. The pedal's true bypass digital circuit design provides transparent tone for a natural sound. It is made of whole aluminium-alloy for stability and strength and requires a DC 9V Adapter power supply.

What We Like
Great value for price
Wide range of effects
Compact and sturdy build
Easy-to-use controls
Versatile pedal combinations
What We Don't Like
Minor power supply inconvenience
Occasional quality control issues
#TOP 2

BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter Pedal

XS-1
Black/Blue
BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter Pedal Cover
BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter | Compact Pitch Shifting Pedal | Class-Leading Quality | Change Guitar/Bass Pitch Across 7 Semitones or 3 Octaves | Natural Feel & Response | Connect External Footswitches

The BOSS XS-1 Pitch Pedal lets you easily change the pitch of your guitar, bass, or other instruments with high-quality sound thanks to advanced BOSS algorithms. You can shift your pitch up or down by seven semitones or even three full octaves, giving you a wide range of creative options. The pedal keeps your instrument's natural tone, so your sound stays clear and true. Plus, it responds quickly and smoothly, making it feel natural when you play. This makes the XS-1 perfect for musicians who want reliable and versatile pitch effects during live performances or recording sessions.

What We Like
Excellent tracking and low latency
Wide pitch-shifting range
Crystal clear sound quality
Versatile for various tunings
Reliable and easy to use
What We Don't Like
Slight tonal coloring at some settings
Minor latency at high speeds
#TOP 3

Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal

OC-5
Brown
Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal Cover
BOSS Octave Pedal (OC-5)

The Boss OC-5 is a polyphonic octave pedal designed for electric guitar and bass players. With mono/poly modes and 2/-1/+1 octave controls, you can create rich, layered sounds that add depth to your music. The dry direct output ensures that your original sound remains pure even when adding the octave effects.

What We Like
Fast tracking response
Rich, full bass sound
Polyphonic and classic modes
Dual outputs for flexibility
Great for solo performances
What We Don't Like
Slight delay in tracking
Minor warble on full chords
#TOP 4

Heet Sound PLUSEBOW Plus EBow

PLUSEBOW
black
Heet Sound PLUSEBOW Plus EBow Cover
Heet Sound PLUSEBOW Plus EBow for Guitar

The Heet Sound PLUSEBOW Plus EBow for Guitar enables you to produce an array of sounds that are not typically playable on an electric guitar. It works well with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a powerful infinite sustain that mimics strings, horns, and woodwinds. Additionally, it comes with a mini CD lesson to help you learn how to use it.

What We Like
Long sustain effect
Creative sound textures
Easy to use
Blue LED guidance
Compatible with electric and acoustic guitars
What We Don't Like
Plastic body build
Tricky battery installation
#TOP 5

LEKATO Mini Pitch Shifter Pedal

Harmonizer
Blue Pitch Box
LEKATO Mini Pitch Shifter Pedal Cover
LEKATO Mini Pitch Shifter Pedal, Harmonizer Guitar Pedal Pitch Shift Box, Harmonizer Digital Octave Drop Pedals, True Bypass, Small Effects for Electric Guitar Bass

The LEKATO Pitch Shifter offers three distinct effect modes—Harmony, Pitch Shift, and Detune—to help you create richer and more unique sounds. Harmony mode lets you layer tones by shifting them up or down two octaves, adding depth to your music. Pitch Shift mode provides a fully wet output, making quick tuning changes easy and effective. The Detune mode adds subtle variations that can enhance your tone with texture. This pedal also delivers precise polyphonic pitch shifting, ensuring your sound stays clear and full. With 16 adjustable settings and a wide pitch range, you can easily customize your sound to fit your style and preferences.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy tuning transitions
Fun for experimentation
Useful detune effect
Solid build quality
What We Don't Like
Slight noise at times
Limited tracking on higher settings
#TOP 6

Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Pedal

FORK
White
Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Pedal Cover
Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shift Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork offers versatile pitch shifting for electric guitarists. With three different modes—up, down, or dual—you can easily create unique sounds that fit your style. The 11-position Shift knob allows you to select specific transposition intervals, giving you precise control over your sound. Additionally, the expression pedal input enables you to manipulate pitch shifts or glide smoothly between notes, adding depth to your performance. The pedal also features Latch and Momentary modes, giving you flexibility in how you engage the effects, ensuring you can tailor your playing experience to your needs.

What We Like
Versatile pitch shifting options
Excellent tracking accuracy
Creative sound design tool
Useful blend control
Works with guitar and bass
What We Don't Like
Minor tone loss when shifting
Effect always on at startup
#TOP 7

Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze Pedal

PICO FREEZE
Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze Pedal Cover
Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze Sound Retainer/Sustainer Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix Deep Freeze lets you instantly capture and hold any sound you play, giving you the ability to create unique sustained notes or textures. You can choose from three different modes—Latch, Moment, and Auto—to control how the sound is held, offering flexibility for different playing styles. Separate volume controls for the original and effect signals let you balance your sound exactly how you want it. Plus, a speed control adjusts how quickly the effect attacks or fades, helping you shape your sound smoothly. This pedal is great for guitarists looking to add creative sustain and atmospheric effects to their music.

What We Like
Nice effect
Visually appealing
Potential for creative use
What We Don't Like
Limited time to use
#TOP 8

BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter

XS-100
Blue & Black
BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter Cover
BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter | Advanced Pitch Shifting Workstation | Class-Leading Sound | Total Pitch Control for Guitar/Bass Across 8 Octaves | Onboard Pedal & Display | 30 Memories for Saving Setups

The BOSS Poly Shifter XS-100 is a powerful tool for guitar and bass players looking to expand their sound. It offers advanced pitch shifting with deep control, letting you explore a wide eight-octave range, perfect for creating unique tones or matching different tunings. The pedal uses new BOSS algorithms to deliver clear and natural pitch changes, so your instrument’s original character stays intact. With a smooth onboard pedal and toe switch, you get precise and easy pitch control across four octaves up or down, making live adjustments simple and expressive. This makes the XS-100 a versatile and user-friendly device for musicians seeking total pitch control.

What We Like
Advanced whammy pedal features
Highly positive user feedback
Easy integration with pedal board
What We Don't Like
Not personally tested yet
#TOP 9

SONICAKE Octave Guitar Pedal

QSS-19
Octave
SONICAKE Octave Guitar Pedal Cover
SONICAKE Octave Guitar Pedal, Analog Classic Lower Octave Guitar Effects Pedal for Guitar & Bass, True Bypass - Octaver

The SONICAKE Octave Guitar Pedal is a compact analog pedal designed for both guitar and bass. It creates 2-voice octave sound blended with dry signal, producing notes one octave lower and two octaves lower than the direct signal, with almost imperceptible latency. The true bypass footswitch keeps a clean signal path, and it works with a 9V center negative regular pedal power supply (not included).

What We Like
High build quality
Compact and sturdy design
Versatile sound options
Great value for price
True bypass function
What We Don't Like
Minor knob durability concern
Requires isolated power for quiet operation
#TOP 10

JHS Unicorn V2 Analog Univibe Pedal

Unicorn V2
Blue
JHS Unicorn V2 Analog Univibe Pedal Cover
JHS Pedals JHS Unicorn V2 Analog Univibe with Tap Tempo Guitar Effects Pedal

The JHS Unicorn V2 Analog Univibe with Tap Tempo Guitar Effects Pedal features an all-analog signal path that provides a warm, touch-sensitive tone. It includes a Uni-vibe Photocell Modulator with Tap Tempo, a dry/wet toggle that selects between Uni-vibe and Vibrato effects, and four controls for tone and speed. The pedal requires a standard 9V DC negative power.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Flexible vibe and tremolo tones
Tap tempo with subdivisions
Great with expression pedal
Classic analog sound
What We Don't Like
Minor build or reliability issues
Compatibility issues with humbuckers
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are octave pedals good for?

Octave pedals add an octave above or below a played note, creating a doubling effect. They can balance the volume of the doubled note with the clean signal, allowing for a harmonious blend. Originally, analog octave pedals could only pitch one note at a time, limiting them to monophonic use.

2. Should octave pedals go before or after distortion?

Traditionally, octave pedals are positioned before any distortion or drive effects. This is because they work best when receiving a clear signal. Placing them before distortion allows for effective note tracking and optimal combination with other effects in the signal chain.

3. What octave should my guitar be in?

The standard tuning for a guitar, in scientific pitch notation, is E2–A2–D3–G3–B3–E4. It's important to note that the guitar is a transposing instrument, meaning the music for guitars is notated one octave higher than the actual pitch.

4. Is the 12th fret an octave higher?

Yes, the 12th fret on a guitar is an octave higher than the open string. This octave distance can be divided into 12 semitones, with each fret representing one semitone. For example, playing the open 1st string (high E string) and then playing the same string at the 12th fret will produce an E note, but an octave higher.

5. What octave pedal did Hendrix use?

Jimi Hendrix used the Octavia, an effects pedal designed for him by his sound technician, Roger Mayer. The Octavia reproduces the guitar's input signal one octave higher in pitch and combines it with the original signal, creating a unique sound with added distortion and fuzz.

6. What is the difference between pitch shifter and octaver?

Pitch shifters and octavers are both types of pedals that change the pitch of the guitar's signal. Octave pedals usually add a tone that is one or two octaves above or below the original note, while pitch shifters can produce various pitch changes, including thirds, fifths, and multiple octaves up or down.

7. What is the best order to put guitar effects pedals in?

For pedalboard setups, some common placement suggestions are: dynamics (compressors), filters (wah), pitch shifters, and volume pedals typically go at the beginning of the signal chain. Gain-based effects like overdrive and distortion pedals usually come after these effects.

8. Where does an octave pedal go in the chain?

Octave and pitch effects are commonly placed at the front of the signal chain, after tuners and volume pedals. This placement ensures a clean input signal, allowing for accurate note tracking by the octave pedal.

9. How do I make my electric guitar sound like a bass?

To make an electric guitar sound like a bass, you can use an octave effects pedal. This pedal adds an octave below the played notes, giving the guitar a bass-like tone. Other techniques to achieve a bass-like sound include using the neck pickup, lowering the tone control, and using heavier gauge strings.

Editor's Notes

During our electric guitar pitch & octave effect research, we found 24 electric guitar pitch & octave effect products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 104,352 customer reviews through our big data system to write the electric guitar pitch & octave effects list. We found that most customers choose electric guitar pitch & octave effects with an average price of $223.93.

The electric guitar pitch & octave effects are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of electric guitar pitch & octave effects, including Donner, BOSS, Ebow, LEKATO, Electro-Harmonix. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 721 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.

Electric Guitar Pitch & Octave Effects Comparison Table

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Brand Donner BOSS BOSS Ebow LEKATO Electro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix BOSS SONICAKE JHS Pedals
Item Weight 8.8 ounces 1.16 pounds 1.15 pounds 0.25 Ounces 6.7 ounces 1.2 pounds 1.19 pounds 3.74 pounds 7.4 ounces 14.1 ounces
Voltage 9 Volts 9.0 9 Volts 9 Volts 9 Volts (DC) 9 Volts 9 Volts 9.0 9 Volts 9
Style Octave Pedal, Pitch Shifter, Guitar, Bass Poly Shifter Bass Acoustic,Mini Compact Compact Sound Retainer / Sustainer Poly Shifter Bass Unicorn
Hardware Interface 1/4-inch Audio HDMI 1/4-inch Audio - 1/4-inch Audio 1/4-inch Audio 1/4-inch Audio HDMI 1/4-inch Audio 1/4-inch Audio
Color Red Octave Black/Blue Black, Brown black Blue Pitch Box White - Blue & Black Octave Blue
Color Name Red Octave Black/Blue Black, Brown - Blue Pitch Box White - Blue & Black Octave Blue
Connector Type 1/4 inch audio - 1/4 inch (6.35mm) audio jack - Barrel Connector 1/4 inch audio jack Barrel Connector - DC Barrel Connector 1/4 inch audio jack
Signal Format Analog - Analog - Analog Digital Analog - Analog Analog
Power Source Adapter - AC adapter - Corded Electric Battery Powered Corded Electric - Corded Electric Electric
Body Material Aluminum Alloy - Plastic, Metal - Metal Metal - - - Plastic
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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