Overdrive is a popular guitar effect that creates a warm, distorted sound by amplifying the signal of an electric guitar, typically using a pedal or an amp’s built-in circuit. The effect simulates the natural distortion that occurs when a tube amplifier is pushed to its limit, creating a rich, harmonic response that adds sustain, warmth, and character to the tone. Overdrive pedals are commonly used to add grit and growl to a clean tone without the harshness of full distortion.

The overdrive effect works by boosting the input signal, causing the amplifier to break up and clip the waveform, resulting in a smooth, musical distortion. This is often more subtle and less aggressive than other forms of distortion, making overdrive pedals ideal for blues, classic rock, and country players who seek a dynamic sound that responds to their playing touch. Overdrive pedals can be used in conjunction with other effects like delay and reverb to shape a more complex, evolving sound. Popular overdrive pedals include the Ibanez Tube Screamer, the Fulltone OCD, and the Boss OD-3, each offering different tonal characteristics, from smooth and bluesy to punchy and aggressive.