Fuzz

The most extreme common form of guitar distortion, characterised by hard clipping, unstable dynamics and a dense, buzzy harmonic content.

Where an overdrive blends with the amplifier's own voice, fuzz largely replaces it. The clipping produces strong upper harmonics that read as a wall of texture, and the compression is so heavy that a single note can sustain indefinitely while the attack disappears. Older circuits are noticeably temperature-sensitive and interaction-dependent, so the same pedal may behave differently on a cold stage or with a different guitar plugged in.

Example: a held chord through heavy fuzz merges into a single smeared mass, which is exactly the effect sought on countless psychedelic and rock recordings.

Fuzz

See also