The Wah-Wah Pedal

Author Bio:  * Has played in the prog rock band Frequency * Has been with Guitar Excellence since 2006 * Has been teaching all ages from beginner to advanced for 4 years * He can headbang and play at the same time * Is a Rock and Shred specialist * Fluent in all styles including Spanish and Flamenco * He can play “Guitar Hero” on expert

The Wah- Wah Pedal is a guitar effects pedal that alters the tone of the guitar by sweeping the peak response of a filter between bass and treble.

The first pedal ever created was by Warwick Electronics Inc in November 1966 and has since then become very popular. Today there are many companies producing various types of Wah pedals, but the most popular companies seem to be Dunlop with their “Cry Baby” series, Vox, Morley and Ibanez. Instead of only the volume type pedal, many Wahs now also have various switches to increase the types of sounds one can get from single pedal, notably Ibanez’s Weeping Demon.

The Wah is often used in solos as many people find it adds an more expression to single note lines, but can also be used in rhythms, especially the more percussive style rhythms as found in Funk music. It is also used to bring certain frequencies to the front to make the guitar stand out more in a mix.

In terms of the effects chain, the Wah Pedal can be placed almost anywhere. However, vastly different results will be achieved depending on where it is placed. Hence, experimentation will be required until you achieve your desired tone.

The Wah Pedal has also been used on other instruments such as Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Trumpets and Saxophones and the Violin.

Some guitarists that use the Wah Pedal include:

Jimi Hendrix – “Voodo Child (Slight Return)”

Eric Clapton- “I shot the sheriff”

Slash- In many of his solos with Guns’n’Roses and Velvet Revolver

Kirk Hammett- Extensively on the “Black” album.

Zakk Wylde- In nearly every song.

Tom Morello- “Bomb Track”