[Finally evolved] The complete story of the revolutionary pitch pedal that surpasses the DigiTech Hammer On Whammy [Sound demo and reviews]

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It is no exaggeration to say that this instrument, which inherits the blood of the Whammy, is now "played with the feet" -- and it has been released in 2025.

DigiTech Hammer-On

With two foot switches and seven innovative modes, you can create trills, hammer-ons, and even arpeggiator-like movements with your feet. And unlike the previous Whammy series, there's no need for an expression pedal, making it more compact and intuitive to use.

"I wanted the instant-on feature of Ricochet."
"I was looking for a pitch pedal that I could play with more than the Drop and Pitch Fork."

This new model was released in response to such requests and truly represents a new dimension in pitch effects.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the specifications, functions, reviews, and differences from the previous model of the DigiTech Hammer-On.

DigiTech / Hammer-On

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46,200 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05, March 16, 08 | Rakuten Market research)

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DigiTech Hammer On | Specifications

Basic information about DigiTech Hammer-On

Release price	US price $279.99 Japanese price: approx. ¥46,200
Type	Pitch shifter/sequencer
Pitch Change Range	2 octaves above to 2 octaves below (4 octave range, semitone steps)
mode	7 types (Hammer-On, Hammer-On + Trill, Harmony-On, Impossible, Drop/Capo Sequence, Sequence + Trill, Sequence + Dry + Trill)
Input/output terminal	1 x 4/1" mono input, 1 x 4/1" mono output
Control	2 foot switches (Pitch 1, Pitch 2), Mode switch button, Dry+ button, Trill button, Select knob
Bypass Method	True Bypass
电源	Powered by 9V DC (300mA) adapter, *Batteries not supported
Size / weight	Width approx. 90mm x depth 130mm x height 46mm, approx. 508g
Other functions	Supports switching between Classic (single note) mode and Chord (chord) mode

The body is made of a sturdy aluminum chassis and is designed to withstand heavy pedaling while playing. While its appearance is similar to the Whammy Ricochet released in 2015 and has a compact size, the Hammer-On is slightly taller and wider, and has two additional foot switches for pedaling.

The various buttons (Dry+, Trill, Mode) and large knobs are intuitively arranged for easy operation, and the foot switch has a firm resistance that makes it suitable for quick on/off. The input and output are mono and it does not have a MIDI terminal, which is different from conventional large Whammy pedals (MIDI compatible). The power supply is a 9V adapter only and it does not support battery operation, but the case has been made smaller and it fits well on a pedal board.

DigiTech Hammer On | Features and Functions

The biggest feature of the DigiTech Hammer-On is its ingenious pitch shift function, which could be described as "hammering with your feet." By combining two foot switches and three mode buttons, you can instantly create a wide variety of pitch changes.

Its flexibility is so great that it is officially touted as "seven pedals condensed into one," and by making full use of the seven available modes, you can achieve advanced effects that were difficult to achieve with conventional pedals. Below is an overview of each mode.

①Hammer-On mode

This is the basic mode where the pitch is instantly shifted to the set pitch only while the foot switch is pressed, and returns to the original pitch when released. For example, you can assign one switch to shift the sound upward (pitch up) and the other to shift downward (pitch down), allowing you to freely weave in "instantaneous pitch jumps" while playing.

②Hammer-On + Trill mode

This mode automatically reproduces the "trill" effect, which is the repeated hammering of notes. While the foot switch is pressed, the original sound and the shifted pitch alternate at high speed. The speed (tempo) of the trill can be freely set with the select knob on the top of the pedal, and can be adjusted from a slow pitch fluctuation to a mechanical high-speed trill. *Tap tempo function is also supported.

③Harmony-On mode

This harmony function blends the shifted sound with the original sound (dry signal) to create chords. Depending on the selected pitch difference, you can layer the original sound at various intervals (for example, thirds or fifths), allowing you to reproduce twin guitar harmonies or thick chord sounds by yourself. Operation is easy, as the original sound is added simply by pressing the Dry+ button.

④Impossible mode

A unique algorithm mode named "Impossible". By using two foot switches, the pitch is shifted alternately between two preset intervals. For example, by using a pattern such as "every time you press the foot switch, it goes up one octave, then down a fifth," you can achieve pitch jumps that are impossible to achieve with normal playing. As the name suggests, this mode is designed to "make impossible playing possible," and incorporates a concept originally developed in collaboration with guitarist Adrian Belew.

⑤Drop/Capo Sequence mode

This mode follows a preset 2-note, 3-note, or 5-note scale sequence in order. Each time you press the foot switch, the pitch moves to the next step, allowing you to play phrases like a keyboard arpeggiator. You can also combine standard down tunings such as a semitone down to an octave down for pseudo drop tuning (for example, lowering only some phrases in a song by a semitone).

⑥Sequence + Trill mode

This mode combines the above sequence mode with the Trill function to generate automatically playing riffs. When you hold down the foot switch, the pedal automatically starts to play the set sequence at high speed. The way that regular scale patterns flow without picking is just like a synthesizer's step sequencer. Depending on the sound usage and settings, new expressions of technical phrases are possible.

⑦Sequence + Dry + Trill mode

This mode lets you mix the original sound with the sequenced sound. By adding a dry signal to the automatic sequence above, you can create a techno-style guitar sequence in which sounds of different pitches play simultaneously. It supports 2-, 3-, and 5-note sequences, and when combined with chord mode, you can create complex chord riffs by yourself.

Hammer-On is an instantaneous pitch jump pedal, harmony pedal, two momentary pitch shifters, and even an arpeggiator/sequencer. Like the previous Whammy pedal, it can be switched between classic (monophonic) and chord (polyphonic) modes, and can track pitch more naturally when playing single notes, and process the pitch of entire chords when playing chords. The resolution and tracking of the pitch shift is of the latest generation quality, and depending on the settings, it is also worth noting that the smoothness of the pitch change is comparable to that of real hammering or tapping.

The controls that support these rich functions are simple. The two foot switches basically correspond to Pitch 2 (left) and Pitch 1 (right), and different pitches can be assigned to each. Pitch 2 is always designed for "instant shift for hammering", and Pitch 1's operation changes depending on the mode. The Mode button in the center switches between modes, the Dry+ button turns the mix of the original sound on/off, and the Trill button turns the trill function on/off. The large knob on the upper right (Select knob) is used for multiple purposes, such as setting the pitch to be shifted depending on the selected mode, sequence pattern, and trill speed. It is also equipped with numerous LED indicators, and consideration has been given to visibility, such as allowing you to check the currently selected pitch and mode at a glance.

DigiTech Hammer On | Sound demo

DigiTech / Hammer-On

DigiTech

46,200 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05, March 16, 08 | Rakuten Market research)

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DigiTech Hammer On | Reviews and Reputation

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Positive reviews

"You'll get sounds you've never heard before that are totally unique. You can get legato like Satch or tap like EVH. You can even turn your guitar into a synth sequencer."
"Once you get the hang of it, you can reach one of the most unique sound worlds available with any guitar pedal. It's a pedal that's worth spending the time to fine-tune the settings."
"Marketing name aside, this pedal allows you to achieve some crazy pitch shifting that a standard Whammy or Pitch Fork just can't do."
"I love all of Digitech's wacky pitch effects, but this is one of the most fun to play with. It allows for lots of creative experimentation."
"I've always wanted an instant-on feature on my Whammy Ricochet, and the Hammer-On gives me that. It makes it easy to get the pitch shifting I want."

Negative reputation

Negative reviews

"It takes some time to get used to it. It's definitely not an intuitive pedal to use. But that's more of a part of it than a drawback."
"Some people may find the sound too digital. It may not suit those looking for analogue naturalness."
"It's a shame that even though it has arpeggiator-like capabilities, it doesn't support MIDI synchronization. It's difficult to synchronize with an external clock, so it's hard to match the tempo. In this respect, the winner is a combination such as Arpanoid + MIDI."
"It's not great for constant down-tuning. You have to hold down the button, and it's not practical for playing an entire song in a different key. I wish it had a toggle switch like the Whammy DT."

Summary | The power of the next generation Whammy to make the "impossible" possible

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For guitarists who want to easily reproduce fast playing and special techniques
The biggest attraction is that you can reproduce the graceful legato of Joe Satriani or the right-hand playing (tapping) of Eddie Van Halen just by using your feet. Even if you are having trouble practicing hammering or tapping, the Hammer-On pedal will automatically compensate, allowing you to make difficult phrases sound clean. It will also be a great tool for live-oriented guitarists who want to be sure to nail the hammering on stage, which can easily become dissonant if you fail.
For advanced users looking for innovative pitch effects and synth-like sounds
The Hammer-On's true value is that it can create avant-garde sound effects and sequence phrases that could not be achieved with conventional Whammy or pitch shifters. For example, for those who play math rock or progressive rock that make heavy use of mathematical phrases, or metalcore music that incorporates digital sounds, this unit can be a secret weapon that adds personality and power to your songs. Depending on your creativity, you can open up a "unique" world of sound, such as techno-style riffs with automatic arpeggios and irregularly flying pitch shifts. This pedal is very stimulating for advanced players who want to pursue "wild" and experimental sounds that cannot be experienced with other effects.
For players who want to reduce the amount of equipment they have at their feet
Hammer-On can serve multiple purposes, such as Digitech Drop for drop tuning, Whammy expression pedal, and even arpeggiator-like pedals from other companies, all in one, helping to save space on your pedal board. In fact, some users have commented that they wanted an instant-on function for their Ricochet, and that the Hammer-On fulfilled their wish, while others have said that it covers areas that a typical Whammy or Pitch Fork cannot. It is also recommended for minimalists who want to get the maximum pitch effect with limited board space.
For creators who want to use it for more than just guitars, depending on their ideas
The advanced pitch shift and sequence functions of this unit can be applied to applications other than guitar, such as bass, keyboards, and sound design in recording studios. Since it is polyphonic, it can be used as an octaver/dropper on the bass without any discomfort, and it can also be used in combination with a synth to trigger complex pitch motion effects with your feet. It will also be a new source of inspiration for creators who want to create unique sound effects for DTM and home recording.

The DigiTech Hammer-On is a next-generation pitch shifter that has evolved with a bold idea while inheriting the lineage of the traditional Whammy series. With a unique structure that realizes "hands-free hammering" and seven diverse modes, it is now possible to express phrases and sound effects that were previously physically impossible with a guitar. Compared to previous models (Whammy V, Ricochet, Drop, etc.), the two foot switches and sequencer function have significantly expanded the range of expression and operability, which is a major evolution point. It takes some getting used to, but what awaits you at the end is a unique sound experience that is hard to find anywhere else.

On the other hand, there are cases where conventional machines are more suitable for certain purposes (for example, simple down-tuning), and this unit is aimed solely at guitarists who are looking for creative playing and special effects. However, due to its originality, the Hammer-On has already inspired many players and has earned such high praise that some have said, "DigiTech never disappoints." This pedal has written a new page in the history of pitch shifting effects, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out. You'll be amazed at its possibilities.

DigiTech / Hammer-On

DigiTech

46,200 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05, March 16, 08 | Rakuten Market research)

Amazon

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Yahoo

Mercari

Amazon

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Pochip

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[Finally evolved] The complete story of the revolutionary pitch pedal that surpasses the DigiTech Hammer On Whammy [Sound demo and reviews]

DigiTech Hammer On | Specifications

DigiTech Hammer On | Features and Functions

DigiTech Hammer On | Sound demo