Other Functions
Another function of the pedal is to use it to boost certain frequencies by keeping it in a single position, emphasizing the "sweet spot" in the tonal spectrum of an instrument.
The preeminent electric guitar player to use the pedal in this way was Jimi Hendrix who revolutionized the way it was applied using the combination of Fender Stratocaster with stacked Marshall Amplifiers (in both static and modulated mode) for lead/rhythm guitar applications unheard of prior to Hendrix. According to Del Casher, Hendrix learned about the pedal from Frank Zappa, another well-known early user. Milestones of this signature guitar and amplifier combination include songs such as "Voodoo Child ( Slight Return )" as well as the "Star Spangled Banner" which was played by Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969.
Michael Schenker also utilized the pedal in his work.
Mick Ronson used a CryBaby for the same purpose while recording The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
An envelope filter or envelope follower is often referred to as an auto-wah or T-wah--"T" as in "triggered" by the input signal's amplitude.
Another famous style of wah-wah playing is utilizing it for a percussive "wacka-wacka" effect by muting strings and moving the pedal at the same time. This was first heard on a song "Little Miss Lover" (1967) by Jimi Hendrix Experience. One of the most famous uses of this effect is heard on Isaac Hayes's "Theme from Shaft" (1971), Charles Pitts on guitar.
Read more about this topic: Wah-wah Pedal
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