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Guitar Effects Explained - Wah

by Mark Starlin

Also called a “wah-wah pedal”, the wah was one of the earliest effects designed for guitar players and has remained popular ever since. Basically, a wah uses a pedal and filter to sweep the tonal range from bass to treble, creating a vocal like “wah” sound. Some players also use them as a tone control leaving the pedal set at different settings to get different tones.

Typical Use

Wahs are often used to add a vocal sound to single notes. They also can be used to create funky rhythm parts, especially when used with muted strings. They work equally well with clean or distorted tones. Practically all of the rock guitar heroes (and many keyboard players as well) of the 1960’s and 70’s used them.

Suggested Units

Here are some wah pedals that have received good reviews and/or high ratings by players.

  • Dunlop 95Q Crybaby Wah Pedal
    Dunlop 95Q Crybaby Wah Pedal

    Dunlop has taken the original Crybaby and added the three most popular and requested upgrades: the famous Q" control, which varies the intensity of the wah effect by adjusting the effect's bandpass shape; the volume Boost, for up to +15 dB added gain; and Dunlop's Auto-Return function that automatically engages the effect when you place your foot on the pedal. The 95Q is a flexible tone monster that retains the original Crybaby's fast-reacting characteristics.Heavy die-cast steel construction. Q dial. Made in the USA.

    Available At Guitar Center

    Dunlop 95Q Crybaby Wah Pedal Standard

  • George Dennis GD30 Wah-Wah Pedal
    George Dennis GD30 Wah-Wah Pedal

    Based on Hendrix's superb wah sound with 21st-century quality technology. Exceptionally pronounced wah effects can also be switched to clean mode for a broad range of musical effects.

    Available At Guitar Center

    George Dennis GD30 Wah-Wah Pedal Standard

  • Vox Joe Satriani Big Bad Dual Wah
    Vox Joe Satriani Big Bad Dual Wah

    The Vox V848 Clyde McCoy Wah Wah Pedal is what a wah should sound like. The original made the sound of a muted trumpet, so Vox recruited trumpeter Clyde McCoy as an endorser. The reissue version is true to the original in most details, including the tone-critical part — a custom-tuned inductor made by the original manufacturer. It also has some modern enhancements such as a true bypass switch, a newly designed custom-taper potentiometer, and an AC adapter jack.

    Available At Guitar Center

    Vox Joe Satriani Big Bad Dual Wah Guitar Effects Pedal Standard

  • Budda BudWah Wah Pedal
    Budda BudWah Wah Pedal

    The Budda BudWah Wah Pedal uses a custom inductor that is voiced to produce the midrange honk of vintage wahs without the top-end harshness. At bass settings, the tone is thick and honky without losing note clarity. When accentuating the highs, a carefully selected roll-off frequency ensures the BudWah isn't piercing like many wahs. A tight and focused tone sweep produces an outstanding vocal-like quality. Circuitry features a hard-wire bypass; custom coil inductor inspired by the vintage Fasel inductor; full-ground plane board for noiseless operation; and a beefy, reliable switch.

    Available At Guitar Center

    Budda BudWah Wah Pedal Standard

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