Fuzz pedals create thick saturated distortion with a raw and highly expressive character that differs significantly from standard overdrive or distortion pedals. Vintage-inspired fuzz circuits remain hugely influential in psychedelic rock, doom, garage, shoegaze and experimental music.
Different fuzz designs respond very differently to pickups, guitar volume and playing dynamics, allowing players to move between smooth sustain, gated textures and aggressive spluttering tones.