Pitch in the context of guitar effects refers to the perceived frequency of a sound, which determines whether a note is high or low. Pitch-shifting pedals manipulate this frequency, allowing players to alter the pitch of their notes, creating a range of effects from subtle harmonies to extreme octave shifts. These pedals are commonly used to add depth, width, or uniqueness to a performance, enabling effects such as octave up/down, harmonising, or even creating entire new melodies.

Popular pitch-shifting pedals like the Digitech WH-1 Whammy and Eventide H9 provide the ability to bend pitch in real time or shift the pitch of entire chords, giving musicians the tools to create everything from dramatic sweeping effects to more precise pitch adjustments. The ability to shift pitch without altering the tone allows for creative exploration in live performances or studio recordings, expanding musical possibilities with ease.