DigiTech Whammy (Classic)
DigiTech · 1990
What It Is
The DigiTech Whammy is an expression-pedal-controlled pitch shifter introduced in 1990. It uses digital pitch shifting to transpose your signal in real time as you move the rocker pedal — in two-octave intervals, one-octave intervals, fifth intervals, and more. The 'Classic' model refers to the original design (as opposed to the Whammy Harmony model, which adds harmonized pitch shifting). The Whammy is not a harmonizer — it shifts the entire signal in pitch, tracking the rocker position continuously.
Tonal Character
Digital and unnatural in the best sense — the pitch shifting has an artificiality that is part of the effect's identity. Unlike a Floyd Rose tremolo, the Whammy can shift up as well as down, and it tracks continuously with the pedal position. Tom Morello's use of the Whammy (set to octave up, in combination with kill switch and other manipulation) created sounds that had not existed in guitar music before.
Found In
| Platform | Model Names |
|---|---|
| HeadRush | Wham |
| Line 6 Helix | Pitch Wham (Whammy emulation) |
Videos
Manual
View ManualFamous Uses
- →Tom Morello — Rage Against the Machine (defining use) — Rage Against the Machine (1992)
- →Jack White — The White Stripes
- →Dan Auerbach — The Black Keys
Best For
Controls Explained
Descriptions reflect the real-world gear these models are inspired by. Your modeler's implementation may vary. Use as a starting point — always trust your ears.
Rocker pedal
Controls the amount of pitch shift applied to the signal. At heel position (pedal back), the signal is at its original pitch (no effect). As the pedal moves toward toe position, the pitch shifts toward the interval set by the Mode selector. The speed of pedal movement creates the pitch-bending effect — slow movement produces gradual pitch glides; fast movement produces dramatic swoops. For dive bomb effects, start at heel position (dry) and sweep quickly to toe (full shift down). For screaming octave-up effects, the pedal is typically held at full toe position.
Mode selector
A rotary switch that selects the pitch interval. Options include: 2nd up, 3rd up, 4th up, 5th up, 7th up, octave up, 2 octaves up, 2nd down, 3rd down, 4th down, 5th down, octave down, 2 octaves down, and dive bomb (drops to maximum pitch shift then returns). Each interval produces a completely different character. The most famous settings are Octave Up (Tom Morello's standard setting) and Dive Bomb. The 5th interval creates a power-chord-like effect when played on single notes. Experiment with different intervals — the Whammy's mode selection is one of the most underexplored aspects of the pedal.
Bypass footswitch
Engages or bypasses the Whammy effect. When bypassed, the signal passes dry. When engaged, the pedal position determines the pitch shift. On a modeler, consider assigning the bypass to a footswitch and the rocker position to an expression pedal for full Whammy functionality.
Sample Configurations
Starting points for common tones — dial in from here.
| Name | Mode | Bypass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octave Up Lead | Octave Up | Engaged | The Tom Morello setting. Pedal at full toe for one octave up. Works best on single notes. |
| Dive Bomb | Dive Bomb | Engaged | Set to Dive Bomb mode. Sweep rapidly to toe for the full drop. |
| Harmony Fifth | 5th Up | Engaged | Fifth interval. Adds a power-chord-like harmony as the pedal moves. |