The whammy bar, also known as the tremolo arm, is a versatile tool that can add a wide range of expressive effects to your electric guitar playing. It can be used to create subtle vibrato, dramatic dive bombs, and even otherworldly soundscapes. While it may seem intimidating at first, learning how to use a whammy bar is actually quite simple. With a little practice, you’ll be able to incorporate this expressive tool into your playing and add a whole new dimension to your sound.
Basic Techniques:
Vibrato: Vibrato is a subtle fluctuation in pitch that can add warmth and expression to your playing. To create vibrato with a whammy bar, gently push or pull the bar while holding a note. The amount of vibrato you use will depend on the style of music you’re playing and your personal preference.
Dive Bombs: Dive bombs are dramatic dips in pitch that can create a sense of excitement and intensity. To perform a dive bomb, quickly push the whammy bar all the way down. You can also experiment with different speeds and depths to create different effects.
Harmonics: Harmonics are high-pitched overtones that can add a shimmering quality to your sound. To create harmonics with a whammy bar, lightly touch the string above the fret you’re fretting and then gently push or pull the bar.
Tips for Using a Whammy Bar:
Start Slowly: When you’re first starting out, it’s important to use the whammy bar gently and sparingly. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with more aggressive techniques.
Tune Your Guitar Regularly: Using a whammy bar can put extra stress on your guitar’s tuning, so it’s important to tune your guitar regularly.
Use a Floating Bridge: If you want to be able to pull up on the whammy bar as well as push down, you’ll need a guitar with a floating bridge.
Experiment and Have Fun: The whammy bar is a versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. Experiment with different techniques and see what you can come up with.
Practice Makes Perfect: As with any new technique, using a whammy bar takes practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with it.
Famous Whammy Bar Users:
Many famous guitarists have used the whammy bar to create their signature sounds. Some notable examples include:
Jimi Hendrix
Eddie Van Halen
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Tom Morello
Conclusion:
The whammy bar is a powerful tool that can add a whole new dimension to your electric guitar playing. With a little practice, you can master this expressive technique and create a wide range of sounds. So grab your guitar, plug in your amp, and start experimenting with the whammy bar today!
