Wah-wah (music)

Wah-wah -- imitative word for the sound of bending or altering musical notes to improve expressiveness. Although perhaps best known from the electric guitar's wah-wah pedal, the sound is much older, having been significantly developed by trumpet players using mutes in the early days of jazz. Joe "King" Oliver recorded "Wawawa" in the 20s and Bubber Miley of the Duke Ellington Orchestra was another innovator. The effect was used in the 40s by cornball big-band trumpter Clyde McCoy on "Sugar Blues". Notable guitarists identified with the effect include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton with ("Tales of Brave Ulysses" from Cream's album Disraeli Gears makes heavy use of the effect).