whammy bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (low frequency, highly specialized)Technical/informal (musician's slang)
Quick answer
What does “whammy bar” mean?
A lever on an electric guitar that temporarily slackens the strings, producing a vibrato or pitch-bending effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lever on an electric guitar that temporarily slackens the strings, producing a vibrato or pitch-bending effect.
A term for any device on a stringed instrument used to alter pitch; by extension, in informal contexts, any lever or control that creates a sudden, dramatic effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term 'tremolo arm' is more common. 'Whammy bar' is strongly associated with American guitar terminology. The British term often refers to the entire unit, while 'whammy bar' can refer specifically to the protruding lever.
Connotations
US: Informal, evocative of rock guitar techniques. UK: Slightly more technical, but still informal within music circles.
Frequency
The term 'whammy bar' is understood by musicians worldwide but is used more frequently in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “whammy bar” in a Sentence
V + [the] + whammy bar (e.g., 'depress the whammy bar')Adj + whammy bar (e.g., 'locking whammy bar')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whammy bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He loves to whammy-bar the notes for that classic rock sound.
American English
- You can really whammy-bar that chord to make it scream.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in musicology or instrument design papers discussing electric guitar mechanics.
Everyday
Rare, except when talking about playing guitar.
Technical
Common in guitar repair manuals, product descriptions for musical instruments, and online guitar forums.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “whammy bar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “whammy bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whammy bar”
- Calling it a 'tremolo bar' when describing a vibrato effect (tremolo varies volume, vibrato varies pitch).
- Using 'whammy bar' for non-guitar contexts without clear metaphorical intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, 'vibrato' is the correct term for pitch variation, and 'tremolo' is for volume variation. However, in common usage, 'tremolo arm' and 'whammy bar' are used interchangeably, though 'whammy bar' is more American and informal.
Standard acoustic guitars do not have built-in whammy bars. Some specialised electric-acoustic models may have them, but they are rare and less effective than on solid-body electric guitars.
It originates from the comic strip 'Li'l Abner', where a 'whammy' was a curse or evil eye. The term was applied to the guitar lever for its dramatic, 'jinxing' effect on the normal pitch.
No. Many electric guitars, like the Gibson Les Paul or Telecaster models, traditionally have fixed bridges. Whammy bars are common on guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and guitars designed for rock or metal.
A lever on an electric guitar that temporarily slackens the strings, producing a vibrato or pitch-bending effect.
Whammy bar is usually technical/informal (musician's slang) in register.
Whammy bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwæmi ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwæmi ˌbɑːr/ ˈhwæmi ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to put the whammy on something (unrelated idiom meaning to curse or jinx)”
- “whammy bar dive”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WHAM! The 'whammy' bar makes a sudden, dramatic WHAM of sound by bending notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS LEVERAGE (A lever controls emotional expression in music).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a whammy bar?