The Chorus Pedal is a Classic Effect Among Guitarists
One of the most cherished modulation effects among guitar players, the chorus pedal can completely transform your sound, turning a dry-sounding tone into a harmonically rich, dreamy, lush soundscape, and everything in between.
Appearing on countless legendary hits throughout history from the likes of Prince and Nirvana, and being synonymous with the new wave sound that was born in the 1980s, the effect recently had a spike of popularity in styles such as indie rock and bedroom pop.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about chorus pedals, plus present some of the most innovative and groundbreaking chorus effects units on the market nowadays to help you revolutionize your tone!
In a hurry? Check out our quick guide with all of the featured pedals at the end of the article.
What Is the Chorus Pedal and How It Was Born
The chorus pedal creates a slightly delayed copy of your guitar sound and blends it with the original. The audio is then passed through a low-frequency modulator, producing an effect that is often described as if multiple instruments were playing at the same time.
Depending on how far you push each parameter on a chorus pedal, it can go from a subtle thickening effect or total warbling madness. The versatility and tone possibilities are part of why the chorus is popular among guitarists.
The effect was born way before guitar pedals were even a thing: in the 1930s, Hammond created an organ that featured a second tonewheel system that gave the instrument a chorus-like quality, thickening the overall sound and making it more appealing.
Fast forward to the 1970s, the first chorus effects units were introduced, with the BOSS CE-1 pedal coming shortly after the well-received Roland JC-120 amplifier (that featured a built-in chorus effect).
The turning point was, however, in 1979 with the release of arguably one of the most famous pedals of all time, the BOSS CE-2. In the 1980s the chorus sound had a huge spike in popularity thanks to the new wave movement, becoming forever synonymous with the decade.
Iconic Songs Featuring the Chorus Pedal
It's a huge challenge for us to pick a song to represent the chorus pedal since there are countless "evergreen" hits that deserve the spot. However, there is one particular tune from 1984 that features one of the most sought-after guitar tones among players: "Purple Rain", by Prince.
In more recent years, chorus pedals gained popularity again among indie rock and bedroom pop acts, with one of its leading proponents being Mac Demarco. The song "Freaking Out The Neighborhood" is a great example.
Features and Types of Chorus Pedals
Nowadays, you will find many different types of chorus pedals on the market. Some of them, such as the BMF Effects Liquid Sky, go a more traditional route, producing versatile yet analog-sounding effects, while others are designed to completely break the rules and bring in some innovative tones to the table.
Despite that, there are three main parameters that can be found on most chorus pedals:
Depending on the chorus pedal, you might find extra parameters such as waveform selectors.
Best Chorus Pedals in 2024
BMF Effects Liquid Sky Deluxe
Main Features
- Dual chorus effect with two independent circuits
- Classic analog sound
- A/B or A+B switch
- Speed, depth, and mix knobs
Starting off with one of the most complete chorus pedals on the market, the BMF Effects Liquid Sky Deluxe is a one-of-a-kind unit since it features two independent circuits, allowing you to blend effects as you please and create some innovative sounds.
While you can use the pedal with a single circuit as a traditional chorus, you can also combine, for example, a subtle modulation with heavy warbling sounds, producing everything from the classic vibe effect to Leslie-like tones.
Another possibility is to set two different chorus effects on each circuit and switch between them on the fly using the Select footswitch, a great option for live gigs. Despite being an awesome pedal, we wish it had stereo outputs for even more tone possibilities.
If you wish for a smaller unit, you can also go with the alternative BMF Effects Liquid Sky Chorus, which features only one circuit but sounds just as good as the Deluxe version.
EarthQuaker Devices Aurelius
Main Features
- Three-voice chorus
- Six programmable presets
- Vibrato, chorus, and rotary mode
- Expression jack
The Aurelius, by EarthQuaker Devices, is a three-voice chorus inspired by the legendary BOSS CE-1. This pedal has some very interesting features, including six programmable presets and a three-way switch that lets you select between vibrato, chorus, and rotary mode, plus a convenient expression jack.
The stars of the show are the three possible voices. With Vibrato mode, you get a traditional chorus effect. In Chorus mode, the pedal blends between chorus and flanger. Finally, the rotary position is modeled after the sound of a Leslie speaker cabinet.
In our opinion, this is one of the most complete pedals on the list, thanks to its versatility. Despite offering many tone options, the Aurelius is also quite easy to use, featuring your usual width, rate, and balance parameters.
Death By Audio Space Bender
Main Features
- Chorus modulator
- Built-in dynamic delay
- Delay time, modulator, and intensity switches
- Internal gain pot
With the Death By Audio Space Bender, things get a little weird since it's not a traditional chorus pedal but rather a chorus modulator: a unique blend of modulations and dynamic delay lines that can create innovative vintage and sci-fi tones.
As you've probably noticed, the parameters in this pedal look a little different from its counterparts. While you get the usual speed and depth knobs, there are also three unique switches: delay time, which controls the rate of the echoes, modulator, which lets you switch between LFO and envelope, and intensity, which is self-explanatory.
Messing with these parameters, you can not only create traditional chorus effects but also crazy unusual tones such as reverse dive bombs and jet-like flangers. Despite the versatility, we recommend this pedal to experimental-inclined guitar players.
Mojo Hand FX Swim Team
Main Features
- Chorus and flanger combo
- Quad chorus design
- Rate, depth, and mix/feedback parameters
The Swim Team is a chorus/flanger combo that works wonders if you're after a more traditional chorus sound. With a hassle-free design featuring only the strictly necessary rate, depth, and mix/feedback parameters, its beauty lies in the fact that it's super easy to get great tones from this little pedal.
The unit features a harmonically-rich quad-chorus design that sounds very lush and dreamy, but an interesting fact is that you can also get a classic chorus sound when in flanger mode by keeping the feedback knob on a lower position.
OBNE Visitor Parallel
Main Features
- Dual-modulation pedal
- Parallel circuits
- Tremolo, chorus, and phaser modes
- Expression jack
We decided to include the OBNE Visitor Parallel on our list thanks to the flexibility it offers despite being on the more experimental side. The unit lets you run two distinct modulations in parallel and combine between tremolo, chorus, and phaser modes. It's totally possible to get a classic chorus sound from it as well, though.
Since this guide is about chorus, what's interesting about this pedal is the fact that you can give some extra flavor to the effect by throwing in a slight tremolo or phaser, for example. Or perhaps even run two distinct chorus instances in parallel.
If you want to get super crazy effects, one cool trick that the Visitor offers is the Regen knob, which lets you create a feedback loop between both modulation circuits.
EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3
Main Features
- Chorus pedal with several modulation possibilities
- Built-in pitch-shifting and delay/reverb effects
- Modulator wave shape selector
The EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine is described by the company as a chorus pedal with as many modulation possibilities as possible, featuring virtually every possibility: from shimmer chorus to pitch-shifted detuned tones, and even pseudo-delay and reverb effects.
The usual Intensity, Depth, and Rate parameters let you create the base to the chorus effect, but this unit has a nice twist: you can use the Shape knob to go from triangle wave to square wave as you turn it clockwise, allowing for some unique tones.
You might have also noticed that there are two unusual knobs on this pedal: Animate and Dimension. The former affects how far the pitch-shifted signal swings, which lets you add some detuned madness to your tone, while the latter introduces slap-back, reverb-like ambiance, and self-oscillating echo-resonance, depending on how far you push the parameter.
Mojo Hand FX Dream Mender
Main Features
- DSP bucket brigade chorus/delay combo
- Chorus and vibrato modes
- Based on the classic DMM pedal from the 1970s
The Mojo Hand FX Dream Mender is a DSP bucket brigade chorus with roots in the 1970s, inspired by the sound of the DMM. While the unit it takes inspiration from had lots of parameters, the Dream Mender stays on the minimalist side, reducing the effect to three essential yet highly-responsive knobs.
This pedal isn't exactly a traditional chorus, but a mix between modulation and delay capable of producing very sci-fi, spacey tones. Another nice feature of this unit is the ability to switch between chorus and vibrato modes with the flick of a switch.
Depending on how far you push the delay knob, you can go from short slapback to super long reflection, producing those lush-sounding echoes that the original DDM is known for.
OBNE BL-82
Main Features
- Innovative chorus pedal with clock parameter
- Capable of producing modulated delay lines
- Expression jack
While the OBNE BL-82 might look like an ordinary chorus pedal at first glance, it has a special little trick: the clock slider, which affects the timing of the entire system and produces some very interesting lo-fi effects.
When the clock slider is all the way to the left, the result is a shimmering three-dimensional chorus. As you push it to the right, modulated delay reflections and noise are introduced, creating unique textures.
You can also use the OBNE BL-82 as a traditional chorus effect, even though we would recommend this pedal to players who are experimental-inclined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I Place a Chorus Pedal in My Signal Chain?
The optimal and most usual placement for the chorus pedal is after distortion/overdrive and before delay and reverb units. That way, the effect will be able to modulate a clear signal without making your tone muddy. You can, however, experiment with different placements for some unique results.
Can I Use a Chorus Pedal With Other Instruments Besides Guitar?
Absolutely! The chorus pedal can be used with anything, from the human voice to synthesizers, keyboards, and even the bass. The effect is very commonly used with all instruments.
What’s the Difference Between Chorus and Flanger Pedals?
A chorus pedal duplicates your signal, slightly detunes it, and plays it back with a short delay, creating a shimmering, thickened sound. A flanger pedal also duplicates your signal but uses a shorter delay time and includes feedback, resulting in a more pronounced “whooshing” or “jet plane” sound.
Is a Stereo Chorus Pedal Worth It if I Only Play in Mono?
While stereo chorus can produce a very wide and thick sound, you can still reap its benefits in a mono setup, as a lot of stereo units feature high-quality components and additional parameters to shape your tone.
Can I Stack a Chorus Pedal With Other Modulation Effects?
You definitely can! Stacking a chorus pedal with other modulation effects like phaser, flanger, or tremolo can create complex and unique soundscapes. For example, combining a chorus and a flanger can produce a rich, swirling texture with both subtle and pronounced movement.
Conclusion
Chorus pedals are powerful tools that offer a wide range of tonal and harmonic possibilities and can elevate your tone to the next level. Whether you're looking to further thicken your clean sounds or use it in conjunction with other pedals, the effect is a must in any pedalboard, no matter what style of music you're playing!
Without further ado, here is a recap of all the chorus pedals mentioned in our article:
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Pedal |
Price |
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$349.00 |
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$199.00 |
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$270.00 |
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$159.00 |
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$209.00 |
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$199.00 |
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$159.00 |
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$179.00 |
You can check these and many other pedals in our store!
More Interesting Reads:
Modulation Pedals Explained: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Effects Unit
The 10 Best Ambient Guitar Pedals of 2024
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