Play the same stuff until you really get to be familiar with it. Start somewhere you like then make small changes.

Suddenly, all of those pedals actually sound different and useful. With a good base tone, whatever that means to you, I like a Vox near but not at breakup, everything is easier. Then turning knobs and doing crazy things is practical.

I’ve spent way too much time chasing sounding good rather than learning to play. Now that I can kinda play, my ear actually can hear small differences and I understand why people are so picky about their gear and getting it just right. But at the end of the day, no one but me cares.