When it comes to effects pedals at large, the modest octave is sometimes overshadowed by more overt categories, such as distortion, reverb, delay and modulation. Really, though, octave pedals are one of the best ways to introduce unique texture and depth to your signal, whether as a specialized one-time effect or an always-on thickener.
Look to the legend Jimi Hendrix, who popularized one of the earliest octave pedals ever—Roger Mayer’s iconic Octavia, first featured on “Purple Haze” and “Fire” in 1967—when considering if the effect is worth a place on your pedalboard. As is common practice to this day, Hendrix also frequently paired his Octavia with what was, at the time, an Arbiter Electronics Fuzz Face. It’s how he achieved some of his most mind-melting, otherworldly sounds, contributing to his legacy as one of the electric guitar’s greatest, most innovative and unsurpassed talents. Octave and fuzz pedals go together like any favorite, famous duo you choose.
Pictured: BOSS OC-5 Octave Effects Pedal
Modern-day rock pioneers Tom Morello and Jack White also employ pitch manipulation and octave effects to achieve their musical vision in markedly different ways. On the ultracutting-edge of contemporary guitar playing, songwriter, touring musician and YouTube giant Rabea Massaad has consistently relied on an octave and fuzz pedal combo for monstrous metal riffs. Even the bassline of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” features an octave effect to achieve its distinct sound.
If your current pedalboard lacks that certain something, read on to discover a thoughtfully curated sampling of the octave pedals out there. One of them may just be the missing ingredient that takes your tone over the top.
Table of Contents
Where Does an Octave Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Comparing the Best Octave Pedals
The Best Octave Pedals
Send Your Sound Up and Down With the Best Octave Pedals
Where Does an Octave Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
The most common placement of an octave pedal in the signal chain is as close to the beginning as possible. You’ll often see it positioned after a wah, compressor and sometimes fuzz pedals, but it typically won’t come much later in the path than that. Simply put, we want a clean signal hitting the octave pedal; this helps it track the input and produce accurate pitched-up or pitched-down notes. For similar reasons, octave pedals—especially analog ones—often sound best using the guitar’s neck pickup, which produces the fullest, most robust fundamental signal to work with.
Pictured: MXR M306 Poly Blue Octave Pedal
As is always the case with anything audio, you’re encouraged to experiment with pedal order. While best practices and guidelines exist, there are also many variables between individual rigs. If you’re having fun and trusting your ears, you really can’t go wrong.
Comparing the Best Octave Pedals
|
Model |
Octave Range |
Controls |
Power Draw |
|
3 octaves |
Direct Level, +1 Oct Level, –1 Oct Level, –2 Oct Range |
9VDC, 60mA |
|
|
1 octave |
Octave, Output, Sub, Low |
9VDC, 20mA |
|
|
1 octave |
None |
9VDC, 10mA |
|
|
2 octaves |
Dry, Sub Octave, Octave Up |
9VDC, 180mA |
|
|
4 octaves |
Dry Output, –2 Octaves, –1 Octave, +1 Octave, +2 Octaves, Attack, LP Filter, Detune |
9VDC, 160mA |
|
|
4 octaves, +5th |
Master Volume, Input Gain, Dry, –2, –1, +5th, +1, +2, Q, Env, Attack, Filter, Spread, Detune |
9VDC, 300mA |
|
|
3 octaves |
Blend, Shift, Dual switch, Latch button |
9VDC, 30mA |
|
|
4 octaves |
Fuzz, Sub-1, Sub-2, Mod, Oct+1, Oct+2 |
9VDC, 265mA |
|
|
4 octaves |
–2, –1, +1, +2, Dry/Wet, Attack, Filter, Flutter |
9VDC, 300mA |
The Best Octave Pedals
BOSS OC-5 Octave Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The BOSS OC-5 octave pedal captures the vintage monophonic vibe of the original OC-2, leveled up with modern polyphonic goodness at the flick of a switch.
Things to Consider:
- Near-zero latency for input tracking
- Dedicated guitar/bass switch optimizes tracking engine
- Built BOSS tough with a five-year warranty
Shop Now: BOSS OC-5 Octave Effects Pedal
The BOSS OC-2 debuted in 1982 as the world’s first modern octave effects pedal for both guitar and bass, featuring –1 and –2 octaves for deep, enriching resonance and heft. Today’s BOSS OC-5 captures the original’s ethos with a monophonic Vintage mode, improves the classic design with polyphonic tracking (Poly mode) and additionally installs an octave-up control for enhanced sonic options, including 12-string emulation. What’s also cool about the OC-5’s refined tracking engine in Poly mode is the ability to have it isolate a chord’s lowest note by manipulating the Range parameter. With BOSS’ renowned digital wizardry under the hood, high-fidelity tone is virtually guaranteed.
One of the best-selling octave pedals on our site, 20+ Guitar Center reviewers have rated the BOSS OC-5 a cumulative 4.48/5.
DOD Meatbox Sub Synth Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: A ’90s cult classic, the DOD Meatbox is a speaker-rattling sub generator for guitarists and bassists dabbling in extreme tones.
Things to Consider:
- Adds octave-down and subharmonic synthesizer layers
- Earth-shattering low end is surprisingly suited to many styles
- A bass favorite that sounds great on guitar
Shop Now: DOD Meatbox Sub Synth Effects Pedal
In 2015, bassist and noted DOD Meatbox user Juan Alderete—of Racer X and The Mars Volta fame—excitedly wrote about the cult pedal’s return to production on his now-defunct blog (and companion YouTube channel) Pedals and Effects. The Meatbox octave pedal pushes serious air, generating a subharmonic synth tone alongside the octave reproduced underneath your top lines. With a reputation for popping speakers when used impetuously, there’s a dedicated knob to roll back extreme lows that could overwhelm your amp and cabinet. Yes, it is that heavy, though the Meatbox’s modus operandi is not to disrupt or destroy your rig, but to lend it some muscle.
EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 Octaver Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Tentacle by EarthQuaker Devices is a no-frills analog octave-up pedal capturing a classic, almost unruly monophonic octaving sound.
Things to Consider:
- No operable parameters apart from on/off footswitch
- Effect is most pronounced at the 12th fret and above using the neck pickup
- Recommend pairing with a fuzz pedal—Hendrix style
Shop Now: EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 Analog Octave-Up Effects Pedal
Step on it and go with the EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 analog octave-up pedal, which utilizes the same octave circuit found in the brand’s now-discontinued Hoof Reaper fuzz. To call this pedal “stripped down” would be an understatement—there’s nothing to fiddle with here. The only decision you need to make is whether you want the Tentacle on or off. From there, you can enjoy the unmistakable character of an analog octave, which sounds incredible for fattening up chords and imparting a gritty texture on single notes. Stack the V2 Tentacle before your favorite gain stage, and hear your tone come to life like never before.
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Precise polyphonic tracking effortlessly reproduces octaves above and below your chords, arpeggios and lead lines with no glitches, latency or artifacts.
Things to Consider:
- Intuitive layout makes it easy to create sounds
- Extremely durable die-cast chassis
- Includes a power supply
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Effects Pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Micro POG octave pedal utilizes a proprietary digital circuit for fast-tracking octave building to make your guitar sound like a bass, a 12-string or even an organ. Combine up/down octaves and your dry input signal to taste, exploring a wide range of timbres with only a few simple controls. Since the EHX Micro POG draws slightly more current than the average pedal, it comes with its own power supply rated for 200mA, so you’ll be able to run it out of the box. Guitar Center reviewers give the top-selling EHX Micro POG 4.52/5 stars.
Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Electro-Harmonix POG2 features a five-part voice engine to generate a massive array of sounds, reminiscent of everything from an 18-string guitar to a synthesizer.
Things to Consider:
- Dedicated effects section to fine-tune tone
- Save up to eight recallable presets
- Includes a power supply
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator Effects Pedal
Expand your sonic horizons with the Electro-Harmonix POG2. Offering four octaves of range in addition to your dry signal, the possibilities are practically limitless. Reinforce chords and riffs with sub-octave body, shape a crystalline soundscape with upper-octave brilliance or create a novel tone altogether unrecognizable from the norm. The EHX POG2’s flexibility is meant to inspire, and despite its ability to conjure intricate voicings, the pedal’s layout remains intuitive.
Electro-Harmonix POG3 Poly Octave Generator Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: EHX’s POG3 is the most advanced entry in the poly octave generator lineup, sporting six total voices, stereo I/O with panning and a high-visibility OLED display.
Things to Consider:
- All parameters controllable via expression and MIDI
- 100 onboard presets for quick sounds out of the box
- Editable through EHXport desktop app for Mac/PC
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix POG3 Poly Octave Generator Effects Pedal
Equipped with an Electro-Harmonix POG3 octave pedal, no sound is too far-fetched. Start with any of the 100 programmed presets or concoct your own formula through an easy-to-navigate physical interface. The comprehensive voice engine includes two octaves up and down, as well as a fifth for a little harmony in the mix. If you crave a boundary-pushing style of octaving that completely transforms your instrument’s sound, this is it.
Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a powerfully intuitive octaver/harmonizer with an 11-position Shift dial for fast, easy operation.
Things to Consider:
- ±3-octave range with up, down or both transposition switch
- Expression pedal input for continuously variable pitch shifting
- Runs on included power supply or 9V battery
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Effects Pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork pedal enables complex soundscaping at the turn of a knob, including ±3 octaves up and down, as well as multiple harmonic interval settings to unlock impossible-to-play chords and limitless creative opportunities. By simply choosing the desired interval and the perfect blend of dry and effected signal, you can traverse varied tonal terrain, from sub-octave thickening to perfect-fifth harmony and beyond. Take a stab at a sound that’s truly yours with the EHX Pitch Fork octave pedal and harmonizer.
Guitar Center reviewers give this pedal 4.38/5 stars, and 82% would recommend it to a tone-chasing friend.
MXR M306 Poly Blue Octave Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: MXR’s Poly Blue Octave pedal incorporates fuzz and modulation into its circuit for a timeless effect combo that always sounds great.
Things to Consider:
- Mono and polyphonic modes
- Fuzz circuit inspired by the MXR Blue Box
- EXP jack for real-time manipulation
Shop Now: MXR M306 Poly Blue Octave Effects Pedal
The MXR Poly Blue Octave pedal offers outstanding bang for your buck, combining two pairs of up and down layering with fuzz and modulation. Running the pedal in mono mode yields a gritty old-school tonality, and engaging modulation delivers classic, swirling movement inspired by the Phase 90. In polyphonic mode, the octave tracking is ultraprecise and accurate, while the modulation emulates a Leslie-style sound. Plus, you can adjust the fuzz’s volume from the Dry knob by pressing and holding its on/off button.
Walrus Audio Luminary Quad Octave Generator V2 Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Four octaves and deeper controls, such as Attack, Filter and Flutter, make the Walrus Audio Luminary Quad Octave Generator a wonderfully flexible effects pedal.
Things to Consider:
- Three onboard presets for saving/recalling sounds
- Add a tremolo effect via the Flutter knob
- Oversized chassis
Shop Now: Walrus Audio Luminary Quad Octave Generator V2 Effects Pedal
In the world of octave pedals, the Walrus Audio Luminary is a shining light. It covers a broad swath of tonal territory without feeling clunky or overwhelming, maintaining user friendliness with a relatively streamlined set of parameters. Two up and two down octaves, bloom (Attack), low-pass cutoff (Filter) and tremolo (Flutter) are all there is to it—and more than enough to start you on an endless journey with artsy, engaging octave effects. To summarize the Luminary’s overall sonic signature, it might be described as deep and clear.
Send Your Sound Up and Down With the Best Octave Pedals
Octave pedals are powerful tone shapers. They can go from almost indistinguishable to outright wild with only a few twists of a knob. Many a riff has been built on thunderous sub octaves, and many a melody has been enhanced with the crystalline sparkle of high-end layers. Octave pedals can transform your guitar into a droning synth pad, or simply reinforce its bottom end—it’s totally up to you.
Pictured: Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator Effects Pedal
The selections listed here are an excellent place to start, but there’s a massive collection of octave pedals on the market you’re encouraged to explore. Want to hear them in action? Visit your local Guitar Center’s pedal table, plug in your favorite guitar or bass off the rack and prepare to lose track of time—and bring home some new gear.