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Passive and active volume control for dynamic swells and gain automation
Updated
A volume pedal lets you control guitar volume with your foot — essential for smooth swells, dynamic control during solos, and tap dancing in high-gain rigs.
This guide covers passive and active volume pedals with stereo and mono configurations. All picks include both volume control and expression capabilities. Prices are current used market rates (May–June 2026).
Best for: Gigging, touring, smooth swells, volume automation
The VP Jr. is the gold standard for passive volume control. No batteries, bullet-proof reliability, and smooth, responsive feel. Used by countless touring musicians.
Best for: Space-limited pedalboards, travel
The DVP1 is a compact version of the Ernie Ball VP Jr. Same passive, reliable character in a smaller footprint. Perfect for minimal pedalboards and touring.
Available now
Best for: Active pedal compatibility, gain staging
The FV-500H uses active electronics for high-impedance input compatibility. Works seamlessly with digital effects. Boss-grade build quality and reliability.
Available now
Best for: Vintage tone, optical control, tuner bypass
Morley's optical design is unique and responsive. Built-in tuner bypass lets you mute and tune at the same time. Great for players who use volume-based tone control.
Available now
Best for: Passive pedal boards, long cable runs
The FV-500L uses low-impedance input for compatibility with passive effects. Perfect if your pedalboard has passive pedals or long cable runs.
Available now
Best for: Budget option, synth/keyboard control
The EV-5 is small and affordable. Originally designed for synths, it works fine for volume control on guitar pedalboards with good feel.
Available now
Best for: Vintage tone, synth/guitar hybrid use
Moog's expression pedal is minimalist and smooth. Originally designed for vintage synthesizers, it translates beautifully to guitar volume and expression control.
Passive pedals use no batteries and work with any amp or effect. Active pedals use electronics for high/low impedance compatibility. Passive is simpler and more reliable; active offers gain staging control.
Yes. A volume pedal lets you control volume with your foot without taking hands off the fretboard. Essential for live play, especially in high-gain rigs where volume swells prevent feedback.
Yes. Volume should be first in your signal chain, right after the tuner. This way you control the overall level going into all your effects and amp.
Most volume pedals have stereo outputs that can be used as expression control for synths, keyboards, or compatible effects pedals. Check your specific model.
True bypass means when the pedal is off (fully counter-clockwise), your signal routes directly to the output without passing through the pedal circuitry. This prevents tone loss when volume is off.
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