DigiTech HammerOn Unleashed: A Pitch Shifting Pedal That Redefines Guitar Playing

DigiTech, the industry leader in innovative Whammy-based guitar pitch-shifting effects, has unveiled the HammerOn, a revolutionary new pedal that promises to redefine the boundaries of guitar playing. It follows the other major announcement at NAMM 2025 of the MonoNeon signature Whammy pedal.

HammerOn

The HammerOn is something new and could be fun for guitarists to experiment with.  For those struggling to master the finesse of hammer-ons and pull-offs, the HammerOn offers a powerful tool to achieve clean, consistent, and expressive results with effortless ease.

But the pedal’s capabilities extend far beyond mere assistance. Progressive musicians, particularly those exploring the demanding realms of math rock, and metal, will find the HammerOn an invaluable asset for pushing their sonic boundaries and crafting intricate, jaw-dropping passages.

• DigiTech HammerOn at Andertons
• DigiTech HammerOn at Gear4Music
• DigiTech HammerOn at Sweetwater
• DigiTech HammerOn at Thomann

A Deep Dive into the Technology

At the heart of the HammerOn lies advanced pitch-shifting technology, drawing inspiration from the legendary DigiTech Whammy. Two robust footswitches act as the player’s command center.

The guitarist can trigger instantaneous pitch shifts with unparalleled precision by assigning specific intervals to each switch.

Imagine effortlessly executing lightning-fast hammer-on sequences that were previously unattainable. The HammerOn makes this a reality, transforming intricate passages into fluid, effortless performances.

Exploring the Seven Modes of Innovation

The HammerOn offers a staggering seven distinct operational modes, each designed to unlock unique sonic possibilities:¹

• Hammer-On: This fundamental mode provides an instantaneous pitch shift when a footswitch is held down, returning to the original note upon release.
• Hammer-On with Trill: This mode introduces a rapid-fire oscillation between the original note and the assigned interval, creating a mesmerizing tremolo effect. The speed of the trill is adjustable via the intuitive “Select” knob, allowing for precise control over the rhythmic intensity.
• Harmony-On: This mode adds a layer of rich harmony by blending the dry signal with the pitch-shifted signal, creating captivating chordal textures.³
• Impossible: This mode defies convention, jumping up or down a set interval with each press of footswitch, generating unpredictable and exhilarating melodic lines.
• Drop/Capo Sequence: This mode introduces a programmable sequence of two, three, or five intervals, allowing the guitarist to effortlessly navigate through a series of pre-determined pitches by simply pressing a footswitch.
• Sequence with Trill: This mode takes the Drop/Capo Sequence to the next level by incorporating the mesmerizing trill effect, transforming the sequence into a dynamic and rhythmic powerhouse.
• Sequence with Dry and Trill: This ultimate mode combines the power of the sequence with the richness of the dry signal and the intensity of the trill, creating a truly unique and captivating “Automatic Techno Guitar Sequencer” that pushes the boundaries of automated playing.

The Future of Guitar Playing?

The DigiTech HammerOn represents a significant leap forward in guitar effects technology. Its innovative approach to pitch-shifting empowers guitarists to explore new sonic horizons, unlock previously unattainable techniques, and elevate their playing to unprecedented levels.

• DigiTech HammerOn at Andertons
• DigiTech HammerOn at Gear4Music
• DigiTech HammerOn at Sweetwater
• DigiTech HammerOn at Thomann

More Information

• DigiTech
• More DigiTech news

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