Delays

Delay repeats a played note or chord as an echo, adding space, depth and rhythmic movement to your playing. A guitar delay pedal is connected before the amplifier or in the effects loop, and its sound is determined by the delay time, number of repeats and balance between the echo and original signal. When choosing one, consider the type of delay, time range, tap tempo, number of memory slots and the pedal's size on your pedalboard. The range includes delay pedals from brands such as Boss, TC Electronic, Joyo and Nux.

Which type of delay do you need?

Type	Sound character	Best suited for
Analogue delay	Darker, warmer echoes that soften with every repeat	Blues, rock and playing with a more natural sound
Digital delay	Clean and precise repeats, often with a longer delay time	Rhythmic playing, ambient soundscapes and precise tempo synchronisation
Tape echo	A sound inspired by tape echoes, with subtle fluctuations	Retro tones and a vintage atmosphere

How delay shapes your sound

The basic controls are time (the interval between echoes), feedback (the number of repeats) and mix (the balance between the echo and original signal). Tap tempo allows you to set the time by tapping your foot in time with the song. For melodic parts, it is worth setting the delay to softer echoes, while precise repeats work well for rhythmic parts. A high number of repeats and a long delay time can make the sound cluttered, so adjust it according to the density of your playing and the size of the venue. Testing the setting with a metronome can also help.

What to check before buying

Maximum delay time and memory for saving settings.
Stereo or mono configuration if you use multiple amplifiers.
Bypass type and foot control, especially on stage.
Dimensions and power requirements, so the pedal fits your pedalboard.
Sonic versatility: multiple modes and echo modulation.

Delay in your complete effects setup

Delay is often combined with reverb, which softens the ambience, or with a looper for layering phrases. For a more aggressive guitar signal, place it after an overdrive or distortion. If you need more functions in one unit, see guitar multi-effects and processors.

You can find more pedals in the guitar effects category. Before buying, consider where you will place it in your effects chain so that your sound remains clear.