Best expression pedals: get creative with our top choices

Moog EP-3 expression pedal on a black floor
(Image credit: Moog)

Expression pedals aren’t usually the first choice on a guitarist's dream pedal list, but we’re here to change your expectations and show you just how powerful these pedals can be. The best expression pedals are utilitarian tools that allow you to manipulate the parameters of your effects in real-time. 

Imagine you’ve got a reverb pedal and you want it to swell at the end of a particular passage. Reaching down and turning the knob is not really an option as your hands are busy, but with an expression pedal plugged in, it takes just a simple sweep of your foot and your guitar sound will become swathed in a warm wash of luscious reverb.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

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Matt McCracken
Junior Deals Writer

Matt is a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World and has been playing guitar as his main instrument for well over 20 years. He also plays drums, bass, and keys – producing out of his home studio in Manchester, UK. He has previously worked for Dawsons Music, Northwest Guitars, and freelanced for various magazines and blogs, writing reviews, how-to's, and features. When he's not downloading the latest VSTs or justifying yet another guitar pedal purchase, you'll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS.