What Is Whammy Bar? Best 6 Whammy Bars For Your Guitar!

In this post, I have provided simple guide about What is a whammy bar and how does it work in guitars? Is it good or bad for your guitar? We have explained all the information, including how to install, repair, and remove it, as well as some slick whammy bar tricks. So start scrolling down to get this nice bar going up and down on your guitar.

What Is Whammy Bar Best 6 Whammy Bars For Your Guitar 1
What is a whammy bar?

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What is a Whammy Bar?

A whammy bar, also known as a tremolo bar or vibrato bar, is a lever attached to the bridge of a guitar that allows the player to temporarily change the pitch of the strings by bending them.

The player can use the whammy bar on a guitar to create vibrato (a slight variation in pitch) or create extreme pitch bends for dramatic effect. They are commonly found on electric guitars, particularly those in the solid body and hollow body categories.

How Does A Whammy Bar Work?

The whammy bar works by changing the tension on the strings because it’s attached to the tremolo block, which is connected to the bridge of the guitar.

Some bars also allow the player to tilt the bridge plate to produce pitch changes, in addition to the tension changes caused by the bar itself. Here’s a video to help you cross the road!

How Does A Whammy Bar Work?

When the player presses down on the bar, it changes the tension on the strings, causing the pitch to drop. Releasing the bar returns the tension to normal, bringing the pitch back up.

The precise mechanism and design of the whammy bar can vary between different guitars, but the basic principles are the same. Some designs use springs or hydraulic systems to counteract the tension changes caused by the bar, while others rely on the player’s hand to return the bar to its original position.

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Best Whammy Bars For Electric Guitar

Musiclily Basic Steel M6 Thread Guitar Tremolo Arm Whammy Bar 6mm Vibrato Arm for Strat Style Electric Guitar, Chrome with Black Tip
  • Fits electric guitar Tremolo Bridge
  • The tremolo arm bar has M6 thread, about 6mm (15/64 inch) inner diameter
4 Pieces 6 mm Thread Tremolo Arm Electric Guitar Tremolo Arm Thread Metal Single Tremolo Arm Whammy Bar with Tip for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Tremolo System, 3 Colors
  • 4 Pieces with classic colors: you will receive 2 pieces thread tremolo arms in silver colors, and each is equipped with white plastic end cap, 1 piece thread tremolo arm in black with black plastic end cap and 1 piece thread tremolo arm in gold plastic end cap, simple yet attractive, convenient for you to use and replace
  • Improve your sound effect: single arm tremolo whammy bar is easy to use, proper size allows you to install on the guitar quickly, save time and effort, which effective helps you to adjust the tension of the string and change the pitch to get a better vibrato effect, to make your guitar sound more pleasant and wonderful
6mm Double Tremolo Arm, Tremolo Bar, Whammy Bar for Floyd Rose Tremolo System, Electric Guitar Replacement, Silver
  • 【DIMENSION】Thread diameter: 6mm/0.24”, bushing diameter: 9mm/0.35”. One package includes 1 pcs of double arm tremolo bar.
  • 【QUALITY MATERIAL】The tremolo bar is made of high quality zinc alloy with plated silver color body. They are anti-rust and durable, which can guarantee long service life.
Evaty 3 Pack 5mm Whammy Bar 6mm Thread Tremolo Arm Floyd Rose Electric Guitar Double Tremolo Bar for USA/Mexican Standard Fender Stratatocaster Squier (Black)
  • 【FUNCTION】This arm bar fits for Floyd Rose style electric guitar,Vintage, Fret King, Italia, Framus and many other guitar brands etc.
  • 【QUALITY MATERIAL】The tremolo bar is made of high quality zinc alloy with plated black color body. They are anti-rust and durable, which can guarantee long service life.
Healifty 1 Pc Single Tremolo Arm Whammy Bar Lever with Tip 5.0 MM Thread for Fender Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar Part
  • Made of high quality iron with chrome plating, high glossiness and strong durability.
  • Single arm tremolo whammy bar. 4.8-5.0 mm arm thread diameter, easy to use.
SAVITA 3pcs 5mm/6mm Thread Tremolo Arm, Electric Guitar Tremolo Bar Metal Whammy Bar Screw in Tremolo Arm for USA/Mexican Standard (Black)
  • Product Includes: You will receive 3pcs black guitar tremolo bar, including 2pcs thread tremolo arms with black plastic caps and 1pcs double tremolo arm to meet your different requirements.
  • Product Size: 2pcs(respectively size): 6mm/0.23in and 5mm/0.19in, double tremolo arm bush diameter: approx. 6mm/0.24in.

Is Whammy Bar Necessary For Guitars?

Whether a whammy bar is necessary or not is a matter of your personal decision but it does depend on the type of music being played.

For some players and styles, the whammy bar is a crucial tool for adding expression and versatility to their playing. It allows for pitch bending, vibrato, and other techniques that can add depth and nuance to the sound of the guitar.

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For others, a whammy bar may not be necessary or even desired. Some players prefer a more straightforward, traditional sound and prefer not to use them. Some genres, such as acoustic fingerstyle or classical guitar, may not require the use of a this bar at all.

How to Install a Whammy Bar on Guitar?

Installing a whammy bar on a guitar can be a complex process that requires a certain level of skill and knowledge of guitar anatomy and mechanics. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

Step 1. Purchase the right bar

Make sure you have the right type of whammy bar for your guitar, as different models will have different types of tremolo systems and may require different bars.

Step 2. Remove the strings

Before installing the bar, remove the strings from the guitar to make the process easier.

Step 3. Remove the back plate

On most guitars, the tremolo system is located on the back of the guitar and is covered by a back plate. Remove the screws holding the back plate in place to access the tremolo system.

Step 4. Attach the tremolo block

The tremolo block is the component of the tremolo system to which the bar is attached. Install the tremolo block according to the instructions that came with the whammy bar.

Step 5. Attach the bar

Once the tremolo block is installed, attach the whammy bar to the block according to the instructions that came with the bar.

Step 6. Adjust the springs

The bar may affect the tension of the strings, so you may need to adjust the springs that are part of the tremolo system to ensure proper balance.

Step 7. Replace the strings

Replace the strings on the guitar and tune the guitar to pitch.

Step 8. Test the bar

Once everything is installed, test the whammy bar to make sure it works correctly.

This is a general overview of the steps involved in installing a bar. Here’s a video explainer:

The exact process can vary depending on the specific guitar and whammy bar, and it is recommended that you consult the instructions that came with the bar and seek the assistance of a professional guitar technician if you are unsure about any part of the process. Improper installation can cause damage to the guitar and negatively impact its playability and sound.

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Can You Repair A Whammy Bar?

The process of repairing a whammy bar depends on the specific issue that needs to be addressed. If you are not comfortable with repairing your guitar, it is recommended that you seek the services of a professional guitar technician. Improper repair work can cause further damage to the guitar and negatively impact its playability and sound. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Loose or disconnected bar

If the bar is loose or has come disconnected from the tremolo system, it will need to be reattached. This typically involves removing the back cover of the guitar and tightening the screws that hold the bar in place.

Worn out tremolo system

Over time, the tremolo system may wear out or become damaged, causing the whammy bar to function poorly or not at all. This will require disassembling the tremolo system and either replacing worn out parts or making repairs as necessary.

Broken bar

If the bar itself is broken, it will need to be replaced. This is a more involved process that may require removing the strings, bridge assembly, and possibly even the neck of the guitar.

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How to Remove Whammy Bar From Guitar?

Removing a whammy bar from a guitar requires some care and patience, as the tremolo system can be delicate and affect the tension of the strings. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

Step 1. Loosen the strings

Before removing the bar, loosen the strings on the guitar to reduce tension on the tremolo system.

Step 2. Remove the back plate

On most guitars, the tremolo system is located on the back of the guitar and is covered by a back plate. Remove the screws holding the back plate in place to access the tremolo system.

Step 3. Detach the tremolo block

The tremolo block is the component of the tremolo system to which the whammy bar is attached. Detach the tremolo block according to the instructions that came with the bar.

Step 4. Detach the whammy bar

Once the tremolo block is detached, you can remove the whammy bar from the block.

Step 5. Adjust the springs

After removing the whammy bar, you may need to adjust the springs that are part of the tremolo system to ensure proper balance.

Step 6. Replace the back plate

Replace the screws that hold the back plate in place, covering the tremolo system once again.

Step 7. Replace the strings

Replace the strings on the guitar and tune the guitar to pitch.

This is a general overview of the steps involved in removing a whammy bar. Here’s a video to help you:

The exact process can vary depending on the specific guitar and whammy bar, and it is recommended that you consult the instructions that came with the bar and seek the assistance of a professional guitar technician if you are unsure about any part of the process. Improper removal can cause damage to the guitar and negatively impact its playability and sound.

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Best Whammy Bar Tricks

Here are some common tricks that can be performed with a whammy bar on an electric guitar:

Vibrato: A rapid back-and-forth movement of the whammy bar can create a vibrato effect, similar to the effect created by bending the strings by hand.

Pitch bends: By pressing down on the whammy bar and then releasing it, the player can create a sudden change in pitch, known as a pitch bend. This can be used to add expression and drama to a solo or lead line.

Harmonic squeals: By lightly touching the strings over the 12th fret while using the bar, the player can create a high-pitched squealing sound known as a harmonic squeal.

Dive bombs: By pressing down on the whammy bar as hard as possible, the player can create a dramatic downward pitch bend, known as a dive bomb.

Shimmer: By lightly rocking the bar back and forth while holding a chord, the player can create a shimmering, undulating sound.

These are just a few of the many tricks that can be performed with a whammy bar. Experimenting with the bar and incorporating it into your playing can open up new possibilities for expression and creativity on the guitar.

Conclusion

And that concludes our article on whammy bars with all the information you need to know including what they are and how they work. In order for you to become an expert in guitars, we tried to cover every piece of information, from installation to repair and removal. What part did you find easy and difficult? Let us know in the comments. Good luck jamming!

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