Welcome

Welcome to the DigiTech HammerOn. From the company that reinvented pitch bending with the Whammy pedal, we bring you footswitch control over instantaneous pitch jumps, adding sonic complexity to your guitar riffs and chord progressions. Like a natural extension of your guitar neck, you can now use your feet to hammer-on notes in conjunction with your hands to play faster, more intricate phrases beyond your fingers' reach.

Table of Contents

• HammerOn Story: Page 2
• Guided Tour: Page 4
• Connections: Page 9
• 7 Pedals in One: Page 10
• Effects - HammerOn Mode: Page 12
• Effects - Impossible Mode: Page 16
• Effects - Sequence Mode: Page 18
• Deep Dive: Page 20
• Specifications: Page 21
• Info: Page 22

HammerOn Features

• Dual Footswitch Instantaneous Pitch Jumps
• Fully Chromatic Pitch Selection
• 4 Octave Pitch Shift Range
• TRILL with Tap-Temp Speed
• IMPOSSIBLE mode with alternating pitch
• SEQUENCE mode - multistep pitch transposition
• 2-note, 3-note, and 5-note sequences
• True Bypass

Included Items

• HammerOn pedal
• Power Supply
• User's Manual
• 2 Guitar Case Stickers
• 2 Collectable Guitar Picks
• Warranty Registration Information Card

If anything is missing, please contact DigiTech at digitech.com. If all is well, come see us anyway to check out our other products and the latest news.

HammerOn Story

At DigiTech, we have always been intrigued with incorporating natural guitar playing techniques with guitar effects. The Whammy Pedal took pitch bending that is normally done with your fingers and the whammy bar on the guitar and added an additional way to control the pitch of your guitar with your feet using an expression pedal. We weren't just creating a guitar effect as much as extending creative control to let your feet be part of the action, while also opening up the range of pitch well beyond the capabilities of string tension.

Wah pedals, talk boxes, and even loopers also fall into this category of effects because they open up creative guitar techniques beyond your hands and fingers. These are guitar effects that you "play", not just turn on and off. They become fundamental to your guitar playing technique.

Guitar players know hammer-on and pull-off guitar playing techniques that add additional notes between the ones you are picking with your right hand, and without the accent of picking those notes they have a different, more subtle and expressive feel. We wanted to extend this concept of adding additional notes to include foot control that can work in conjunction with your hands and fingers to multiply the options for creativity and increasing the range of notes beyond the reach of your fingers.

So, thanks for buying the DigiTech HammerOn, we hope you can find something in there that resonates!

User Interface

The HammerOn pedal features a comprehensive user interface for controlling its various functions.

• 1. Dry / True Bypass LED: This LED indicates the signal status. It lights RED when the dry, unprocessed guitar signal is active at the output. It lights BLUE when the unit is in True Bypass mode.
• 2. Pitch Select LEDs: An array of 16 LEDs that indicate the current pitch shift amount. When the HammerOn shifts the pitch, the corresponding LED lights up.
• 3. Selector Knob: This knob is used to select the pitch shift amount for the currently selected PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches, and also to adjust TRILL speed.
• 4. DRY+ Button with LED: This button adds the dry, unprocessed guitar signal to the pitch-shifted signal to create harmony effects. The function varies per mode.
• 5. Mode Button with LED: This button indicates the current mode of the PITCH 2 footswitch. The LED colors denote the modes: PURPLE = Hammer-On Mode, RED = Impossible Mode, BLUE = 2-note Sequence Mode, TEAL = 3-note Sequence Mode, GREEN = 5-note Sequence Mode.
• 6. TRILL Button with LED: This button toggles the TRILL option on and off. Its LED flashes YELLOW at a rate corresponding to the TRILL speed. TRILL turns a single press of the footswitches into rapid fire multiple presses at a selectable rate.
• 7. Pitch 1 Footswitch: Dedicated to the hammer-on effect. Pressing it jumps the pitch to the selected value; releasing it returns the pitch to the previous unshifted value.
• 8. True Bypass: Pressing both PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches together engages True Bypass. Pressing a single footswitch exits True Bypass.
• 9. Pitch 2 Footswitch: Programmable for momentary hammer-on single pitch jumps, momentary alternating pitch jumps (Impossible mode), or latching sequential pitch transpositions (Sequence modes), depending on the selected MODE.
• 10. Pitch 2 Mode LEDs: These three LEDs indicate the current mode of the pedal and the function of the PITCH 2 footswitch.

[Diagram: Top panel of the DigiTech HammerOn pedal showing numbered controls: 1. Dry/True Bypass LED, 2. Pitch Select LEDs, 3. Selector Knob, 4. DRY+ Button, 5. Mode Button, 6. TRILL Button, 7. PITCH 1 Footswitch, 9. PITCH 2 Footswitch. The diagram also indicates the TRUE BYPASS function and the color-coded MODE LEDs.]

Pitch Select LEDs

The HammerOn features an array of 16 LEDs to indicate the current pitch shift amount. Individual LEDs are labeled with notes of the major scale (tonic, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, Octave, 2 Octaves Up) and downward shifts (-2nd, -3rd, -4th, -5th, -6th, -7th, -Octave, -2 Octaves Down). For chromatic notes, two adjacent LEDs light up together. For example, the 2nd Up and 3rd Up LEDs lighting together indicate a flatted 3rd.

The pedal offers 27 available pitches, ranging from 2 octaves down to 2 octaves up. Guitarists can also think of scales in terms of semitones. The top row of 8 LEDs corresponds to pitch shifting up from 1 to 12 semitones (plus 24 semitones), while the bottom row corresponds to pitch shifting down from 1 to 12 semitones (plus 24 semitones).

[Diagram: Array of 16 LEDs labeled with pitch intervals such as 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, OCT, 2 OCT, and their corresponding downward shifts. Includes DRY and TRUE BYPASS indicators.]

Pitch Intervals

The following table details the available pitch intervals, their semitone values, interval names, and corresponding piano keys:

[Diagram: Visual representation mapping the Pitch Select LEDs to musical intervals and semitone values, including piano key representations.]

Inputs and Outputs

The HammerOn pedal features standard audio connections for integration into your guitar rig.

1. Power Input: Connect the included 9V DC, 1.3 amp power adapter to this jack. Ensure the adapter supplies at least 300mA at 9V DC if using a multipedal power brick.
2. Instrument Input: Connect your guitar or other instrument to this 1/4" input using a quality instrument cable. For best operation, the HammerOn should be placed at the beginning of your signal chain, receiving signal directly from the guitar.
3. Output Jack: Connect this 1/4" output to other pedals in your signal chain or directly into a guitar amplifier using a quality cable.

[Image: Three views of the DigiTech HammerOn pedal showing the input/output jacks: 1. Power Input (9VDC 100mA), 2. Instrument Input (1/4"), 3. Output Jack (1/4").]

Connections

The DigiTech HammerOn pedal is designed for easy setup and use. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your instrument to the HammerOn's input jack. The pedal functions best when placed first in the signal chain to receive input directly from the guitar.
2. Connect the HammerOn's output jack to your favorite pedals or to an amplifier.
3. Connect the included power supply to an AC outlet and the other end to the HammerOn's power input.
4. Use the PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches to instantaneously shift the pitch of your instrument, and utilize the user interface to select desired pitch shifts and other features.

[Diagram: A signal chain illustration showing a guitar connected via cables to the HammerOn pedal, which is then connected to other effects pedals and finally to a guitar amplifier.]

7 Pedals in One

With its versatile options, the HammerOn effectively acts like seven different pedals:

1. HAMMER-ON: An instantaneous momentary pitch shifter pedal. PITCH 1 is dedicated to this function, and PITCH 2 can provide a second pitch to hammer on when the HAMMER-ON MODE is selected.
2. HAMMER-ON with TRILL: A rapid-fire hammer-on action pedal. Pressing the TRILL button allows the footswitches to act as multiple rapid presses at a selectable rate.
3. HARMONY-ON!: An instantaneous harmony creation pedal. Pressing the DRY+ button along with a footswitch for a hammer-on also outputs your dry guitar signal, creating instant harmony phrases.
4. The IMPOSSIBLE Pedal: A dual alternating momentary pitch shift pedal. In IMPOSSIBLE mode, PITCH 2 shifts between two selectable pitch amounts.
5. DROP/CAPO SEQUENCE: A multi-setting pitch transposition pedal. Select one of three sequence modes (2-note, 3-note, 5-note) via PITCH 2 footswitch to step through selectable pitch transpositions. PITCH 1 hammer-ons are relative to the current sequence pitch, useful for alternate tunings like DROP and CAPO.
6. SEQUENCE with TRILL: An automatic guitar riff sequencer. With TRILL enabled, PITCH 2 automatically steps through a programmable sequence (2-note, 3-note, or 5-note) at a selectable rate, adjustable via the SELECT knob or Tap-Tempo TRILL. Sequences can be set to PlayOnce, ReTrigger, or Loop.
7. SEQUENCE with DRY+ and TRILL: An automatic techno guitar sequencer. With both TRILL and DRY+ enabled, PITCH 2 steps through a programmable sequence (2-note, 3-note, or 5-note) with HARMONY pitch shifts. The rate is adjustable via the SELECT knob or Tap-Tempo.

Effects - Hammer-On Mode

The HammerOn is a versatile pedal offering significant flexibility. For its simplest operation, "HAMMER-ON Only" mode, ensure DRY+ and TRILL buttons are off and the MODE button is set to Hammer On mode (LED lit Purple).

1. If the DRY+ button LED is lit, press it to turn it off.
2. If the TRILL button LED is lit, press it to turn it off.
3. Press the MODE button until it is lit purple, indicating HAMMER-ON mode. The LEDs by the PITCH 2 footswitch will also confirm this mode.

In HAMMER-ON Only mode, both PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches function as independent HammerOn effects.

The HAMMER-ON Effect provides a momentary instantaneous pitch shift up or down from the current note or chord. Press the footswitch to jump to the desired pitch and release it to return to the original unshifted pitch. When engaged, the selected Pitch Select LED indicates the pitch shift amount. Upon release, the LEDs turn off, and the Dry/True Bypass LED turns RED, indicating a return to the original pitch.

[Diagram: Shows the PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches, and the DRY+, TRILL, and MODE buttons. Also illustrates the PRESS and RELEASE actions for the Hammer-On effect, showing the Pitch Select LEDs lighting up during press and turning off upon release.]

To adjust the pitch shift amount, press and hold the footswitch while turning the Selector Knob. You will hear the pitch change as you turn the knob. Releasing the footswitch returns the sound to the dry signal, but the selected pitch shift amount is stored for the next press. The HammerOn offers 27 available pitches, with full chromatic selection between one octave down and one octave up. The Pitch Select LEDs display the major scale intervals and chromatic notes.

The HammerOn pedal has two footswitches: PITCH 1 and PITCH 2. PITCH 1 is always a HammerOn Effect. PITCH 2 can function as a second HammerOn Effect when MODE is set to HammerOn mode (purple). The SELECT knob updates the pitch shift amount for the most recently pressed footswitch.

HAMMER-ON with Dry - Harmony On

The HammerOn pedal allows you to add your dry, unprocessed guitar signal to the pitch-shifted hammer-on signal, creating instant 2-note harmony. This "Harmony On" effect can accentuate guitar solos by adding a second shifted note above or below the original. Experiment with octaves, 5ths, or other melodic intervals.

To enable Harmony On, press the DRY+ button. Its LED will light up. Press the button again to turn it off, and the LED will turn off.

[Diagram: Shows the DRY+, TRILL, and MODE buttons. A cartoon depicts a guitar store with signs for "PEDAL SALE".]

HammerOn with Trill

A trill is a rapid alteration of a played note's pitch, similar to pressing the HammerOn footswitch many times quickly. The Trill button provides an automatic on-off oscillation of the selected footswitch at a selectable rate.

To enable TRILL, press the TRILL button; its LED will flash at the current TRILL rate. TRILL is active for both PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches. The TRILL rate can be adjusted by turning the SELECT knob. Turning the knob increases or decreases the speed, causing the LED to flash faster. You can hear the current TRILL speed by holding down PITCH 1 or PITCH 2 while playing. To turn TRILL off, press the button again; its LED will turn off.

The TRILL rate can also be set using Tap-Tempo. To enter Tap-Tempo mode, press and hold the TRILL button for 2 seconds. The first 4 LEDs on the lower bank of the Pitch Select LEDs will flash at the current tempo. Tap the TRILL button at your desired tempo, and the LEDs will update to match. Once the tempo is set, press either PITCH 1 or PITCH 2 footswitch to save and exit Tap-Tempo.

[Diagram: Shows the DRY+, TRILL, and MODE buttons.]

IMPOSSIBLE Mode

The Impossible Mode Effect is a variation of the HammerOn effect, alternating between two selectable pitch shift amounts instead of a single one. It shifts above or below the current note or chord.

To activate IMPOSSIBLE mode, press the MODE button until its LED turns RED. The LED by the PITCH 2 footswitch will also indicate IMPOSSIBLE mode. Pressing the PITCH 2 footswitch jumps the pitch to the first selected amount, lighting the corresponding Pitch Select LED. Releasing the footswitch returns to the original unshifted note. The next press of PITCH 2 jumps to the second pitch amount, lighting its corresponding LED. Subsequent presses alternate between the two selected amounts.

To change the desired pitch shift amount, press and hold the footswitch while turning the Selector Knob. You will hear the pitch change as you turn. Releasing the footswitch returns to the dry signal, but the selected pitch shift amount is stored for the next press. Press the footswitch again to adjust the second pitch in IMPOSSIBLE mode.

[Diagram: Illustrates the PRESS and RELEASE actions for the Impossible mode effect, showing alternating pitch shifts between two points.]

IMPOSSIBLE Mode with Dry & TRILL

Impossible with Dry: The HammerOn can add your dry guitar signal to the alternating pitch-shifted signal, creating alternating 2-note harmony riffs. Press the DRY+ button; its LED will light up to indicate DRY+ is on. Press again to turn it off.

Impossible with TRILL: Using the TRILL function in Impossible Mode operates similarly to HammerOn with Trill but alternates between two selected pitches instead of just one. Press the TRILL button; its LED will flash at the current TRILL rate. TRILL is active for both PITCH 1 and PITCH 2 footswitches.

The rate of the Trill can be modified by the SELECT knob or Tap-Tempo TRILL. To hear the current TRILL speed, hold down the PITCH 2 button while playing. To turn TRILL off, press the button again; its LED will turn off.

[Diagram: Shows the DRY+, TRILL, and MODE buttons.]

SEQUENCE Mode

The Sequence Mode Effect is a latching instantaneous pitch shift that cycles through user-definable pitch transposition amounts above or below the current note or chord. Press the footswitch to jump to the next desired pitch transposition in the sequence. The Pitch Select LED display shows the currently selected pitch amount.

To change the desired pitch shift amount, press the footswitch to the step in the sequence you want to change and turn the Selector Knob to adjust the current pitch amount. You will hear the pitch change as you turn the knob.

Each sequence mode has its own set of programmable pitches: 2-note (BLUE LED), 3-note (TEAL LED), and 5-note (GREEN LED).

PITCH 1 hammer-on is relative to the currently selected pitch transposition amount. For example, if PITCH 1 is set to jump up an octave and the sequence transposes down 2 semitones, PITCH 1 will jump up an octave from that lower pitch. This allows for storing alternate tunings (DROP and CAPO) that can be stepped through.

[Diagram: Illustrates the PRESS and RELEASE actions for the Sequence mode effect, showing a progression through multiple pitch shifts.]

Sequence Mode with Trill Effect

In Sequence mode with TRILL, the HammerOn automatically steps through the selected sequence of pitch shifts, similar to rapid footswitch presses. This effect enables automatic note shifting, from simple octave jumps to complex layered melodies.

With TRILL on, press PITCH 2 to start stepping through the sequence at the selected TRILL rate, adjustable via the SELECT Knob or Tap-Tempo Trill. There are three options for retriggering the sequence:

1. PlayOnce: Plays through the sequence once and restarts only when PITCH 2 is released and pressed again.
2. ReTrigger: Plays through the sequence, and if PITCH 2 is held down, it will retrigger the sequence.
3. Looping: Continuously plays the sequence; PITCH 2 is used to stop/start the sequence.

To change the Sequence Retrigger mode, press and hold the MODE button until one of the last 3 LEDs on the bottom row (-7th, -Oct, -2Oct) flashes. Press the MODE button to cycle through selections. Press either footswitch to save and exit. The current mode (Play Once, ReTrigger, or Looping) is shown briefly at power up.

[Diagram: Shows the PITCH 2 footswitch and the MODE button, with LEDs indicating the selection of retrigger modes.]

Deep Dive

The HammerOn offers two operational modes: Classic mode (based on the original Whammy algorithm) and Chords mode (based on the Whammy DT's modern algorithm). Classic mode is ideal for single-note soloing, while Chords mode is better suited for bending full chords. The default mode is Chords.

To switch modes, press and hold the DRY+ button for 2 seconds. The top row of LEDs will flash, indicating either 1 LED (2nd) or 6 LEDs (2nd-7th). Toggle the DRY+ button to select Classic/Chord mode. After selecting, press either footswitch to save the mode and exit.

[Diagram: Shows the Pitch Select LEDs configured for CLASSIC mode (typically fewer LEDs lit) and CHORDS mode (typically more LEDs lit).]

To reset the unit to factory settings, hold down the PITCH 1 footswitch while plugging in the power cord. Continue holding the footswitch until all LEDs light up, then release it and press and hold it again. All LEDs will flash twice to confirm the reset.

When the HammerOn is powered up, it will always default to TRUE BYPASS mode.

Specifications

Info

We know the road can be an unforgiving place and hard on your gear. Replacement parts are available from www.digitech.com.

Available Replacement Parts:

1. KNOB-0100: Black Aluminum Encoder Knob
2. RPKT-0102: Encoder Hex Nut & Flat Washer Kit (1 set of 2 items)
3. RPKT-0103: Footswitch Hex Nut & Flat Washer Kit (1 set of 2 items)
4. SCRW-0001: 1/4" Black Philips Flat Head Rear Panel Grounding Screw
5. SCRW-0101: 3/8" Black Socket Head Cap Screw for Chassis Top (ea)
6. RPKT-0100: Threaded Hex Chrome Ferrule Nut & Black Plastic Washer Kit for 1/4" Jack (1 set of 3 items)
7. SWCP-0002: Black Round Lighted Switch Cap (ea)
8. RPKT-0101: Black Rubber Stick-On Feet (set of 4)

[Image: A layout showing numbered images of replacement parts: 1. Encoder Knob, 2. Hex Nut & Washer, 3. Hex Nut & Washer, 4. Grounding Screw, 5. Socket Head Cap Screw, 6. Jack Nut & Washer Kit, 7. Lighted Switch Cap, 8. Rubber Stick-On Feet.]

Warning

For your protection, please read the following Important Safety Instructions:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
10. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
11. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
12. Refer to labels on the unit, including bottom cover, or other markings and pertinent information.

[Symbol: CAUTION symbol with text "RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN".]

[Symbol: ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.]

[Symbol: WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.]

These symbols are internationally accepted warnings for electrical products. A lightning flash indicates dangerous voltages within the unit. An exclamation point signifies the need to refer to the owner's manual. These symbols also warn that there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not open or attempt to service the unit yourself; refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis voids the warranty. Avoid getting the unit wet. If liquid spills, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided. Use only shielded interconnecting cables.

Disposal Information: Do not mix this product with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery, and recycling. Private households in EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway may return used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or retailers. For other countries, contact local authorities for correct disposal methods. This ensures proper treatment, recovery, and recycling, preventing negative environmental and health effects.

Declaration of Conformity

This declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The object of the declaration conforms with relevant Union harmonization Legislation. Additional non-EU declarations are included for convenience.

Manufacturer: DigiTech

Address: 6132 S 380 W, Murray, UT 84107, USA

DigiTech Headquarters: 59 Hwagok-ro 61gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul 07590, Republic of Korea

Product Declared:

• Product SKU Number: HAMMERON-V-04
• Product Name: DigiTech HammerOn
• Product Options: All (requires an approved DigiTech Class II power adapter or equivalent)

Conforms to Standards: Safety: IEC 62368-1, 2nd & 3rd Editions, DOD SD~1995 JL FBC. EMC: EN 55032:2015+A1:2020 (Class B), EN 55035:2017+A11:2020, EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1:2021, EN 61000-3-3:2013+A2:2021, EN 61000-4-2:2009, EN IEC 61000-4-3:2020, EN 61000-4-4:2012, EN 61000-4-5:2014+A1:2017, EN IEC 61000-4-6:2023, EN IEC 61000-4-11:2020, FCC Part 15 Subpart B / ANSI C63.4a-2017. RoHS: EN IEC 63000:2018. R&D: DOD 2023-CFEI.

Supplementary Information: Complies with Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, UK Statutory Instruments 2016 No. 1091, RoHS Directive (EU) 2015/863, WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU, ErP Directive 2009/125/EC, and ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1782.

Issued by: Roger T. Johnsen, VP of Engineering, July 31, 2024

Contact: Your local DigiTech sales office, or visit www.digitech.com. Also contact CORTEK Corp. at support@digitech.com.

Warranty

DigiTech is proud of its products and backs them with the following warranty:

1. Register online at www.digitech.com within ten days of purchase to validate. Warranty is valid only in the United States.
2. DigiTech warrants this product, when purchased new from an authorized U.S. dealer and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty is valid to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.
3. DigiTech liability is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials within one year of purchase, provided the product is returned to an authorized DigiTech location. Consequential damages are not covered.
4. Proof-of-purchase (original receipt) is required for warranty service.
5. DigiTech reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without obligation to apply them to previously manufactured products.
6. The warranty is void if the product's main assembly is tampered with by unauthorized personnel or if used with voltages outside specified ranges.
7. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. DigiTech assumes no obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. DigiTech or its dealers are not liable for special or consequential damages or delays beyond their control.

NOTE: Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some information may be inaccurate due to undocumented product changes. This version supersedes all previous versions.