ここから本文です

[Beginner-Friendly] Part 3 - Pedalboard Gems: A Slightly Nerdy Effects Pedal Guide: Wah Pedals

2025-08-12

Theme:Guitars

Part 3 is all about wah pedals! In this installment, I’d like to cover the basic effect of wah pedals and important tips for actually using them (this part is key!).

[For Beginners] Pedalboard Gems: A Slightly Nerdy Effects Pedal Guides
Part 1: Overdrive Pedals
Part 2: Distortion Pedals
Part 3: Wah Pedals
Part 4: Phaser Pedals
Part 5: Patch Cables
Part 6: Power Adapters

☆ What is a Wah Pedal?

A wah pedal is an effects unit that boosts a specific frequency range depending on the position of the pedal. By moving the pedal, you can shift the boosted frequency in real time, from low to high.

低域・高域を強調の図

It’s commonly used in emotionally charged, wild guitar solos or funky rhythm comping. You can hear this effect in many well-known songs.

☆ How to Use a Wah Pedal

There are two main ways to use a wah pedal.
There are two main ways to use a wah pedal.

If you're also using distortion effects, the position of the wah in your signal chain will significantly affect the tone. The orthodox way to set it up is before the guitar, but placing it after distortion will produce a more intense effect and a wilder sound. Try both to see what suits your style.

That’s the basic explanation thus far. Now, here’s the “slightly nerdy” point that every beginner should definitely read!
Often, beginners come to me saying things like, “I can’t turn the wah ON or OFF,” or “No sound is coming out.” In most cases, the problem is that the switch isn’t being pressed properly.
The wah pedal is designed so that you move the pedal to apply the effect, but the ON/OFF switch is made intentionally hard to press to avoid accidentally turning it on or off. This is the part I’m talking about!

Although the shape differs depending on the manufacturer, there is a spacer made of a moderately firm material installed here. You have to press down firmly enough to compress this spacer to activate the switch.

There’s also a technique for stepping on it. It might sound extreme, but if you’re struggling to operate it smoothly, try the following method.

NGパターン OKパターンの図

An incorrect way to step is to press down at a shallow angle, which means the force doesn’t fully reach the switch. This often happens when practicing while sitting on a chair.

Also, sometimes when you press the switch, the sound suddenly cuts out. This can happen if the pedal is pressed halfway, leaving it in a state that’s neither fully ON nor OFF. When this happens, no sound comes out!! (Yikes!) But don’t worry, the pedal isn’t broken. Just press the switch firmly again.
It might take a little more practice than other effects pedals, but I think there’s no other effect as reliable and fun as this one. Everyone, let’s start a fun (puzzling) wah pedal life!

○ Recommended Classic Wah Wah Pedals

JIM DUNLOP / GCB-95 CRYBABY WAH WAH

JIM DUNLOP / GCB-95 CRYBABY WAH WAH

Great compatibility with distortion, perfect for playing rock solos!

VOX / V847-A Wah Wah Pedal

VOX / V847-A Wah Wah Pedal

Slightly smoother effect than the Cry Baby. If you mainly use clean sounds, this is a good choice!

→ Wah Wah Pedals / Auto Wah List

☆ Switchless Models

The wah pedals introduced above typically require manual switching, but there are also switchless models that anyone can easily turn ON/OFF. These pedals activate the effect as soon as you step on them and automatically turn off when you lift your foot, returning to the default position.
They eliminate issues like missteps or getting stuck in a half-pressed state, so I highly recommend them for live performers.
While they seem to have only advantages, there are some downsides, such as the inability to instantly toggle ON/OFF or difficulty using the half-pressed technique.
Also, because of the built-in return spring, the pedal action tends to feel stiffer, which can be a matter of personal preference.
It's best to try them out in person and choose one that suits your playing style.

○ Recommended Switchless Wah Pedals

MORLEY / 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah

MORLEY / 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah

BEHRINGER / HB01 Hellbabe Wah Pedal

BEHRINGER / HB01 Hellbabe Wah Pedal

☆ By the way

Sound House’s brand Playtech also offers a wah pedal. But this isn’t just any wah pedal—it’s a 2-in-1 pedal that combines a wah function and a volume pedal all in one unit!
The switching between wah and volume functions works just like a regular wah pedal by pressing down on the pedal.
If you're considering any of the four models above, why not add this one to your list as well?

PLAYTECH / Libra Wah – Wah/Volume Pedal

PLAYTECH / Libra Wah – Wahwah/Volume Pedal

( 2018-02-05 published 2025-08-12 updated )

sound

サウンドハウススタッフによるブログです。 ここでしか聞けない、サウンドハウスのスタッフだからお届けできる、とっておき情報が満載です!本音トークもあるよ♪

PLAYTECH / Libra wah ワウ/ボリュームペダル

PLAYTECH

Libra wah ワウ/ボリュームペダル

¥6,980(incl. tax)

ギターエフェクター、ワウ、ボリュームペダル

Rating00111

ブログ有り

在庫あり

Qty

BEHRINGER / HB01 Hellbabe

BEHRINGER

HB01 Hellbabe

¥7,480(incl. tax)

Guitar effector, wah pedal

Rating00001

ブログ有り 動画有り

在庫あり

Qty

JIM DUNLOP / GCB-95 CRYBABY WAH WAH

JIM DUNLOP

GCB-95 CRYBABY WAH WAH

¥14,400(incl. tax)

Guitar effector, wah pedal, original cry baby

Rating000005

ブログ有り

在庫あり

Qty

MORLEY / 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah

MORLEY

20/20 Bad Horsie Wah

¥31,900(incl. tax)

Guitar Effector, Wah Pedal, Bad Horsie 2

Rating00001

ブログ有り

在庫あり

Qty

VOX / V847-A  ワウペダル

VOX

V847-A  ワウペダル

¥14,800(incl. tax)

Guitar effector, wah pedal

Rating000005

ブログ有り 動画有り

在庫あり

Qty
 
 
 

Categories

Translated articles

Calendar

2025/8

  • S
  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31

Search by Brand

Brand List
FACEBOOK LINE YouTube X Instagram TikTok