Alright, so you’re trying to nail that indie rock sound, huh?
Finding the right pedals can be a bit of a headache, but hey, that’s why I’m here—to help you sort the gems from the junk 😉
Here’s a list of eight best indie pedals you’ll want to check out. Each one’s got its own unique flavor, so you can mix and match to get the tone you’re after.
My List Of 8 Best Pedals For Indie Rock
Here’s a quick breakdown for ya. Each pedal’s got its strengths, depending on what you’re after:
- ProCo RAT – Distortion that just works (think raw rock tones)
- Walrus Julia Chorus – Rich, deep chorus/vibrato magic
- TC Electronic Spring Reverb – Classic indie reverb with a “wet” feel
- Boss DD-8 Digital Delay – Tons of delay options, great for layering
- Strymon Timeline – High-end delay with every option you could need
- EHX Big Muff Pi – Classic fuzz for crunchy tones
- Strymon Big Sky – Huge, atmospheric reverb, honestly
- EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine – The experimental one, not for everyone 😉
ProCo RAT
The ProCo RAT is pretty much a staple if you want distortion with some grit. Used on tons of recordings, it’s built to deliver classic rock sounds with a twist.
Controls are simple: Distortion, Filter, and Volume—nothing too fancy. It works great for rhythm and leads, and you can use it to push an amp just a little harder too.
Key Features
- Distortion, Filter, and Volume controls (the basics)
- LED indicator for effect on/off
- Bypass footswitch for easy switching
- Great for rhythm and solo tones alike
Why I Think It’s Good
You want something that’s simple and just works? Here you go. RAT gives you that bite without stripping your amp’s tone. Indie, rock, grunge, you name it—it handles it all. If you’re into raw tones, like early Smashing Pumpkins, then the RAT might just be your new best friend.
Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys also used to use this one on their early albums, so you know… that says a lot about it 😉
Looking for something cheaper? Have a look on this list of the best Behringer pedals!
Walrus Julia Chorus
This one’s on my board and is, hands down, my favorite chorus pedal ever. The Walrus Julia blends chorus and vibrato into something special, and the “Lag” knob can take you from subtle to full-blown spacey.
With Rate, Depth, and the “D-C-V” control, you can go from light textures to rich, deep swirls. It’s made for folks who love a thick, dreamy sound.
Extremely versatile thing – not only for indie, but also for dream pop and shoegaze (IMO it’s one of the best shoegaze pedals out there).
Key Features
- Controls for Rate, Depth, Lag, and D-C-V
- LFO wave shape switch for added flexibility
- Soft relay bypass
- Momentary activation option
Why I Think It’s Good
Julia does everything I want in a chorus pedal—and it’s my all-time fave for a reason. It can make your tone lush and huge without sounding too fake or digital. Wanna sound like The Cure? Beach House? This is where you start. Easy to dial in, and it sounds killer every time.
TC Electronic Spring Reverb
TC Electronic’s Spring Reverb—this is what you need for that surfy, indie vibe. It’s a straightforward spring reverb that gets you that vintage, “wet” sound with no hassle.
Dwell, Mix, and Tone controls give you just the right amount of tweakability without overcomplicating things.
I actually included this one on my list of top 6 reverbs under $100 😉
Key Features
- Controls for Dwell, Mix, and Tone (nice and simple)
- True bypass
- LED indicator
- Classic spring reverb sound
Why I Think It’s Good
Reverb pedals can sometimes sound messy, but not this one. It’s perfect for bands like Mac DeMarco or Real Estate—you know, that dreamy, washed-out sound. For the price, it’s a steal, and it’s just fun to play with. Perfect for indie tones or even classic rock if you want a bit of a twist.
Boss DD-8 Digital Delay
If you need variety in your delay, the Boss DD-8 is your friend. It’s packed with 11 delay modes and even has a looper, so it’s like getting two pedals in one.
The controls are super straightforward, with Level, Feedback, Time, and Mode—all you really need to make those echoes shine.
For those who are looking for more cool (and cheap) delays, have a look on this list of top delays under $100.
Key Features
- Level, Feedback, Time, and Mode controls
- 11 delay modes, including looper function
- LED for effect on/off
- Bypass footswitch
Why I Think It’s Good
The DD-8 can handle anything from subtle echo to full-blown ambient layers. If you’re looking to sound like Radiohead or The War on Drugs, this one’s gonna get you close. It’s reliable, affordable, and doesn’t take up too much space on your board. Classic Boss.
Strymon Timeline
The Strymon Timeline is next-level. If you’re the kind of player who wants every delay effect possible, this is it. With 12 delay types and 200 presets, this pedal is ready for any experiment you throw at it. It’s a bit of a beast, but if you’re into sound design, this is the playground.
Key Features
- 12 delay types with detailed control options
- Adjustable modulation, mix, and delay levels
- 200 preset slots for storing your favorite sounds
- Built-in looper with up to 30 seconds recording
Why I Think It’s Good
Yeah, it’s pricey, but the sound quality and flexibility make it worth it. The Timeline can take you from straightforward delay to layered textures that seem to last forever. For fans of bands that play with delays like Tame Impala, this is your dream pedal.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
The EHX Big Muff Pi is fuzz, but not just any fuzz—this is the fuzz that helped define rock as we know it. It’s all about big, crunchy tones with endless sustain. Think Jack White, Smashing Pumpkins, and you’ll get the idea. Volume, Tone, and Sustain controls keep it simple, but the sound is massive.
Key Features
- Controls: Volume, Tone, Sustain
- LED for effect on
- Bypass footswitch
- Known for legendary sustain and thick fuzz
Why I Think It’s Good
The Big Muff’s been around for decades, and there’s a reason. It makes everything sound huge, and it’s perfect for riffs that need to cut through. If you want classic indie fuzz, this is a no-brainer. Rock, indie, punk—it’s ready for whatever.
Strymon Big Sky
Want reverb that goes beyond the basics? Strymon Big Sky is your answer. With 12 reverb modes and 300 presets, it gives you everything from subtle ambience to full-on ambient soundscapes. It’s a whole world of reverb in one pedal.
Key Features
- 12 reverb types, including spring, hall, plate, and more
- 300 programmable presets
- Sustain and Freeze functions for endless reverb
- MIDI controllable for deeper customization
Why I Think It’s Good
Big Sky is more than just a reverb pedal—it’s practically a reverb studio. This pedal takes you to a whole new level, especially if you’re into ambient or experimental sounds. Whether you want light, airy reverb or deep, cavernous spaces, this pedal does it all. Perfect for Sigur Rós or CAS vibes.
Read more: 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Strymon Big Sky
EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine
EarthQuaker Rainbow Machine is… different. It’s not your average pedal—it’s a pitch-shifting synthesizer that’s meant for those who like to experiment.
With controls for Pitch, Primary, Secondary, Tracking, and Magic, it’s all about creating unpredictable sounds. Not for everyone, but it’s awesome if you want something totally unique.
Key Features
- Pitch, Primary, Secondary, Tracking, and Magic controls
- True bypass
- Expression pedal input
- Designed for creative, experimental sounds
Why I Think It’s Good
This one’s wild, no question. It’s for anyone who loves pushing boundaries and making sounds that go beyond “normal” guitar tones. Think of it as an “anything goes” pedal. Not gonna lie—it’s not for everyone, but if you like messing with your sound, this one’s a blast.
My Rating
Alright, now for the ratings. Each pedal has its own strengths, so choosing a “best” one is tough. But here’s how I’d rate ‘em overall:
- ProCo RAT – 9/10 (solid for classic rock and indie alike)
- Walrus Julia Chorus – 9.5/10 (my personal favorite for chorus—warm and rich)
- TC Electronic Spring Reverb – 9/10 (perfect for classic reverb tones)
- Boss DD-8 Digital Delay – 8.5/10 (reliable and versatile, good for a range of styles)
- Strymon Timeline – 9.5/10 (for delay lovers, the flexibility is unmatched)
- EHX Big Muff Pi – 9/10 (essential for classic fuzz tones)
- Strymon Big Sky – 10/10 (best reverb pedal hands down, worth every penny)
- EarthQuaker Rainbow Machine – 8/10 (for the experimental folks, it’s a gem)
So there it is. My top choice overall? Strymon Big Sky—it’s just a beast when it comes to reverb. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these if you’re serious about indie rock tones.
For more tips and reviews feel free to visit my YouTube channels – Best Guitars Now (English channel) and Strefa Gitar (Polish channel).
These Are Awesome, But What Pedals Are NECESSARY?
Alright, so here’s the real question: What pedals are actually essential for nailing that indie sound? You don’t need a board full of pedals to get there (though it’s fun to have options).
In my opinion, there are three key effects that’ll get you 90% of the way there: reverb, delay, and distortion/fuzz.
Reverb gives you that big, spacey feel that makes indie sound so immersive; delay adds those atmospheric layers that make a simple riff sound full and complex; and a solid distortion or fuzz pedal gives your tone the edge it needs to stand out.
If I had to pick only a few, I’d go with TC Electronic Spring Reverb, ProCo RAT, and Boss DD-8—they’re easy to use, versatile, and each brings a unique flavor that’s perfect for indie rock.
Got room for more? Add a chorus pedal like Walrus Julia for some extra depth (I promise, it’s worth it). 🙂
FAQ
1. Are these pedals beginner-friendly?
Most of ‘em are, except maybe the Strymon ones which need some getting used to.
2. Can I use these with a bass?
Yep! Especially the RAT and Big Muff—those work great with bass too.
3. Do I really need all of these?
Probably not. Start with one or two based on your style, and build up as you go.
4. Which pedal’s best for shoegaze?
Julia Chorus, Big Sky, and DD-8 work great for dreamy, layered sounds.
5. Which is the most versatile pedal here?
Strymon Timeline or the DD-8 if we’re talking delays. Both give you lots of options.
6. Are there any cheaper alternatives?
Yep! Look for used ones or consider simpler models if you’re just getting started.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the essential pedals for capturing that indie rock sound. Whether you’re looking to go big with reverb, get creative with delay, or just crush some gritty fuzz, these pedals will give you the vibe you’re after.
Start small, build as you go, and pretty soon, you’ll have a pedalboard that can give you any tone you can dream up. Enjoy jamming! 🎸
