The Best Guitar Harmony Pedals: Ultimate Guide

In this article, we’ve gathered the best harmony guitar pedals of 2023. If you’re keen to enhance your sound and infuse your music with layers of richness and depth, a harmony guitar pedal is what you need.

As a guitarist, you know how tough and time-consuming it can be to create harmonies manually. It might even take away from your performance. But with the right harmony guitar pedal, you’re not just getting a tool; you’re getting a whole ensemble neatly packed into a box, ready to back you up at a foot’s stomp.

Whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting out, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect pedal to effortlessly create captivating and complex harmonies.

Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal

Overview

The Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal is a product of Eventide, a highly regarded force in the audio production industry.

This pedal amalgamates all the algorithms from Eventide’s “Factor” series of effects pedals into one inclusive collection. The H9 Max, priced at $899 CAD, is a sturdy and striking piece of equipment that is power-packed with an array of features and effects, including complete MIDI I/O, auxiliary expression-pedal support, Bluetooth and/or USB connectivity, and a built-in tuner.

Key Benefits

• Combines all the algorithms from Eventide’s “Factor” series.
• Pre-loaded with all available algorithms.
• Allows users to download any future algorithms at no additional cost.
• Offers a wide range of effects and features.
• Comes with a built-in tuner.
• H9 Control app provides an intuitive interface for managing presets and customizing configuration.
• Exceptional sound quality makes it a versatile and powerful tool for guitarists and keyboardists.

Pricing

The Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal is priced at $899 CAD. While it may seem on the pricier side, its extensive features and sound quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.

Pros & Cons

The H9 Max offers a wide spectrum of effects and presets, from delay effects to exclusive presets that can be modified easily. Notable presets like the “black hole” create an ambient ether sound, making it perfect for solos or verses. Additional harmonies can also be added to the effects, adding a layer of uniqueness to the sounds.

The pedal is designed as a portable solution for traveling musicians and features a range of delay effects that sound great and can be tailored effortlessly. It has MIDI in and out, enabling easy integration into a larger rig. The pedal can be used in mono or stereo and offers the option to connect an auxiliary switch, MIDI controller or an expression pedal.

The H9 Control app allows for easy management of presets and customization. It offers the ability to store individual sounds and create a set list, putting control right at the fingertips. The sound quality of the H9 Max is highly commended, boasting rich depth and clarity that is not easily achieved with other pedals.

However, one drawback of the H9 Max is that it does not facilitate effects chaining. This limitation can be circumvented by adding up to four more H9 Cores and loading them with all the algorithms registered to the H9 Max. Despite this minor setback, the H9 Max remains a highly versatile and powerful pedal that offers a wide array of effects and algorithms.

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Overview

The EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter is an innovative monophonic analog harmonizing PLL with modulation.

This pedal, known for its capacity to create a three-voice guitar synthesizer, amplifies the input signal into a square wave fuzz tone and then modifies it.

The master oscillator can feed the signal to the signal harvester at the original octave, one octave down, or two octaves down. It includes a Subharmonic section enabling you to blend in one of eight lower octave programs, and a Voice Mixer that controls the levels of the three different voices: square wave fuzz, subharmonic, and oscillator. It is monophonic, so it can only interpret single-note melodies. The consistent and repeatable synth/octave effects can be achieved with the proper technique.

Key Benefits

• Accurate tracking with no latency
• Wide range of unique and chaotic fuzz tones
• Suitable for various genres, including EDM, fuzz bass, and heavy guitar riffs
• Offers a powerful yet relatively easy-to-understand control layout
• Compact and well-built, making it suitable for pedalboard use
• Capable of generating extreme effects, from aggressive fuzz tones to synth-like octaves

Pricing

The EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter is priced at $225 and is available from EarthQuaker Devices. The high-quality construction, incredible versatility, powerful synth tones, and brutal attack make it excellent value for its price.

Pros & Cons

From a first-person perspective, the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter offers limitless possibilities for creating unique sounds. The square wave fuzz, subharmonic, and oscillating signal can be blended together to create a myriad of sounds. The pedal, capable of producing aggressive, full-frequency tones, stands out in any mix. The tracking is impressively accurate, with no latency or dropouts. The harmonized tone can be adjusted up to 3 octaves above the original signal, providing glide effects or pitch shifting. The three-voice mixer allows for the creation of various combinations of harmonized tones.

However, it has some limitations. The pedal can be a little too chaotic for some people, especially when chords are played, as they can become mangled and mutated. Also, it requires precise playing for consistent pitch tracking. Additionally, it is a monophonic effect, meaning it can interpret only single-note melodies. Lastly, it lacks certain controls and options that are typically found on a proper synth, such as adjustable volume envelopes, EQ, and real-time control options.

Eventide PitchFactor

Overview

The Eventide PitchFactor is a high-quality, stereo-capable effects pedal that provides a wide array of pitch-based effects.

Enclosed in a robust casing, the PitchFactor can operate at line or amp level, offering an array of controls through the use of 11 dials and three metal footswitches. These switches control active/bypass, tap tempo, and bank/preset selection aspects of the pedal.

This pedal provides a great deal of flexibility in terms of operating parameters, including wet/dry mix, pitch, keys/scales/modes, and effect depth. The effect quality is smooth, high-quality, and glitch-free due to the accurate note-tracking.

Key Benefits

• Versatile: offers a wide range of tweakable parameters
• High-quality pitch-based effects: provides smooth, high-quality effects with no artifacts
• Operates at line or amp level: provides plenty of control options
• Accurate note-tracking: ensures there’s no delay between the instrument and effect
• Specialized modes: octaver and harmodulator/arpeggiator modes are particularly impressive
• User-friendly: housed in a sturdy enclosure with a clear and uncluttered interface

Pricing

This pedal is generally considered a high-end product due to its advanced features and sturdy build. We recommend checking with official retailers for up-to-date pricing.

Pros & Cons

Looking at the PitchFactor, its versatility stands out. This pedal has the ability to create a vast array of effects. The ability to manipulate pitch and delay, in combination with harmony and thickening effects, opens up a world of creative possibilities. The octaver and synth effects are particularly impressive, creating unique and inspiring sounds.

The PitchFactor also comes with 100 factory presets, which can be customized, providing a great starting point for any musician. It also offers MIDI and expression pedal connectivity, adding flexibility and control options.

The compact size makes it convenient for gigs, and the sturdy enclosure ensures it stands up to frequent use. The interface is clear and uncluttered, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.

However, despite its array of features, the PitchFactor may seem complex for some. The wide range of tweakable parameters might be overwhelming for beginners. The advanced features and high-quality effects that the PitchFactor offers make it well worth exploring for any musician looking to enhance their sound.

Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine

Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine is a harmonizer and pitch shifter pedal designed to create matching harmonies instantly. It can mimic the effect of one or two guitarists jamming along, perfectly in sync with your playing.

Known for its impeccable tracking and authentic musical tone, it offers a spectrum of harmonies, from simple to sophisticated.

It features a major/minor switch for 2nds and 3rds, a Moment Mode for instant pitch changes, and a sweep time control for gradual transitions. Compact yet powerful, the Intelligent Harmony Machine is equipped with a mix control to balance the dry and shifted signals and comes with an EHX 9 Volt power supply.

Key Benefits

• Creates instant, in-sync harmonies.
• Offers a variety of interval selections.
• Features a major/minor switch and a momentary mode.
• Allows perfect polyphonic pitch shifts.
• Compact design with user-friendly controls.
• Includes a mix control for balancing dry and shifted signals.

Pricing

The Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine is priced at $230 and is available from authorized dealers. It is a valuable addition to any guitarist’s pedalboard, offering a range of harmonizing and pitch-shifting capabilities in a compact and user-friendly package.

Pros & Cons

The Intelligent Harmony Machine is a versatile pitch shifter pedal capable of producing harmonies in tune with the selected key. It features a poly override mode that allows for regular poly pitch shifting, enhancing its flexibility. With controls for mix, volume, key, and interval, it’s easy to adjust the harmonies to personal preference. The separate output jack for the dry signal ensures a balanced sound, even when the pedal is in full effect.

An incredible feature of this pedal is its ability to run on a 9-volt battery, making it quite convenient for musicians on the move. It can be used to create various tones, like a baritone guitar sound, octave-down effects, and rock tones with distortion, proving its versatility. Additionally, it works well for electronically detuning guitars, thanks to the momentary button.

The volume knob enables musicians to set the sweep time, making it possible to sweep up and down the selected pitch. A unique feature is the pedal’s ability to create an instant stereo effect, sending the doubled sound to one side and the dry signal to the other, adding depth to the overall sound.

However, there is a need for a deeper understanding of music theory to fully exploit some features, especially when creating harmonies in different intervals. This might pose a challenge for beginners or those with a basic understanding of scales and keys. Nonetheless, the Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine remains a versatile pitch shifter pedal, ready to enhance your live performances and studio recordings with its range of features.

TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal

Overview

The TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal is a device designed to add harmonies to melodies, thus enriching the overall musical experience. It’s a highly versatile tool featuring a variety of controls, including a knob for key selection, a switch for natural and sharp keys, a scale selection knob for different modes, and a mix knob for wet and dry mix.

The pedal is equipped with TC Electronic’s patented MASH technology that allows bending the harmony akin to a pedal steel guitar by applying pressure with the foot. Moreover, the pedal comes with three tone print options that allow users to create their custom scales, controlling every aspect of the pedal, which contributes to its high versatility.

Key Benefits

• Wide range of harmonization options
• User-friendly design, easy to use and control
• Features TC Electronic’s patented MASH technology
• Allows creation of custom scales and harmony intervals with the TonePrint feature
• Delivers natural-sounding harmonies with its state-of-the-art pitch detection algorithm
• Compact size, suitable to use on a pedalboard
• Offers a short delay engine for added versatility and style tones

Pricing

The Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal is a high-quality, versatile tool, and while its pricing might not be the lowest in the market, it is worth the investment given the range of features and quality of sound it offers.

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, the TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal provides precise pitch shifting and true bypass. It is compact and user-friendly, suitable for both beginners and advanced musicians. The wide array of harmonization options it offers allows musicians to create complex harmonies and unique soundscapes. The pedal is designed for creativity, with controls for adjusting the harmony levels and modulation response. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for any pedalboard setup.

However, there could be a steep learning curve for beginners, and some might find the pricing slightly on the higher side. The pedal does provide a range of harmonization modes, which could be overwhelming for users who are not well-versed with such features. Another potential drawback could be the need for additional pedals for certain effects.

Overall, the TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal is a versatile and feature-rich tool that offers a wide range of effects and high-quality tones. It’s a solid choice for musicians looking to enhance their playing with intelligent harmonization effects.

MOOER Pitch Box Guitar Harmonizer Pedal

Overview

The MOOER Pitch Box Guitar Harmonizer Pedal is a compact and versatile device that offers 16 different parameters for creating a variety of harmony and detune effects. Its true bypass design ensures a transparent sound, and its small size makes it easy to fit on pedal boards. The Pitch Box is a powerful tool for guitarists, providing a wide range of harmonization options to enhance your playing and take your musical journey to the next level.

Key Benefits

• 16 different parameters for creating a variety of harmony and detune effects.
• Features true bypass design for transparent signal routing.
• Compact and lightweight, making it perfect for pedal boards.
• Wide range of pitch shifting options, from 5 semi-tones up to 24 semi-tones up, and down to 24 semi-tones down.
• Offers three modes: harmony, pitch shift, and detune for diverse sound effects.
• Known for its precise polyphonic pitch shifting and wide range of harmonies.

Pricing

The MOOER Pitch Box Guitar Harmonizer Pedal is recognized as a budget-friendly option. Its affordability makes it a desirable choice for guitarists looking to experiment with pitch-shifting effects without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

This guitar harmonizer pedal, despite being compact and affordable, packs quite the punch when it comes to performance. Its small size and weight make it easily portable and perfect for a crowded pedalboard. Despite not having a battery option, the pedal works smoothly with a power supply.

One of its notable features lies in its three modes – harmony, pitch shift, and detune. The harmony mode, in particular, creates a rich harmonic voice by blending the original signal with the shifted pitch. The pitch shift mode, while causing a slight delay, offers a chorus-like effect that’s deeply appreciated. These modes can be easily switched through a toggle located on the pedal’s front.

The pedal’s pitch knob allows a wide range of pitch-shifting options, enabling guitarists to customize their pitch without the need for re-tuning or learning new chords. This makes it an ideal tool for experimenting with different keys during rehearsals or creating bass-like effects.

While the build quality of the MOOER Pitch Box Guitar Harmonizer Pedal is highly commendable, it’s equally important to highlight the value for money it provides. Despite slight delays in pitch shifting, they’re minimal and hardly noticeable. The pedal’s overall good quality and affordability make it a top choice for those in need of a harmonizer pedal at a reasonable price.

Stax Guitar Harmonizer Pedal

Overview

The Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal is a versatile effects processor, offering a broad spectrum of algorithms and effects. Despite its compact size, the pedal offers massive functionality with over 600 presets and the capability to share algorithms with up to four other H9 units.

Renowned for its high-quality tones and immersive sounds, this pedal is a phenomenal tool for sonic exploration.

However navigating the interface can be quite a challenge, but patience pays off in the end.

Key Benefits

• Features 45 algorithms from Eventide’s popular stompboxes
• Offers an extensive library of over 600 presets
• Provides the capability to share algorithms with other H9 units
• Includes a built-in tuner and true bypass
• Supports MIDI compatibility
• Can be controlled wirelessly via the H9 Control app
• Known for its high-quality tones and immersive sounds

Pricing

The Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal is not a budget-friendly option, but considering its capabilities and sound quality, it is a worthwhile investment.

Pros & Cons

Speaking from extensive research and numerous reviews, the Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal is a top-notch option for guitarists looking for a versatile and high-quality harmonizer pedal. The wide variety of special effects, including reverb, delays, and unique combination effects, can significantly enhance your overall playing experience.

Over 600 preset options and wireless control via the H9 Control app provide a level of customization that is unmatched. The ability to tune your guitar using the built-in tuner is an added advantage. Moreover, it supports true bypass, ensuring an unaffected signal when the pedal is off.

However, a few potential drawbacks need to be noted. The learning curve of the interface may be challenging for some, but once mastered, it opens up a world of sound possibilities. Also, another factor to consider is the price point, which may be a considerable investment for some.

On the other hand, the compact size of the pedal is a significant advantage, making it a great addition to any pedalboard without taking up much space. The low latency ensures a smooth and responsive performance, making it an excellent choice for live looping and playing in real-time.

Finally, the ability to create harmonies above or below the note played, simulate a 12-string guitar, or even create bass sounds adds an element of versatility to this pedal, providing a wide range of harmonizing effects that can enhance your musical creativity.

MOOER Pure Octave Precise Pedal

Overview

The MOOER Pure Octave Precise Pedal is a unique, compact octave pedal offering precise polyphonic octave effects sans any distorted sound.

With 11 different octave modes, this pedal enables musicians to experiment with a multitude of effects on their guitars. The pedal’s full metal shell ensures durability while its small size makes it a practical addition to any pedalboard. The true bypass feature ensures that the original guitar signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

Key Benefits

• Precise polyphonic octave effects without distorted sound
• Offers 11 different octave modes for a variety of effects
• Compact and durable full metal shell
• True bypass feature maintains the original guitar signal
• Compatible with a wide range of instruments and audio equipment due to specific impedance values of input and output jacks
• Portable due to compact dimensions and lightweight design

Pricing

The MOOER Pure Octave Precise Pedal retails at around $137, and it offers a budget-friendly option for musicians wanting to experiment with octave effects on their guitars.

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, the MOOER Pure Octave Precise Pedal is celebrated for its versatility, compact size, and unique, fun, and experimental sounds it can produce, such as church organ-like tones. The pedal’s two pots, the sub and the upper allow for precise control over the octave effect, contributing to its versatility.

However, the pedal also has its share of criticisms. Some have pointed out that there is a slight latency when the pedal is turned completely wet. There are also remarks about the pitches produced by the pedal being detuned octaves rather than pure octaves. This may not meet the expectations of some users desiring pure octave effects.

A noticeable drop in sound volume when using the pedal has also been noted. The highs are often perceived as piercing and not warm, while the lows are lost, resulting in the bass frequencies sounding unnatural and weak. Despite this, the pedal’s build quality is praised as being good.

There are mixed opinions on the pedal’s performance, with some finding it useful for their performances while others have criticized it for not meeting their expectations. The MOOER Pure Octave Precise Pedal’s sound quality seems to be a point of contention among users, making it suitable for certain use cases.

The Benefits Of Harmonisers

Harmonizer pedals are key in producing rich, diverse, and unique sounds that can truly amplify your performance or composition. These devices let you duplicate and modulate input signals, creating harmonized melodies that add depth, texture, and a sense of richness to the original sound. They can thicken your guitar’s presence in songs and add a unique color to your music, acting as a vital tool for musicians across various genres and styles.

One of the main benefits of harmonizer pedals is their ability to deliver an output signal at the same time as the input signal. This ensures there aren’t any time mismatches or mistakes, resulting in smooth and consistent harmony. Plus, the harmonizer pedal lets you adjust the pitch to any number of intervals, both higher and lower while keeping the original sound intact. This gives you an expansive palette of sounds to experiment with, fostering your creativity and innovation.

Another great feature of harmonizer pedals is their user-friendly design and functionality. From adjusting the voicings through the harmony knob, controlling the volume of the harmonized line via the level knob, to tweaking the brightness of the original input sound with the tone knob, these pedals give you control, enabling you to fine-tune your music to your liking. Plus, there’s a wide range of harmonizer pedals available on the market, each with its unique features and capabilities, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of musicians like you.

However, you should be mindful of potential drawbacks. Overuse or excessive adjustments and effects can potentially make the sound seem artificial or unrealistic. So, while these pedals offer a world of possibilities, they should be used wisely to maintain the authenticity and integrity of your music.

Whether it’s the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork with its wide range of harmonies and purified tones or the Boss PS-6 Harmonist Pedal that lets you create pitch-shift harmonies, the perfect harmonizer pedal can truly transform your musical journey.

How Do Harmoniser Pedals Work?

Harmoniser pedals, also known as vocal harmonisers, are tools you can use to create harmonies with your voice or instrument in real-time. These pedals work by analyzing the pitch of the input signal, typically from a microphone or instrument, and generating harmonies based on preselected intervals and keys.

You can set the harmonies to different intervals such as thirds, fifths, or octaves above or below your original voice. This lets you add depth and richness to your performances, creating the illusion of multiple voices or instruments playing in harmony. Besides creating harmonies, some pedals also have added features like reverb, EQ, and compression to enhance the overall sound.

Think of harmoniser pedals as another voice or backup vocalist. Just like backup vocals in a recorded song, harmonies should be used selectively and strategically to enhance certain parts of a performance. It’s important for you to listen to how the harmoniser is working with your voice or instrument and adjust settings as needed to create a sound that’s both natural and musical.

To use a harmoniser pedal effectively, you’ll need some skill and understanding of music theory. For example, knowing the exact chords of the songs you’re performing helps ensure that the harmonies generated by the pedal are accurate and in key. This, along with the ability to control and adjust the settings of the pedal, lets you create unique and dynamic vocal or instrumental arrangements that can elevate your performances.

While harmoniser pedals can be a powerful tool for enhancing performances, remember that they’re not a magic solution. They require a certain level of skill and experimentation to use effectively. Any off-key singing or playing will be amplified by the harmoniser, so pitch and accuracy are critical when using these pedals. Despite these challenges, with practice and experimentation, harmonisers can become an invaluable tool for you.

Time To Duplicate Yourself?

With a plethora of options out there, it can feel like hitting a high note on your guitar when you find the right harmonizer pedal for your needs – it’s challenging but satisfying. As you’ve seen, each pedal has its unique set of features, benefits, and shortcomings, but they all serve to enrich and elevate your sound.

Whether you’re a solo artist wanting to add complexity to your performance, a guitarist looking to create a richer sonic experience, or a beginner keen to experiment with different effects, a harmonizer pedal can really strike a chord.

Just like a good bandmate, the right harmonizer pedal can blend seamlessly with your sound, enhancing rather than overwhelming your performance. It can help you bring your musical visions to life, expand your creative horizons, and even make practice sessions more engaging and exciting.

While they may come with their learning curves and challenges, the effort you put into mastering these devices can undoubtedly pay off. The harmonizer pedal isn’t just another gadget on your pedalboard; it’s a tool that can redefine your sound and transform your musical journey.

From the budget-friendly MOOER Pitch Box Guitar Harmonizer Pedal and Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine to the highly regarded Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Pedal and the versatile TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer Pedal, there’s a pedal out there that can hit the right note for you.

In this symphony of sound that we call music, a harmonizer pedal can play the part of a conductor, orchestrating different sounds to create a masterpiece.