DigiTech Whammy

The DigiTech Whammy, first released in 1989, is one of the most iconic and innovative pitch-shifting pedals in music history. It was the first mass-market digital pitch shifter to use an expression pedal for real-time control, allowing players to bend pitch up or down by up to two octaves. Known for its distinctive "glitchy" sound, the Whammy became a staple for creating otherworldly tones and dramatic pitch effects. Over the years, DigiTech has released multiple iterations of the pedal, each adding new features like polyphonic tracking, MIDI control, and drop-tuning capabilities. Despite initial skepticism about its novelty, the Whammy has become a classic tool for guitarists across genres.

Historical Development

• Original Release (1989): The WH-1 introduced groundbreaking digital pitch-shifting technology with monophonic tracking and expressive control via a treadle.
• Subsequent Models: The Whammy II (1990s) added preset saving, while later versions like the Whammy IV (2000s) reintroduced the original red design with new features like MIDI control. The Whammy V V (2012) offered polyphonic tracking and selectable "Classic" or "Chords" modes.
• Legacy: The Whammy remains a benchmark for pitch-shifting effects, inspiring modern offshoots like the Drop and Ricochet pedals.

Notable Players

• Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine): Used the Whammy extensively for his signature octave-up solos on tracks like "Killing in the Name."
• Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead): Incorporated it into Radiohead's experimental soundscapes on songs like "My Iron Lung."
• Matt Bellamy (Muse): Heavily relies on it for pitch-shifting solos and effects in tracks like "New Born" and "Plug In Baby."
• Jack White (The White Stripes): Used it to create dramatic octave shifts in tracks like "Seven Nation Army."
• Dimebag Darrell (Pantera): Employed it for harmonized leads and octave effects in his aggressive metal playing.

Popular Settings

The Whammy's presets allow for a range of creative effects:

• Octave Up Lead: Set to +1 Octave for soaring solos or dramatic bends.
• Dive Bomb: Use the -2 Octave setting to emulate extreme Whammy bar drops.
• Harmonizer: Select intervals like +5th/-4th in harmony mode for dual-note textures.
• Detune Mode: Add subtle pitch modulation for chorus-like effects.

Legacy

The DigiTech Whammy has cemented its place as one of the most influential guitar pedals ever made. Its expressive pitch-shifting capabilities have been embraced by guitarists seeking unique tonal possibilities, from rock legends like Tom Morello to experimental artists like Jonny Greenwood. With its unmistakable sound and constant evolution, the Whammy continues to inspire musicians worldwide, remaining a cornerstone of modern effects pedal design.