plural wah-wahs
1
: a fluctuating muted effect produced on a brass instrument by use of a mute (see mute entry 2 sense 1) or on an electric guitar by use of a pedal (see pedal entry 1 sense 1b) connected to an amplifier
[Elizabeth] Start uses a lot of "effects"—trumpet wah-wahs, … glissandi galore.—John Y. Lawrence
… begins with funk guitar wah-wahs …—Philip Brandes
—often used before another nouna wah-wah effect
In 1931, [American jazz trumpeter Clyde McCoy] recorded "Sugar Blues," utilizing his muted wah-wah sound, which became his theme song.—William F. Lee
2
: a mute or pedal that is used to produce a wah-wah
He [Miles Davis] began to play his trumpet through the wah-wah, which Jimi [Hendrix] had used, trying to sound like Jimi.—Yunus Momoniat
When the … grinnin' bluesman kicks on a wah-wah during a band performance, it's almost too cool to bear.—Guitar Player
—often used before another nounA saxophonist clicks his keys; … a trumpeter manipulates a wah-wah mute; …—Alex Ross
The wah-wah pedal can be heard clearly at 2:15 during the third eight-bar section of Hendrix's longest guitar solo on this recording ["All Along the Watchtower"].—Timothy Rice and Dave Wilson
Cite this Entry
“Wah-wah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wah-wah. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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