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Many times in my childhood, I heard a particularly interesting sound of local guitarists in their homes or rehearsal rooms, which sounded very mysterious and deep. I believed this sound belongs to certain guitars.
I rarely heard this sound, but every time I did, there was something deep and innovative about it that I hadn’t heard before, and I was very attracted to its mysteries. It took me a few years to realize that this sound is external and originated from the WAH pedal.
2009, I purchased such a pedal but could not use it properly. I had to study to work with it to create a mysterious and deep sound like I had heard. It was hard to understand how to do that, and I gave up. Thirteen years later, I set it as a challenge and bought myself a new WAH pedal. I stopped every activity in my life to learn to use it.
Most guitarists prefer to use the natural and clean sound of the electric guitar, and some will use distortion according to the type of genre; what is certain is that most guitarists in the world, even those who are not famous and play in their private room, all experiment with the WAH pedal which is now defined as a prominent effect pedal in the landscape of effects available to guitarists.
This pedal can dynamically and expressively change the guitar’s tone. Over the years, well-known guitarists have used it in some of their songs, turning them into iconic multicultural hits. In this article, I will review the famous WAH pedal, examine its history, reveal famous songs that became hits due to this special effect, and show its diverse applications.
History shows that…
The WAH pedal, also known as the Wah-Wah pedal, was developed in the 1960s by engineer Brad Plunkett and musician Del Casher. They collaborated with the Thomas Organ Company to produce the first WAH pedal. This pedal was initially marketed to mimic the sound of a muted trumpet, but guitarists quickly adopted it for its unique tonal possibilities.
The WAH pedal changes the guitar’s frequency response, creating a unique howling or screaming effect. This effect is achieved by manipulating the foot-controlled pedal, emphasizing certain frequencies and dampening others. The result is an immersive and expressive sound that can range from subtle modulation to dramatic changes in tone.
Over the years, many guitarists have incorporated the WAH pedal into their playing, adding a warm and deep texture, emotion, and talent to their songs and performances. For this reason, the WAH pedal is a testament to guitarists’ ingenuity and creativity, offering a wide range of expression options.
The versatility of this pedal is evident in its use in different genres, from blues and rock to punk and metal. I’ve compiled ten famous songs that became hits that showcase the varied applications of the WAH pedal, from the pioneering work of Jimi Hendrix to the contemporary style of Joe Satriani and others.
You are going to have fun!
Jimi Hendrix – Often cited as one of the pioneers of WAH pedal usage, Hendrix utilized the pedal extensively in his iconic solos, notably in tracks like “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” and “Up from the Skies.”
Eric Clapton – Known for his soulful playing, Clapton employed the WAH pedal in songs like “White Room” by Cream, adding a dynamic edge to his blues-infused rock.
Slash—The legendary guitarist of Guns N’ Roses fame, Slash’s use of the WAH pedal is prominent in hits like “Sweet Child of Mine,” whose distinctive sound accentuates his fiery solos.
Kirk Hammett – As the lead guitarist of Metallica, Hammett introduced the WAH pedal to the world of metal, employing it in tracks like “Enter Sandman” to create searing, dynamic leads.
David Gilmour – A master of tone, Gilmour of Pink Floyd utilized the WAH pedal in classics like “Money” to add depth and character to his legendary solos.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Renowned for his virtuosic blues playing, Vaughan uses the WAH pedal in tracks like “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” showcasing his dynamic range and expressiveness.
Eddie Van Halen – A trailblazer in rock guitar, Van Halen incorporated the WAH pedal into his arsenal, notably in songs like “Unchained,” where it adds a distinctive flavor to his blistering solos.
John Frusciante – As the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, Frusciante utilized the WAH pedal in tracks like “Scar Tissue,” contributing to the band’s eclectic sound.
Buddy Guy – A blues icon, Buddy Guy’s use of the WAH pedal can be heard in tracks like “Stone Crazy,” which enhances his expressive playing and adds a touch of funk to his sound.
Joe Satriani – Known for his technical prowess and melodic sensibility. Satriani’s use of the WAH pedal is showcased in songs like “Satch Boogie,” which adds a dynamic dimension to his intricate solos.
As you can see, the uses are varied, and every guitarist has created a rich world of sounds with this pedal that has influenced many listeners worldwide.
Many don’t know that there are a wide variety of WAH pedals from different brands worldwide, which I will expand on in another article.
