How to Create Auto Wah Effects for the Electric Guitar

If you love Hendrix' record "Voodoo Child," it's probably because of the use of the wah-wah pedal. The '60s music popularized the sound on guitars that jazz trumpets and trombones made for years with hands, hats and mutes. Today you can create the guitar effect of the wah-wah foot pedal with other components.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Realize that the wah-wah foot pedal is still available but most people can't get the fast response that the auto wah gives. The guitar effects on some songs require the auto wah.

2. Know that the auto wah is different from an envelope detector or follower to detect the frequency. The auto wah plays a straight predefined rate that is much like evenly rocking the foot on a wah pedal. The envelope follower adjusts when you hit the strings and raises and lowers at each attack.

3. Discover several combinations of that use control, envelope followers and automatic wahs. When you want the effect of the wah, you need to decide the type of music that you play. Some people prefer the control of the foot pedal. You have options.

4. Find an electric guitar effect that has a touch sensitive wah. The harder you play, the more the filter opens. The reverse is also true when you play lightly.

5. Adjust the pattern by using different settings. You can create a multitude of guitar effects when you use an auto wah. You can change even the chain order.