Fingerstyle(Classical?) Tremelo Help.

pcx · #1 July 29th, 2006

Hi,

I'm trying to get a nice tremelo sound (playing the notes with i,m,a continuously).

Do I have to have well-shaped nails for all fingers to get it ?
Since the previous sounds get muted when my finger lands with meat first (then goes to nail).

Fretsource · #2 July 29th, 2006

Well shaped nails help - but standard classical tremolo technique (apart from thumb - p) uses fingers a,m,i, not i,m,a.

pcx · #3 July 29th, 2006

Oh yah, my 'i' nail is naturally suited to pick with minimal nail growth (no shaping required). My m,a nails are barely peeking of the finger (viewing from the palm side) although they they same length when viewed from the top.

Am I right to say the classical tremelo is ideally done with purely nails so as to have the pseudo-continuous sound being replenished with each stroke?

Fretsource · #4 July 29th, 2006

It comes down to a matter of personal choice. It could be argued that "nails only" are better suited to tremolo playing, but not so good for sweet-toned rest strokes, for which a combination of fingertip and nail are often preferrred. So unless you are going to play nothing but tremolo pieces, you need to choose which way is best for you. Some classical guitarists, (although a minority) use no nails at all when playing.

scotty_b · #5 July 29th, 2006

Doyle Dykes uses I, M, A as opposed to A, M, I.
I realise he is not a classical player, but he is very good at this technique (as well as anything else he plays!)

Fretsource · #6 July 29th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty_b

Doyle Dykes uses I, M, A as opposed to A, M, I.
I realise he is not a classical player, but he is very good at this technique (as well as anything else he plays!)

Really? That's interesting. He gets a great tremolo sound, and he does it on steel strings too. I've never managed to get a good tremolo sound from steel strings. Flamenco guitarists are different too, they often squeeze in an extra note and play it as p,i,a,m,i.
I like to hear about great guitarists using unconventional techniques. There's something 'inspiring' about it.

bmurnahan · #7 July 29th, 2006

While I agree that Doyle Dykes is a great fingerstyle guitarist, one of my favorites actually, I find his tremolo to be a little uneven, especially when compared to some of the classical greats.

I would advise you to stick with the p a m i pattern for your tremolo. As with anything on the guitar, go slowly and build your speed.

Best Wishes,

Bob

scotty_b · #8 July 29th, 2006

I didn't really think that about Doyle's playing, but he along with Chet and Tuck Andress are the only guitarists I listen to who actually use the technique. I have not listened to flamenco for any length of time.

Doug · #9 July 30th, 2006

This is interesting. I'd like to learn this technique but the problem I have (and I suspect most beginners) is that the tremolo is not a constant sound. Instead there's a pause between the index and the ring so that it sounds like a series of three note couplets. Are ther practise hints or techniques that I can use to try to make the sound more continuous?

Fretsource · #10 July 30th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

This is interesting. I'd like to learn this technique but the problem I have (and I suspect most beginners) is that the tremolo is not a constant sound. Instead there's a pause between the index and the ring so that it sounds like a series of three note couplets. Are ther practise hints or techniques that I can use to try to make the sound more continuous?

In standard classical tremolo technique, the ring (a) doesn't follow the index(i), it follows the thumb (p) playing a bass note.
P, a, m, i, P, a, m, i, etc.

Chaotic Kittie · #11 July 31st, 2006

Could someone explain what this "tremolo sound" is? :O

scotty_b · #12 July 31st, 2006

Check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u-Bn...=doyle%20dykes
Doyle uses this at the start of this tune, amongst others

bmurnahan · #13 July 31st, 2006

Here's another example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9kMG5kHThk

scotty_b · #14 July 31st, 2006

John is amazing
Great video thanks for sharing that link

bmurnahan · #15 July 31st, 2006

Your welcome! I also wanted to add to my comments regarding Doyle Dykes. I think he is a great player. As I stated, one of my favorite fingerstyle guitarists on the scene today.

I have an early recording that he uses the tremolo on and it just isn't as clean as John Williams or a few other classical guitarists. His tremolo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps sounded great though. Best I have heard from him.

And I truly love Chet Atkins but I would say the same thing about his tremolo. I was just at the CAAS convention a couple of weeks ago. If you ever have a chance to go to one I highly recommend it. Four days of non-stop fingerstyle guitar from some of the best players in nthe world.

Best Wishes,

Bob