mark indigo -> RE: Need advice for tremolo (B-String) (Oct. 1 2008 6:10:40)
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I had the same problem, as I was first taught tremolo on the top string alone, and was told to exaggerate the movements, which created massive problems when i tried to learn something that went onto the 2nd string. My solution to this was pretty much just practise, slowly, accurately, focusing on the coordination skills etc., with simple chords in the left hand at first. I think the thing that really gave me the breakthrough with it though was to play tremolo on the 3rd string. I tried exercises that play tremolo on one string (ie. piami all play the same note on the same string), across all 6 strings, but have never played a falseta that even went onto the 3rd string (there probably are some - come to think of it I think one of Riqueni's tangos does a sort of tremolo-ish thing on the bass strings - but it's also a sort of free stroke 3 finger picado, so don't worry about it), so didn't bother to really go beyond the 3rd. The point is that if you can tremolo on the 3rd string then the 2nd becomes comparatively easier. Try this simple exercise: Hold down an E major chord and tremolo on the top string, with the thumb playing strings; 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 5. In other words, use PIAMI to play the following strings: 61111, 51111, 41111, 31111, 21111, 31111, 41111, 51111, (8 beats altogether). Then move onto the 2nd string, the thumb playing strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5, (8 beats again). ie. 62222, 52222, 42222, 32222, 42222, 32222, 42222, 52222. Then move onto the 3rd string, thumb plays 6, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, (8 beats). ie. 63333, 53333, 43333, 53333, 43333, 53333, 43333, 53333. Then back to the 2nd string, the thumb playing strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5 again (8 beats). I also worked on PAMIA as well as the PMIAM mentioned before, again with the above exercise. When you get bored, try messing around with some other chords and/or chord progressions. Another thing that's important with tremolo is not to hold the fingers in the palm after they have played. After each finger plays, try to return it to the starting position above the string as the next finger plays, that way you will get a smoother effect and (hopefully!) avoid "galloping" tremolo. Hope this helps.
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