Paul Gilbert's Pedalboard
Paul Gilbert is one of the most technically gifted guitarists alive, best known as co-founder of Mr. Big and a graduate of GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology) — the school he attended at age 15. His picking technique is studied by guitarists worldwide: a combination of strict alternate picking, economy picking, and string skipping executed at speeds that still seem impossible even when slowed down. Gilbert's approach to gear reflects his playing philosophy: get the best tone possible with minimal coloration. His signal chain is deliberately streamlined. He primarily plays his Ibanez PGM signature series — identifiable by the painted-on F-holes — and runs through a Mesa/Boogie amp for his core gain. What makes Gilbert unique in the gear world is his 2020 collaboration with JHS Pedals to create the PG-14, a signature distortion pedal built around a FET circuit that emulates a pushed tube amp at any volume. The active mid-frequency preamp at the front of the circuit was designed specifically to his specifications. Search interest in Paul Gilbert pedalboard surged 18,850% — driven partly by rig rundown videos and his continued touring with Mr. Big and solo projects. Gilbert is also famously outspoken about tinnitus prevention, endorsing Direct Sound EX-29 isolation headphones and advocating for ear protection at all live shows.
Signature Sound
Blazing alternate-picked leads with a warm, tube-like distortion — equal parts aggression and melodic clarity
Famous Songs
Every Pedal on the Board
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Paul Gilbert's 2020 signature pedal with JHS — a FET-based distortion engine designed to sound and feel like a pushed tube amp. Active mid-frequency preamp at the front gives enormous tonal range. The DS-1 is a classic alternative in the hard-clipping distortion category.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Gilbert is known for creative whammy abuse — pitch shifting during solos for dramatic effect. He stopped using a whammy bar on his guitars but kept the Whammy pedal for those pitch-shifted moments. POG2 covers octave and pitch territory.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
MXR Phase 90
$89
“Classic phaser for sweeping modulation on clean passages — exact match in our database. Gilbert uses it selectively to add movement without muddying his articulate picking.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Analog chorus for clean tone warmth — adds shimmer to arpeggiated passages. CE-5 is the modern Boss chorus equivalent with similar warm character.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Straightforward digital delay for depth on solos — Gilbert keeps it simple, using delay for texture rather than as a compositional tool. DD-7 is the direct successor.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Standard tuner — exact match in our database. Essential for staying in tune across his many different Ibanez guitars mid-set.”
Total Rig Cost (affordable alternatives)
$827
More Famous Pedalboards
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedals does Paul Gilbert use?
Paul Gilbert is known for using JHS PG-14, DigiTech Whammy, MXR Phase 90, Boss CE-2 Chorus, among others. See the full breakdown above with affordable alternatives.
How much does Paul Gilbert's pedalboard cost to recreate?
Recreating Paul Gilbert's rig with affordable alternatives costs around $827. The original pedals — especially vintage or signature models — can cost significantly more.
Can I get Paul Gilbert's tone on a budget?
Yes — each pedal above includes an affordable "Our Pick" alternative that captures the essential character of Paul Gilbert's sound. Focus on the 2-3 most important pedals first.
What amp does Paul Gilbert use?
Paul Gilbert's amp is a crucial part of their tone. While we focus on pedals here, check our signal chain guide for how pedal order affects your amp interaction.