5 Best Wah Pedals for Metal

75% of users selected Dunlop GCB 95 Cry Baby, 6.25% selected Dunlop CBM 95 Cry Baby, 6.25% selected Mooer WCW 1 Wah Pedal, 6.25% selected MOOER Free Step Pedal and 6.25% selected Rocktron Wah Pedal. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

There’s no question that Wah Pedals are an essential tool for metal guitarists. They allow you to create those signature vocal-like sounds that can make or break a metal solo. With all of the different Wah Pedals on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. This epic guide will take a look at some of the best Wah Pedals for metal and give you our honest opinions about them. It will also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your Wah Pedal!

JIM DUNLOP Cry Baby Standard Wah (GCB95)

This heavy-duty wah pedal is built to last, with a die cast construction that makes it durable enough to withstand even the most rigorous of performances. It also features a universal design that makes it pleasant to the ear, no matter what type of music you’re playing.
This device can be powered by either an AC adapter or a 9-volt battery, so you can take it with you wherever you go. And if you want to add sustain and create feedback of a desired overtone, the Cry Baby Wah is perfect for you.

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Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby® Mini Wah Pedal

The CBM95 also features true bypass switching for crystal-clear tone when you need it most. And at just under 4”x2”, it’s easy to transport and takes up minimal space on your board. Equipped with the legendary Fasel inductor, the CBM95 gives you that unmistakable wah sound that has defined generations of music.
Plus, its low current draw means you can use it all night long without fear of running out of power. Whether you’re playing live or in the studio, the Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah Pedal is sure to become a mainstay in your rig.

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Mooer Audio Multi-Function Effects Wah Pedal

This incredible pedal is made with a solid metal shell and features true bypass, touch-sensitive on/off operation, and a mini-size footprint that’s perfect for saving space on your board. Plus, it comes equipped with an extendable pedal ring and a 9-V power supply.
Thanks to its large contact area between the foot and the pedal, you’ll enjoy smoothness of tone like never before. Finally, the LED light indicator makes it easy to see when the pedal is engaged.

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MOOER Free Step Guitar Wah and Volume Pedal

This pedal also doubles as a wah and volume pedal, letting you achieve the perfect tone every time. The minimum volume can be adjusted between 0% – 50% to suit your preference, and the pedal retains every nuance and detail of the original tone. With smooth, seamless volume control, this pedal is ideal for all players.
The wah-effect mode lets you get creative with your sound, while the 3-Way slide switch offers two operating modes for even more flexibility. There’s also a Q Range knob that lets you adjust the tone of the wah effect, making it perfect for any style of music.

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Rocktron Wah Guitar Pedal

The easy-access battery compartment also makes it easy to keep your pedal running, while the frequency sweep and pedal tensioner adjustment make sure you always sound your best. The metal chassis ensures this pedal will last through any performance, with low noise transistors to keep your signal clean.
Finally, the current consumption of 35 mA means you’ll never have to worry about power issues on stage. Whether you’re playing bass or acoustic guitar, the Rocktron Wah Wah Guitar Pedal provides sweet vintage wah tones that are perfect for any rock or metal performance.

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Buyer’s Guide

What is the history behind the Wah Pedal?

The Wah Pedal is a guitar effects pedal that alters the tone and sound of your instrument. The pedal was first created in the 1960s by guitarist Jim Dunlop, who named it after the “wah-wah” sound it creates. The Wah Pedal has since become a staple in the world of rock and metal music and is often used to create funky, wailing sounds during solos and improvisations.

In general, Wah Pedals can be used to add extra expression and dynamics to your playing. They’re great for soloing, as they allow you to quickly change the tone of your guitar without having to resort to using your hands. Additionally, Wah Pedals can be used for rhythm playing by adding extra texture and color to your chords and riffs [1].

How to choose the best Wah Pedal for you?

When looking for the best Wah Pedal for Metal, there are a few things you need to consider. The first consideration is what type of music do you want to play? If you’re playing classic rock or blues, then a basic Wah pedal may be all you need. However, if you’re wanting to shred on some metal riffs, then you will need something more powerful with increased features. Finally, think about how much space you have on your pedalboard.

What Genres Of Music Does This Affect Work Well With?

Wah Pedals are an essential effect for metal music. They can be used to create a wide range of sounds and tones, from subtlety to extreme distortion. Some specific genres that this pedal works particularly well with include Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal, Progressive Metal, and Doom Metal.

However, Wah Pedals can also be used for other styles of music such as Rock, Blues, and Jazz. It all depends on what type of sound you are trying to achieve.

You may be surprised at the different types of noises you can create simply by using your foot!

How Does A Wah Pedal Work?

The Wah Pedal is a type of effect pedal that alters the sound of your guitar by altering the frequency response. This means that it changes the tone and sound of your instrument, which can be used to create a wide range of different effects.

Essentially, when you activate the Wah Pedal, it opens up a bandpass filter that lets through certain frequencies while blocking others. This creates the distinctive wah-wah sound that is so popular in rock and metal music.

You can control the intensity of the effect by how much you move your foot on the pedal, and this allows you to create sounds that range from subtlety to extreme distortion. Experiment with different settings and see what works best for you!

Who Invented It?

The Wah Pedal was first invented in the 1960s by a man named Jim Dunlop. He came up with the idea while working as a session musician for bands like The Who and Cream.

Since then, it has become an essential effect for metal music and is used by guitarists all over the world to create unique sounds and tones. If you’re looking to add some extra power to your metal riffs, then a Wah Pedal is the perfect way to do it!

How To Set Up a Wah Pedal?

Setting up a Wah Pedal can be a little bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to use. The first thing you need to do is find a spot on your pedalboard for it.

Then, connect the input and output cables from the pedal to your guitar and amplifier. Next, turn on your amp and guitar, and set the volume levels to about halfway. Finally, activate the Wah Pedal by stepping on it with your foot and rock out!

If you want to create more extreme sounds, you can experiment with different settings on your amp or guitar. Just remember that it takes some practice to get used to using a Wah Pedal, so don’t give up if you don’t get the hang of it at first!

Where should my Wah Pedal go in my signal chain?

Your Wah Pedal should always come after your distortion pedal to achieve the classic wah sound. If you put it before, your distortion will be too muddy and undefined.

You don’t want those effects washing out your Wah tone!

Some people like to place their compressor before their distortion pedals to help tame any harshness that may occur when using a lot of gains. However, if you’re looking for an aggressive metal tone, try putting the compressor after your distortions. This will help keep your guitar sounding powerful and thick even with lots of sustain and overdrive happening simultaneously. Experiment with different positions in your signal chain and see what works best for you!

True vs buffered bypass

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a Wah Pedal is whether it has a true or buffered bypass. True bypass pedals keep your tone completely intact when they’re not engaged, while buffered bypass pedals add a small amount of coloration to your signal. If you’re planning on using multiple pedals in your chain, or if you have a vintage amp that can be particularly finicky about impedance, then you’ll want to opt for a pedal with true bypass.

If you don’t have any particular preference, it would be recommended to go with a pedal that has both true and buffered bypass options so that you can switch between them as needed. Many Wahs nowadays come with this feature [2].

How to use a Wah Pedal?

Emphasize the right notes

A Wah Pedal is a great addition to any metal guitarist’s gear arsenal, but it can be tricky to get the most out of this unique effect. To make sure you’re using your Wah Pedal correctly and emphasizing the right notes, keep these tips in mind:

• Start by finding the “sweet spot” for your pedal. This is usually around the noon position. Experiment with moving it back and forth to see what sounds best to you.
• When playing chords, try not to activate the Wah Pedal until after at least one note has been played. If all of the notes are being wah’d at once, it will be difficult to discern which ones are coming from the pedal.
• When soloing, use the Wah Pedal to accentuate certain notes in your phrases. For example, if you’re playing a lick that ends on the high E string, activate the Wah Pedal just as you hit that note to make it stand out.
• Be careful not to overuse the Wah Pedal. Like any effect, too much of it can be overwhelming and sound messy. Use discretion and experiment until you find what works best for you.

With these tips in mind, start experimenting with your Wah Pedal and see how metalish sounds can enhance your music [3]!

Use it as a filter effect pedal

Another great way to use a Wah Pedal is as a filter effect pedal. By activating the pedal at different points in your signal chain, you can get some cool sounds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Try putting the Wah Pedal first in the chain, just after your guitar. This will create an exaggerated sound that can be used for solos or funky rhythms.
• If you place it after distortion pedals, it will act more like a traditional wah pedal, emphasizing certain notes and dampening others.
• If you put it before modulation effects (like chorus or flanger), it will create unique vocal-like textures that can add extra interest to your riffs and leads.

Add a consistent tremolo effect

One way to add some extra spice to your metal solos is to use a tremolo effect. By adding a tremolo pedal in front of your Wah Pedal, you can create a consistent “wah-wah” sound that will make your leads stand out from the crowd. Experiment with different speeds and intensities to find what sounds best for you.

Make percussive rhythms

The Wah Pedal can also be used to create percussive rhythms. By activating and deactivating the pedal quickly, you can create a staccato effect that will add some extra groove to your riffs. Try experimenting with different rhythms to see what works best for you.

When soloing, use the Wah Pedal to accentuate certain notes in your phrases. For example, if you’re playing a lick that ends on the high E string, activate the Wah Pedal just as you hit that note to make it stand out.

“Wah-wah.” Sounds familiar? Chances are, if you’ve been playing guitar for any length of time, you’re at least somewhat familiar with the Wah Pedal. This unique effect, which was made famous by Jimi Hendrix and other blues and rock players, is a great way to add some metallic sounds to your music.

What budget is required for a Wah Pedal?

A Wah Pedal can range in price from $30 to over $200. It is important to decide how much you want to spend on a Wah Pedal and find one that meets your needs. The more expensive the Wah Pedal, the higher quality it will be, usually with extra features. However, there are many great options for lower-priced pedals as well.

The price of the Wah Pedal can depend on what type of music you plan to use it for. If you are only going to use the pedal for metal, then a less expensive option may be best for you. However, if you want to use the Wah Pedal for other genres of music as well, you will likely want to invest in a higher-priced model.

Variables Affecting the Tone of a Wah Pedal

The tone of a Wah Pedal is determined by many factors. The most important of these are the type of pedal, the position of the pedal, and the settings on your amplifier.

The type of pedal can have a big impact on the tone. Some pedals emphasize treble frequencies while others emphasize bass frequencies. You’ll want to experiment with different pedals to find one that gives you the sound you’re looking for.

If you move the pedal forward, it will increase the number of low-frequency signals that are passed through to your amplifier. This can give you a heavier sound. If you move the pedal back, it will decrease the number of low-frequency signals that are passed through to your amplifier. This can give you a lighter sound.

You’ll also want to experiment with the settings on your amplifier. Some amplifiers have a built-in wah effect that you can use to customize your tone. Others allow you to adjust the intensity of the wah effect. You may also be able to adjust the frequency range that is affected by the Wah Pedal.
Variables Affecting the Tone of a Wah Pedal

FAQ

What Wah Pedal does Kirk Hammett use?

Kirk Hammett uses the Dunlop Crybaby Wah Pedal. This model is often recommended for metal players because of its high gain and tone options.

What Wah Pedal does Eddie Van Halen use?

Eddie Van Halen uses a variety of different wah pedals, but his signature model is the Vox Clyde McCoy Wah Pedal. This pedal has been discontinued, but can still be found on eBay or through vintage dealers. It features a unique voice control that allows you to adjust the tone of the pedal independently from the wah effect

What is the difference between a Wah Pedal and an Auto-Wah?

The main difference between a Wah Pedal and an Auto-Wah is that a Wah Pedal allows you to manually control the frequency of the effect, while an Auto-Wah will automatically adjust the frequency depending on the notes being played.

How do I use a Wah Pedal?

There is no one definitive way to use a Wah Pedal – it’s all about finding what works best for you. A good place to start is by experimenting with different positions for your foot on the pedal, as well as varying how much pressure you apply.

Do you really need a Wah Pedal?

While a Wah Pedal is not essential for metal, it can be a great addition to your rig. It can help you create more expressive solos and add extra dynamics to your playing. If you’re interested in learning more about Wah Pedals, check out the products below for some of the best options on the market.

Do all Wah Pedals sound the same?

No, Wah Pedals can vary significantly in terms of sound and tone. It’s important to experiment with a few different models until you find one that suits your style and taste.

Can you use a Cry Baby as an expression pedal?

Yes, you can use a Cry Baby as an expression pedal by connecting it to the expression input on your amplifier or effects processor. This will allow you to control the parameters of certain effects with your foot.

How many mA does a Cry Baby wah use?

The Cry Baby Wah Pedal uses between 100 and 250 mA, depending on the model. Make sure to check the specifications of your pedal to ensure it’s compatible with your power supply.

How can I make my Wah Pedal sound better?

There is no one definitive answer to this question – it all depends on your taste and style. A good way to start is by experimenting with the settings on your pedal, as well as the amp and guitar you’re using. You can also try different Wah Pedals to see if you prefer a certain sound or tone.

Why are Wah Pedals so noisy?

Wah Pedals can be noisy because of the nature of the effect. When you’re activating the pedal, it creates a lot of extra noise and distortion. This can be undesirable for some players, but it’s all about finding what works best for you.

Useful Video: Dunlop Signature Wah Shootout