How to Use an Electric Guitar Whammy Bar

So you’ve got your electric guitar strapped on, and you’re ready to unleash some epic sounds. But there’s this little lever dangling off the bridge, and you’re not quite sure what to do with it. Yep, that’s the whammy bar, and it can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you use it. Let’s break down how to make that whammy bar work for you, adding some serious flair to your playing.

The Basics of the Whammy Bar

The whammy bar, also known as a tremolo arm, is a lever attached to the bridge of an electric guitar. When you push or pull the bar, it changes the tension of the strings, altering the pitch. This can create anything from subtle vibrato effects to wild dive bombs. But before you go all-in, it’s crucial to understand how it works and what it can do.

Most whammy bars are part of a floating bridge system, like the famous Floyd Rose or a vintage-style tremolo on a Stratocaster. These systems allow for a range of motion, both up and down. The degree of movement depends on the setup of your guitar and the type of tremolo system you have.

Now, the thing with whammy bars is they can take a bit of getting used to. Pull too hard, and you might break a string; don’t pull enough, and you won’t get that awesome pitch shift you’re after. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.

Getting Comfortable with Your Whammy Bar

Before you start experimenting with techniques, you need to get comfortable with how your whammy bar feels. It might sound silly, but treat it like an extension of your hand. Spend some time just pushing and pulling gently to get a feel for the resistance and how much pressure is needed to change the pitch.

• Light Touch: Start with a light touch. Press down slightly and listen to how the pitch changes. This will help you understand how much force is needed for slight vibrato effects.
• Pushing Down: For a more dramatic effect, push the bar down further. This will lower the pitch significantly, perfect for those swooping dive bombs.
• Pushing Up: If your bridge allows, try pulling the bar up. This raises the pitch and can create a different kind of tension in your playing.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend some time just messing around with the bar without worrying about playing anything specific. The more familiar you are with its action, the easier it’ll be to incorporate into your playing.

Adding Vibrato with the Whammy Bar

Vibrato is the subtle oscillation of a note’s pitch, and it’s traditionally done with your fretting hand. But the whammy bar can add a unique flavor to your vibrato, especially for sustained notes or chords.

To add vibrato with the bar:

1. Play a note or chord and let it ring out.
2. Gently push the whammy bar down and release it slowly, creating a slight pitch variation.
3. Experiment with the speed and depth of your movements to find a vibrato style that suits you.

This technique can add an expressive quality to your solos or even enhance your rhythm playing. It’s all about adding that extra bit of emotion to your sound.

Dive Bombs: The Classic Whammy Bar Trick

If there’s one whammy bar trick that every guitarist wants to master, it’s the dive bomb. This technique has been a staple in rock and metal for decades, made famous by legends like Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai.

Here’s how to nail it:

1. Play a note, usually on the lower strings for a deeper effect.
2. Quickly push the whammy bar all the way down, dropping the pitch dramatically.
3. Hold the bar down for a moment, then release it back to its original position.

The dive bomb can be used as a dramatic effect in solos or to add intensity to a riff. It’s all about timing and making sure you’re ready to bring that pitch back up at the right moment.

For a more controlled dive bomb, you might want to consider using a Riffhard lesson. Our instructors can walk you through the nuances, helping you nail the technique without overdoing it.

Harmonics and Whammy Bar: A Match Made in Heaven

Combining harmonics with the whammy bar can create some truly mind-bending sounds. Natural harmonics are those bell-like tones you get when you lightly touch certain frets. When you add the whammy bar into the mix, you can create some seriously cool effects.

To do this:

1. Find a natural harmonic, typically around the 5th, 7th, or 12th fret.
2. Pluck the string lightly to let the harmonic ring out.
3. Use the whammy bar to either dip the pitch down or raise it, depending on your desired effect.

This combination can be used for everything from eerie, atmospheric sounds to explosive, attention-grabbing effects. It’s perfect for adding a unique touch to your solos or creating interesting soundscapes in your music.

Integrating the Whammy Bar into Your Metal Playing

In metal, the whammy bar isn’t just an accessory; it’s a tool for adding aggression and flair to your playing. Whether it’s a blistering solo or a heavy riff, the whammy bar can enhance your sound in several ways.

• Adding Drama: Use the bar to add dramatic swoops and dives in your solos. It can emphasize key moments and make your lead playing more dynamic.
• Riff Accents: Add subtle whammy bar touches to your rhythm parts to create tension or highlight certain chords. This can add a new dimension to your riffs.
• Squeal Alert: Combine pinch harmonics with the whammy bar for those iconic squeals that pierce through the mix.

At Riffhard, our lessons dive deep into these techniques, with guidance from top metal guitarists. They can show you how to incorporate the whammy bar into your playing without overpowering your sound.

Whammy Bar Maintenance Tips

Like any part of your guitar, the whammy bar and the tremolo system require care to keep them functioning smoothly. If you’ve ever dealt with tuning issues or a squeaky bar, you know how frustrating it can be. Here are some tips to keep everything in top shape:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: A little lubrication on the pivot points can prevent squeaks and keep the action smooth.
• Check Tuning Stability: If your guitar goes out of tune easily, consider installing locking tuners or a locking nut, especially if you use the whammy bar frequently.
• Adjust Spring Tension: The tension of the springs in the back of your guitar affects how the whammy bar feels. Adjusting them can make the bar more responsive to your touch.

It’s worth taking a lesson or two on maintaining your guitar if you’re serious about using the whammy bar effectively. Our instructors at Riffhard can guide you through the process, ensuring your instrument always plays at its best.

Experimenting with Effects and the Whammy Bar

The whammy bar is a playground for creativity, especially when combined with effects pedals. Distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation effects can all be enhanced with some creative whammy bar use.

• Distortion and Drive: The whammy bar can add an extra layer of chaos to your distorted sounds, perfect for metal and rock.
• Delay Effects: Using the whammy bar with delay can create haunting, cascading echoes that are perfect for ambient sections.
• Reverb and Modulation: Add a touch of reverb or chorus and let the whammy bar create lush, swirling soundscapes.

Exploring these combinations can lead to new musical discoveries. It’s all about trying new things and finding what works for your style.

Building Confidence with Whammy Bar Techniques

Like any guitar technique, using the whammy bar takes practice and patience. Start slow, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you experiment, the more confident you’ll become in using it as a part of your musical expression.

Consider dedicating a portion of your practice routine to whammy bar techniques. Use a metronome to keep time and ensure you’re not rushing through techniques. At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed to help you nail your timing, even when you’re experimenting with the whammy bar.

Remember, every great guitarist started exactly where you are now—curious and ready to learn. With some dedication and creativity, you’ll be able to incorporate the whammy bar into your playing in ways you never imagined.

Final Thoughts

The whammy bar is a powerful tool in your guitar arsenal, capable of transforming your playing from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re adding subtle vibrato or launching into a face-melting dive bomb, it’s all about practice and experimentation. At Riffhard, our lessons can help you refine your technique and explore the full potential of the whammy bar. Dive in, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with it!