11 Legendary Wah Pedal Guitar Solos in Rock History
The wah pedal is a legendary effect in rock guitar history, known for its distinctive sound that has shaped countless iconic solos. The Vox Clyde McCoy Wah-Wah Pedal, introduced in 1967, quickly became a favorite among virtuosos like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. Despite some critics arguing that the wah pedal can muddy a guitarist's tone, its innovative nature and unique sound have made it a staple in rock music. To celebrate this unique sound, we've compiled a list of the 11 best wah pedal guitar solos in rock history.
Joe Perry's wah-inflected solo on Aerosmith's "Reefer Head Woman" showcases his signature swagger and execution, despite the band's internal struggles during the recording of "Night in the Ruts."
Eddie Hazel's volcanic performance on Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain" captures raw emotion and anguish through his wah and fuzz pedal-driven solo, creating a cacophony of distorted brilliance.
Tony Iommi's speedy and precise wah-drenched licks on Black Sabbath's "Turn Up the Night" from the album "Mob Rules" demonstrate his mastery of heavy metal soloing and tone.
Steve Vai's iconic call-and-response wah usage on David Lee Roth's "Yankee Rose" showcases his unique approach to the pedal, stepping out of Eddie Van Halen's shadow with flair.
Kirk Hammett's chaotic and fast solo on Metallica's "Battery" highlights the wah pedal's potential for creating a mind-meltingly intense performance.
Joe Satriani's intergalactic solo on the title track of his album "Surfing With the Alien" combines wah, overdrive, and harmonizer pedals to create a mesmerizing and otherworldly sound.
Jimmy Page's abrasive and commanding wah solo on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" adds a unique texture to the track, showcasing his innovative use of the pedal.
Terry Kath's climactic wah-infused solo on Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" solidifies his reputation as one of the best guitarists of his time, earning praise from Jimi Hendrix himself.
Slash's tension-building and masterful wah-assisted solo on Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" cements his status as a guitar hero of the '80s, with memorable motifs and phrasing.
Eric Clapton's razor-sharp and fervent wah-drenched licks on Cream's "White Room" demonstrate his precision and newfound energy, reaffirming his status as a guitar god.
Jimi Hendrix's wah pedal mastery on "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" sets the gold standard for wah pedal freakouts, with explosive bends and contorted licks that remain unmatched even after nearly 60 years.
These guitar solos showcase the diverse and innovative ways in which the wah pedal has been used to create some of the most iconic moments in rock history. Celebrate the unique sound of the wah pedal with us by exploring these legendary performances.