Drive is a type of effect that adds gain and distortion to your instrument’s signal, typically to create a warm, overdriven tone. It’s commonly used to push an amp or pedal beyond its clean capacity, producing a richer, more saturated sound. Drive pedals are known for offering a range of tones, from light and subtle overdrive to full-on distortion, depending on the settings.

Drive pedals generally have controls for gain (which determines how much distortion is applied), tone (which adjusts the bass, mids, and treble), and volume (to balance the output level). They’re essential for genres like rock, blues, and metal, where varying degrees of overdrive are needed to enhance the musical performance. Popular drive pedals like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, Pro Co Rat, and Fulltone OCD are celebrated for their versatility, allowing players to shape their sound with precision while maintaining the character of their instrument.