Wah Pedals

Wah pedals are a lot of fun. Because they are controlled by your foot on a treadle, they uniquely feel like your personal expression as a guitar player - no two players wah alike.

One of the most recognisable guitar effects, wah pedals - often called ‘wah-wah’ pedals - are essentially a mid-boost with the ability to sweep between frequencies. The mid-boost is known as the ‘Q’ and can be either a narrow or wide frequency range. Rocking forward on the wah while playing a note creates a distinctive vocal sound.

The effect was introduced by Vox in the mid-60s. It was originally intended for wind instruments to mimic the sound of using a mute with a trumpet. However, it quickly became clear that it suited electric guitarists best!

Early adopters of the effect were Eric Clapton and, most notably, Jimi Hendrix, who iconically used a wah in the intro to ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’. Other famous users since then have included Isaac Hayes innovating the ‘whacka-whacka’ funk sound of the 70s in his theme song to ‘Shaft’ and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett who used the effect extensively in the 90s, memorably in the guitar solo in ‘Enter Sandman’.

Dunlop are the most famous modern manufacturers of wah pedals with their ubiquitous Cry Baby and numerous signature wahs. There are many more excellent options from Morley, Electro-Harmonix and, of course, Vox.

What makes wah pedals different?