A Guide to Phaser

Andrzej Marczewski
Guitar Gear and Reviews
4 min readMar 24, 2023

There are many different types of phaser pedals available, each with its own unique sound. Some of the most popular types of phaser pedals include the MXR Phase 90, the Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter, and the Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone Nano.

Phaser pedals can be used to create a variety of different sounds, from subtle phasing to extreme whooshing. They can also be used to create flanger and chorus effects.

If you are looking for a new effect pedal for your guitar, a phaser pedal is a great option to consider. With so many different types and styles of phaser pedals available, you are sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

What is a Phaser Pedal?

A phaser pedal is an effect pedal that creates a swirling, whooshing sound by manipulating the phase of a sound wave. Phaser pedals are often used in rock, funk, and psychedelic music.

How Does a Phaser Pedal Work?

A phaser pedal uses an oscillator to create a sound wave that is then passed through a filter. The filter is set to a specific frequency, and as the sound wave passes through it, the frequency is modulated. This modulation creates the swirling, whooshing sound that is characteristic of phaser pedals.

Types of Phaser Pedals

There are many different types of phaser pedals available, each with its own unique sound. Some of the most popular types of phaser pedals include:

Analog phaser pedals: Analog phaser pedals use analog circuits to create the phaser effect. Analog phaser pedals often have a warmer, more organic sound than digital phaser pedals.Digital phaser pedals: Digital phaser pedals use digital circuits to create the phaser effect. Digital phaser pedals often have a more precise, more controllable sound than analog phaser pedals.Hybrid phaser pedals: Hybrid phaser pedals use a combination of analog and digital circuits to create the phaser effect. Hybrid phaser pedals often have the best of both worlds, with the warmth and organic sound of analog phaser pedals and the precision and control of digital phaser pedals.

How to Use a Phaser Pedal

Phaser pedals are easy to use. Simply plug your guitar into the input of the pedal, and then plug the output of the pedal into your amplifier. Turn the knob on the pedal to adjust the rate of the phaser effect. The faster the rate, the more extreme the phaser effect will be.

Some phasers to try

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1Our Pick MXR Phase 90

The MXR Phase 90 is a classic phaser pedal that has been used by many famous guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. It has a simple, two-knob interface that makes it easy to use, and it produces a warm, swirling sound that is perfect for psychedelic rock and funk.

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2 Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter

The Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter is a more modern take on the phaser pedal. It has a wider range of sounds than the Phase 90, and it can also be used to create flanger and chorus effects. It is a great choice for guitarists who want a versatile phaser pedal.

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3 Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano

The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano is a small, affordable phaser pedal that is perfect for beginners. It has a single knob that controls the rate of the phaser, and it produces a warm, swirling sound that is perfect for psychedelic rock and funk.

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4 The Walrus Audio Lillian Analog Phaser

The Walrus Audio Lillian Analog Phaser is an all-analog phaser pedal that uses a bucket brigade delay to create its sound. It has four stages of phaser and a wide range of controls, making it a versatile and capable pedal.

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5 Source Audio Lunar Phaser

The Source Audio Lunar Phaser is a digital phaser pedal that offers a wide range of sounds, from subtle phasing to extreme whooshing. It has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful pedal, including a built-in expression pedal, MIDI control, and a variety of presets.

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Here are a few tips for using a phaser pedal

Experiment with different settings: The best way to find the perfect setting for your phaser pedal is to experiment. Try different rates, different depths, and different filters to find the sound that you like the best.

Use it with other effects: Phaser pedals can be used with other effects, such as distortion and delay, to create even more interesting sounds.

Have fun! Phaser pedals are a great way to add some new sounds to your guitar playing. Experiment and have fun with them to find the sounds that you like the best.

Originally published at AM Guitar.

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Andrzej Marczewski
Guitar Gear and Reviews

Gamification consultant and designer, social media lover, games reviewer at @yarstweet, author of http://amzn.to/IvmEG1, husband & father of 2