How to Get Jack White's Raw and Powerful Guitar Tone
Jack White's guitar tone is raw, powerful, and instantly recognizable. From the fuzzed-out riff of Seven Nation Army to the wild, chaotic leads in Icky Thump, his playing style is all about energy and grit. But how does he achieve that electrifying tone?
The secret isn't just in his fingers—it's in his pedals. White carefully chooses effects that add bite, grit, and unexpected textures to his playing. Whether he's using a Whammy pedal to bend notes into uncharted territory or cranking a fuzz to its limits, his approach is fearless.
In this guide, we'll break down the key pedals that help shape his tone. We'll also share tips on using them to get as close as possible to his unmistakable style. If you want to capture the raw power of Jack White's guitar playing, this is where you start.
Best Pedals to Sound Like Jack White
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Effect |
Pedal |
Price |
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Fuzz |
From $100 |
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Fuzz |
From $325 |
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Fuzz |
$179 |
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Fuzz |
$169 |
|
|
Fuzz |
$229 |
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|
Pitch-Shifter |
$274.99 |
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|
Pitch-Shifter |
$219.99 |
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|
Pitch-Shifter |
From $275 (Used) |
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|
Pitch-Shifter |
From $319 (Used) |
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Pitch-Shifter |
$400 |
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Pitch-Shifter |
$240 |
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Boost |
From $99.99 |
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Boost |
$105 |
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Overdrive |
From $4000 (Used) |
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Overdrive |
$179 |
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Overdrive |
$179 |
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Amp Modeler |
$399 |
Must-Have Pedals for Jack White's Sound
Jack White's pedalboard has evolved a lot over time. From The White Stripes era to his recent solo work, the musician used many different pedals, but some key effects, such as fuzz and pitch-shifting, have remained the core of his tone. Let's check out some of White's favorite units and some alternative options you can use to get the same tone.
Fuzz
Buy NowFuzz isn't just a part of Jack White's tone—it is his tone. From his early days with The White Stripes to his latest solo work, fuzz has been the driving force behind his raw, aggressive guitar style.
During The White Stripes' era, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff was his weapon of choice. He used it to push his amps to the brink, creating a thick, woolly distortion that defined songs like Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground and Icky Thump.
More recently, White has leaned into custom fuzz pedals from his own Third Man Records. The Gamechanger Audio Plasma Coil and Bumble Buzz bring even wilder textures and exploring high-voltage discharges and synth-like fuzz.
Alternative Option: EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2
If you love the thick, saturated grit of a Big Muff but want something more compact and versatile, the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof is a solid choice. Inspired by vintage Russian Muff circuits, it delivers that same creamy sustain and heavy distortion but with more clarity and control.
Alternative Option: Mojo Hand FX 1979
The Mojo Hand FX 1979 is another powerful fuzz pedal that nails the raw, high-gain distortion Jack White is known for. Based on the aggressive late-'70s Big Muff circuit, it ditches traditional transistors in favor of op-amps, resulting in a more cutting, sustain-heavy tone.
Alternative Option: OBNE Pardner
If you're looking to replicate the fuzz tone of Jack White's most recent work and love the sound of Third Man Records's pedals, the OBNE Pardner is an excellent choice. The Pardner is a quirky fuzz that can deliver synthy fuzz sounds like White's Mantic Flex pedal while also covering classic distortion, making it a flexible and versatile choice.
Pitch-Shifter Pedals
Pitch-shifting is another key ingredient in Jack White's unmistakable guitar tone. He doesn't just play riffs—he bends, warps, and transforms them into something bigger than the guitar itself.
The DigiTech Whammy has been a staple in his setup for years. It's how he created the deep, growling riff in Seven Nation Army without a bass guitar. By shifting his guitar signal down an octave, he was able to get that thick, rumbling tone that became one of the most iconic riffs of all time. But he doesn't stop there. He also uses the Whammy for dramatic pitch jumps, like the soaring bends in Icky Thump.
Jack White's use of pitch-shifting didn't stop with the Whammy. During The White Stripes' era, he also relied on the Electro-Harmonix POG to thicken and expand his guitar tone. This polyphonic octave generator let him layer multiple octaves on top of his playing, creating massive, organ-like textures.
More recently, White has turned to the Third Man Records/Coopersound Triplegraph. This custom-built pitch-shifter features three telegraph-style switches, allowing for lightning-fast pitch changes on the fly. It's a perfect example of his constant push for new ways to manipulate his guitar tone.
Alternative Option: DigiTech Whammy Ricochet
While the original Whammy is a powerhouse, the Whammy Ricochet is a more compact version of the legendary pedal. It has the same pitch-shifting effects that Jack White loves but in a tinier package, which is excellent if you're mindful of pedalboard real estate.
Alternative Option: Electro-Harmonix POG2
While the first version of the EHX POG used by Jack White in The White Stripes days is now discontinued, the POG2 brings the same effects with many modern updates. This pedal is your best bet if you want to replicate White's tone from that era.
Alternative Option: Electro-Harmonix Pico POG Pedal
The Pico POG is a great alternative to its bigger brother, the POG2. While the larger version of the POG sounds amazing and gives you extensive control over your tone, the Micro POG costs half the price and fits in any pedalboard, thanks to its small size.
Boost
Jack White doesn't just rely on fuzz and pitch-shifting—boost pedals have also played a significant role in his tone. They help push his amps harder, making everything feel more aggressive and alive.
During The White Stripes era, he often used an MXR Micro Amp. This simple one-knob boost gave his signal extra punch, making his riffs hit even harder. It was especially useful when switching between his hollow-body guitars, ensuring his tone stayed thick and powerful. When paired with his Big Muff, the Micro Amp helped drive his amp into even more saturation, adding grit and sustain without muddying the sound.
Boost pedals might not seem flashy, but in White's hands, they were essential. Whether he was making his lead lines stand out or adding extra weight to his riffs, the Micro Amp gave him the extra push he needed to cut through the mix.
Alternative Option: Cusack Music More Louder
If you're looking for a great alternative to the MXR Micro Amp, the Cusack Music More Louder is worth checking out. It's a small pedal with a big impact, offering up to 25dB of clean boost. Unlike some boost pedals that color your tone, the More Louder keeps everything pure.
Overdrive
Jack White has always relied on his tube amps to get most of his overdriven tones, cranking them up to create a raw, powerful overdriven sound. But in recent years, he's also been spotted using a custom version of the Klon Centaur, one of the most sought-after overdrive pedals ever made.
Known for its smooth, dynamic response, the Klon adds a subtle edge without overpowering the natural character of the guitar and amp. While White's version is a custom build, its core function remains the same—pushing an already hot amp into richer, more saturated territory.
While the original Klon Centaur is quite expensive and pretty rare to come across nowadays, there are many clones that do an amazing job at replicating its tone.
Alternative Option: Warm Audio Centavo
Whether you're using it to push an amp like Jack does or adding just a touch of grit, the Centavo is one of the best Klon Centaur clones, keeping your guitar's natural character intact. If you want to capture that raw energy without hunting down a rare, expensive original, this pedal is a great way to do it.
Alternative Option: Mojo Hand FX Sacred Cow
If you want a more compact alternative to the Klon Centaur, the Mojo Hand FX Sacred Cow is another excellent option. This pedal captures the punchy, transparent drive that makes the Klon legendary while adding a bit more flexibility in a pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
Bonus: Amp
Buy NowJack White's signature tone has always been shaped by his choice of amps. During The White Stripes era, he often relied on a vintage Silvertone, a no-frills amp with a raw, biting character that helped define his early recordings. Its natural breakup and midrange-heavy growl were a perfect match for his explosive playing style.
In recent years, he's turned to something built specifically for him—the Fender Pano-Verb. This signature amp, developed with Third Man Hardware, delivers the power and grit he's known for while adding built-in reverb and tremolo for extra versatility. It's a modern take on his classic approach, proving that while his gear has evolved, his love for bold, expressive tones hasn't changed.
Alternative Option: Universal Audio Dream '65
If you don't have a physical amp, the Universal Audio Dream '65 can be a great alternative to help you achieve those Jack White tones. This pedal is based on the Fender Deluxe Reverb 65, which is kinda similar in tone to White's signature Pano-Verb amp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Guitar Does Jack White Play?
Jack White is famous for playing quirky and unconventional guitars. His most iconic is the red 1964 Airline JB Hutto, a fiberglass-bodied guitar that became a staple during The White Stripes era. He's also played Gretsch and Fender guitars over the years, and more recently, he's been rocking his custom Fender Telecaster with a built-in B-Bender for added versatility.
Why Does Jack White Use So Many Octave Pedals?
Jack White loves pushing the limits of his guitar tone, and octave pedals help him create massive, almost bass-like riffs and eerie, high-pitched leads. Whether it's the Digitech Whammy or the Electro-Harmonix POG, these pedals add weight and texture to his playing, making a single guitar sound like a whole band.
What Strings and Tuning Does Jack White Use?
Jack White often uses heavy-gauge strings, usually .011s or .012s, to help create his thick, punchy tone. He frequently plays in standard tuning but also experiments with open tunings, like Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E) for slide playing.
Does Jack White Play With a Slide?
Yes! Jack White frequently uses a bottleneck slide to create his signature gritty, bluesy sound. He often plays in open tunings, like Open A and Open G, to make slide playing more fluid. Songs like Seven Nation Army (live versions), Icky Thump, and Death Letter showcase his slide guitar skills. He typically uses a metal or glass slide on his resonator guitars and electric guitars for that raw, wailing tone.
Conclusion
Jack White's guitar tone is as bold and unpolished as his playing style. From his early days with The White Stripes to his recent solo work, his gear has evolved, but his approach has stayed the same—loud, raw, and full of character. His choice of amps, pedals, and guitars isn't about chasing perfection. It's about finding tools that inspire him to play without hesitation.
If you want to capture some of that magic, start by experimenting. Crank up a vintage-style amp, throw in a boost or fuzz pedal, and don't be afraid to push your gear to its limits. The most important part of Jack White's tone isn't the equipment—it's the energy behind it. Play like you mean it, and the rest will follow.
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