Premier Guitar stands as a prominent media company catering to guitar enthusiasts worldwide. In January 2022, they had the privilege of acquiring a JAM Pedals Wahcko and showcasing the remarkable qualities of this wah pedal. In a comprehensive guide presented by Premier Guitar's very own Nikos Arvanitis, they skillfully demonstrate seven techniques to harness the full potential of this revered device.

Premier Guitar's commentary on the JAM Pedals Wahcko can be found on their YouTube channel, where they express their insights and observations about this exceptional pedal.

Using a JAM Pedals Whacko, a Tele, and a Fender Deluxe, Nikos starts by explaining the wah's basic function as a filter: heel down accents low tones, heel up accentuates highs.  Simple enough for the wah novice.  Then, Nikos demos how to use the pedal as a textural instrument, while playing hammer ons and pull offs. (Hint: sweep the pedal slowly!)

Next up is the classic whacka whacka that gives this JAM Pedal Wahcko its name.  This one requires a good sense of rhythm, so pull out the metronome if you're uncertain.  Emphasising single notes and bends comes next.  It's a way to lend your playing a vowel like quality.

Jazz chord wah wah?  Sure, especially with an ample helping of reverb (Think Skip Pitts’ brilliant work on “Theme from Shaft.”). To use the wah's EQ purely as a filter, find a setting where you dig the tone, set it, and wail.  This is something bluesman Albert Collins did on some of his earlier recordings, to get his frosty tone.

For big, distorted chords, move the wah slowly through its range while they sustain for an arresting new flavor in your sound.  If you don't have a wah handy, consider using your guitar’s tone knob to approximate the effect.

Finally, remember not to overuse the wah. You want to preserve the element of surprises for your listeners.  Want to continue your wah ucation?  Check out our Rig Rundown with Steve Vai and Tom Morello, or our feature on bluesman Herman Hitson.  Of course, you can do your homework by listening to recordings, too.  Start with Jimi Hendrix ("Voodoo Chile") and work your way up through Kirk Hammett ("No Remorse,” “Enter Sandman"), and that’s just the Hs.

For more great demo's, please check out Premier Guitar's Youtube channel by clicking PREMIER.

For more information on the JAM Pedals Wahcko and other effects pedals within the JAM Pedals range, please click ART FOR YOUR EARS.

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