3 Things to Know About the Accidental Invention of Flanging

Flanging was discovered by accident during the recording of “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Engineer Ken Townsend pressed his finger on the flange of a tape reel to sync two machines, creating a sweeping, watery pitch shift.

John Lennon loved the effect and kept it in the final mix. The flanging made the already trippy song feel disorienting, like falling through a wormhole.

This happy accident became a signature effect in rock music. “Tomorrow Never Knows” marks the exact moment tape manipulation broke rock open.