whammy bar

[ wam-ee bahr, hwam-ee ]

noun

1. (on an electric guitar) a lever, usually attached to the bridge, that the player can press to increase tension in the strings: used to create vibrato, portamento, and other effects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whammy bar¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

He would simultaneously control the whammy bar, volume and tone control of the guitar which – with the combination of harmonics, off-fret slide and left-hand inflection – explored an orchestral range of sonic possibilities.

From Salon

He elaborated the use of distortion and feedback effects, earlier explored by Pete Townshend; intensified the effect of bending notes on the guitar; and widened the range of expression that could be coaxed from devices amended to the guitar like the whammy bar.

From New York Times

He was known for his improvising, love of harmonics and the whammy bar on his preferred guitar, the Fender Stratocaster.

From Seattle Times

He hammered on the neck of his custom “Frankenstrat” guitar, leaned on his whammy bar to create a wailing vibrato and popularized a technique known as two-hand tapping, in which he effectively added a sixth finger to his left hand.

From Seattle Times

With a concluding dive bomb – a pitch descent courtesy of subtle manipulation of the whammy bar, Van Halen ushered in a new era in electric guitar playing.

From Salon