A clean pedal is designed to enhance or preserve the natural, unaltered sound of an instrument, typically by boosting the signal or providing transparent effects without introducing distortion or overdrive. Clean pedals are often used to provide a pure, clear tone, especially when musicians want to retain the character of their instrument while making subtle adjustments to volume, EQ, or tone.

Common examples of clean pedals include clean boost pedals, which increase the volume without colouring the tone, and EQ pedals, which allow for precise adjustments to the frequency response. Clean pedals are popular among players who want to shape their sound without altering its fundamental character, and they’re widely used in genres like jazz, country, and pop, where clarity and transparency are essential. Brands like Xotic, Electro-Harmonix, and MXR offer high-quality clean pedals suitable for a range of musical styles.