Shoegaze—that dreamy, atmospheric genre where your guitar sounds like it’s swimming through space.
Pedals are the bread and butter for shoegaze guitarists, and let me tell you—the right pedals can take you from „meh” to My Bloody Valentine in no time.
Here are 10 pedals that will make your guitar sound like it’s crying, soaring, or, well, lost in space. 🙂 This list is 100% subjective though!
10 Best Pedals For Shoegaze – Quick Overview
Short on time? Here’s a quick list of these 10 pedals. Scroll down for sound demos!
- Walrus Audio Slö – Gives you deep, dreamy reverb perfect for making big, atmospheric sounds.
- Walrus Audio Julia – Adds rich chorus and vibrato, great for creating movement and depth in your tone.
- Strymon Timeline – A super versatile delay pedal with multiple delay types and a looper for layering sounds.
- UAFX Astra – Offers top-tier modulation like chorus, flanger, and tremolo for those wide, spacey effects.
- Boss DS-1 – Classic distortion pedal that’s affordable and delivers a punchy tone.
- EHX Walking On The Moon – Flanger pedal that adds cool, swirling sounds to your playing.
- Green Russian Big Muff – Thick fuzz with huge sustain for that full, gritty sound.
- Hizumitas – Brings aggressive fuzz and tons of sustain, great for cutting through the mix.
- Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah – Adds subtle wah effects, perfect for adding texture to your playing.
- Boss BF-3 – Wide flanger that makes your sound sweep and swirl for that classic shoegaze vibe.
For those who are looking for shoegaze guitars – look at our guide!
1. Walrus Audio Slö Multi Texture Reverb
I’m gonna start this list with one of my personal favorites—the Walrus Audio Slö Multi Texture Reverb. This beast is all about crafting those lush, atmospheric soundscapes that you can just sink into.
It’s got three reverb modes: Dark, which adds a low octave (talk about making your sound deep), Rise, which gives you that evolving, swelling vibe, and Dream, which is like a long reverb drenched in vibrato.
The best part? You can modulate the reverb tail with different waveforms like Sine, Warp, and Sink.
FYI, that “Dream” mode is the sweet spot for those ambient, shoegaze textures.
Key Features:
- Three reverb modes: Dark, Rise, Dream
- Modulation waveforms for reverb tails: Sine, Warp, Sink
- Sustain switch to max out the reverb time temporarily
- Top-mounted jacks for easy pedalboard layout
My Experience with the Walrus Audio Slö
As you can see on the photo below, I bought my Slö in December 2022. And it’s one of my favorite delays since then!
Using the Slö feels like diving headfirst into an ocean of reverb. Whether I’m playing slow, dreamy chords or letting a single note hang in the air, the Dream mode is a game-changer.
The Sustain switch? It’s like hitting the gas pedal on the cosmic highway—max reverb, max vibes.
Honestly, if you’re not using this pedal, are you even shoegaze? 😉
Can’t decide if you actually need reverb? Read our reverb pedal guide!
2. Walrus Julia Chorus
Another gem from Walrus Audio that’s made its way onto my pedalboard: Walrus Julia Chorus.
Let’s be honest—chorus is crucial for shoegaze. It adds that shimmering, wavy texture that makes your clean tone sound otherworldly.
The Julia is cool because it’s fully analog, and the D-C-V knob lets you blend from dry to chorus to vibrato. Add in the Lag control, and you can shape the chorus effect however you want—whether it’s subtle or all-out wavy goodness.
Key Features:
- Analog chorus/vibrato effect with blend control (Dry, Chorus, Vibrato)
- Lag knob for adjusting the delay time of the LFO modulation
- Momentary bypass feature for temporary effect engagement
- Compact size but packed with versatility
My Experience with the Walrus Julia
The first time I kicked on the Julia, it felt like my guitar was floating. The analog warmth it brings to the table is just perfect for adding depth to clean tones.
And if you twist the Lag knob just right, you can get some pretty trippy, wavy sounds that scream shoegaze. It’s one of those pedals that can take your sound from „meh” to „whoa” in seconds. 🙂
Also, the momentary bypass is killer for those quick bursts of vibrato mid-riff.
3. Strymon Timeline Delay
No shoegaze setup is complete without a killer delay pedal, and the Strymon Timeline is the holy grail.
With 12 different delay types, from analog tape delay to reverse delay (shoegaze essential), this pedal can do it all.
It’s also got an integrated 30-second looper, which means you can build up layers of sound and really lean into that wall-of-sound thing.
When it comes to delays, this is probably one of the best pedals for shoegaze.
Key Features:
- 12 delay types, including tape, analog, and reverse
- 30-second looper for layering
- 200 presets to save your favorite settings
- True/buffered bypass switchable for signal integrity
My Experience with the Strymon Timeline
The Timeline is a monster. The delay options are endless, and the way it reacts to picking dynamics is just insane.
The reverse delay is like instant shoegaze gratification—hit a chord, and watch the notes flow backward into oblivion. I’ve spent hours just noodling with this pedal, and honestly, every setting on this thing feels like a journey.
Generally, I’m a huge fan of Strymon. I own their Big Sky model and the quality is just awesome.
FYI, you’ll want to save a few presets because this thing has too many good sounds to stick with just one.
4. Universal Audio UAFX Astra Modulation Machine
Let’s talk modulation. The UAFX Astra offers a bunch of great mod effects like chorus, flanger, and tremolo, all in one pedal.
And here’s the kicker—you can download more effects via USB. The dual-processor setup means everything sounds studio-grade, and you can save presets for live gigs or recording sessions.
If you’re looking for spacey modulation sounds for your shoegaze tone, the Astra is a no-brainer.
Key Features:
- Chorus, flanger, and tremolo all in one pedal
- Downloadable additional effects via USB
- Dual-processor engine for studio-quality sound
- True or buffered bypass for flexible routing
My Experience with the UAFX Astra
The Astra has got that classic modulation vibe, but with modern flexibility. I love how I can switch between chorus, flanger, and tremolo on the fly.
The flanger, in particular, is a shoegazer’s dream—it adds just the right amount of swirling movement without getting too crazy.
Plus, the downloadable effects? I mean, come on. Who wouldn’t love a pedal that gives you more toys to play with?
5. Boss DS-1 Distortion
Shoegaze needs fuzz and distortion, and the Boss DS-1 is a classic for a reason. This thing gives you that crunchy, raw distortion that sits right in the mix without overpowering everything else.
It’s simple, reliable, and does exactly what you need it to—add dirt and grit to those dreamy chords. It’s been around forever, and honestly, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Key Features:
- Classic distortion sound perfect for shoegaze
- Easy-to-use controls for level, tone, and distortion
- Built like a tank (it’s a Boss pedal, after all)
My Experience with the Boss DS-1
The DS-1 is my go-to when I want to add a little bite to my tone. It’s not as over-the-top as some fuzz pedals, but it adds that perfect amount of edge to push my sound into shoegaze territory.
I like to stack it with other effects like reverb and delay, and it just sits beautifully in the mix. Plus, it’s pretty much indestructible. Seriously, I’ve dropped this thing a dozen times, and it still works like a charm. 🙂
6. Electro-Harmonix Walking On The Moon Flanger
If you’re aiming for those shimmering, spacious flanger sounds made famous by Andy Summers of The Police, then the EHX Walking On The Moon Flanger is your pedal.
It’s got all the classic flanger controls like Color, Range, and Rate, and the Filter Matrix switch lets you freeze the modulation for some pretty wild, almost metallic tones. This pedal is built for wide-open soundscapes.
Key Features:
- Classic flanger with controls for Color, Range, and Rate
- Filter Matrix switch to freeze modulation for a unique sound
- Stereo outputs for extra-wide soundscapes
My Experience with the Walking On The Moon Flanger
This pedal is like adding a whole new layer of atmosphere to your sound. The flange effect is super lush, but what really sets it apart is the Filter Matrix.
Freezing the modulation creates these weird, metallic tones that work perfectly in shoegaze when you want to add something unexpected to your mix. Plus, with stereo outputs, you can really get some wide, spacey effects going on.
7. Electro Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Fuzz
Let’s be real: no shoegaze pedalboard is complete without a solid fuzz pedal, and the Electro Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff is an absolute classic.
This compact fuzz pedal has earned its legendary status for a reason—it’s known for its massive sound, creamy sustain, and raw, gritty tone that’s perfect for laying down those thick, layered walls of sound in shoegaze.
The Green Russian variation brings a bit more low-end, which is ideal when you want your guitar to rumble through the mix like a force of nature.
- Sustain, Volume, and Tone controls allow you to fine-tune your fuzz sound.
- Compact size, so it won’t eat up all your pedalboard real estate.
- True bypass, so when it’s off, it’s really off—but when it’s on, it’s crushing.
My Experience with the Green Russian
The first time I kicked on the Green Russian Big Muff, I felt like I was playing through a wall of amps. It’s just that huge.
The sustain is ridiculous—you can hold a note for what feels like days. When paired with a reverb or delay pedal, it gives you that perfect shoegaze tone where everything feels like it’s washing over you.
IMO, if you need just one fuzz pedal, this is it. 🙂
8. EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas
If you’re looking for a fuzz pedal that takes things to the next level, the EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas is a monster.
Created in collaboration with Wata from the band Boris, this pedal replicates her favorite fuzz sound, the Elk BM Sustainar, known for its gritty, sustain-rich fuzz.
The Hizumitas offers a wide range of fuzz tones, from thick and smooth to wild and aggressive.
- Volume, Sustain, and Tone controls to shape your fuzz.
- Completely analog signal path for that warm, natural fuzz sound.
- Massive output volume—this thing doesn’t hold back.
My Experience with the Hizumitas
This fuzz pedal is wild. It has such a unique character—there’s this gritty, almost broken quality to the distortion, but in a good way.
When you push the Sustain knob, you get that infinite sustain that’s just perfect for shoegaze-style playing. It’s the kind of pedal that makes you want to play slower, just to let those notes ring out forever.
FYI, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you want to push the boundaries of fuzz, this pedal is a must-try.
9. Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah
Shoegaze may not seem like the genre where a wah pedal shines, but the Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah brings some serious versatility to your sound.
Designed in collaboration with Dimebag Darrell, this pedal offers an extended sweep range, giving you deeper control over the wah effect. It’s ideal for adding those subtle, vocal-like textures that can sit beautifully under layers of reverb and delay.
- Six selectable frequency ranges to shape your wah tone.
- Adjustable boost up to +17 dB to give your sound a little extra kick.
- Fine-tune control lets you dial in the exact wah frequency you want.
My Experience with the Cry Baby Wah
Here’s the thing: a wah pedal in shoegaze? Sounds weird at first, but it can actually be a game-changer for adding subtle texture and movement to your sound.
The Dimebag Cry Baby is especially great because of its adjustable sweep range and frequency control, giving you so much versatility.
Whether you’re looking for a classic wah sound or something more experimental, this pedal fits surprisingly well in a shoegaze setup. And honestly, it just makes your guitar sound more alive.
10. Boss BF-3 Flanger
Finishing off the list with another modulation powerhouse, the Boss BF-3 Flanger is the go-to pedal if you want that classic, swooshing flanger sound.
The BF-3 builds on the legacy of the BF-2 and offers Ultra and Gate/Pan modes for ultra-fat flanging effects. It’s perfect for creating those swirling, hypnotic textures that shoegaze is known for.
- Ultra and Gate/Pan modes add fatness and depth to your flanging.
- Separate inputs for guitar and bass, making it a versatile tool for all musicians.
- Stereo outputs for creating wide, sweeping soundscapes.
My Experience with the BF-3
The BF-3 is everything you want in a flanger and more. The Ultra mode adds this incredible thickness to your tone, and when you run it in stereo, it’s like your sound is coming from every direction.
It’s a must-have if you want to create those sweeping shoegaze soundscapes that feel like they’re pulling you in. Plus, it’s a Boss pedal, so you know it’s built like a tank and will last through anything.
Final Thoughts
Shoegaze is all about building walls of sound, and the pedals you choose will play a huge part in shaping that sound.
From the ethereal reverbs of the Walrus Slö to the crushing fuzz of the Green Russian Big Muff, each of these pedals brings something unique to the table.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of shoegaze or you’re looking to add new textures to your existing sound, these pedals will help you unlock new sonic possibilities.
FYI, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” pedal for shoegaze—it’s all about finding the right combination of modulation, delay, reverb, and fuzz that speaks to you. So get out there, start experimenting, and let your sound evolve!
