Mandolin: Tremolo Technique

Subject: pick angle
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:12:04 -0500

On mandolin, do you angle the pick only to play tremelo or at all times?

Personally, I keep my pick at a perfect horizontal angle, aligned with the strings. When I'm playing a tremelo, I do slightly angle the pick for a smoother pick attack...and, the faster the tremelo, the more angle will be added. Additionally, with an extreme angle, you can achieve some really cool effects during a tremelo...I've heard David Grisman do this well...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 17:14:44 -0400
Subject: understanding mandolin

Hi there!

Greetings Sharon!

I'm glad to assist:

I have two questions one about a technique and the other about the mandolin itself.

I understand "tremolo" is that quick moving of either the fingers or the strings that makes for Italian music etc.?

A tremolo is the right-hand picking motion that gives the impression of a long drawn out note...similar to violin. Here's an example of the tremolo on our lessons section:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page4099.htm

I am uncertain.

Let me know if the above video sampler doesn't load properly for you...

How exactly would tremolo be used in a sentence correctly?

The tremolo technique offered up by this Russian virtuoso is nothing short of incredible. His right-hand moved very quickly in an up and down succession...that his tremolo approach appeared to be violinistic.

Would one say 'your fingers (or hands?) move in a tremolo'? Or is it more like 'as you tremolo on the strings'? Obviously, I'm quite confused. Would you mind helping me understand this?

Hopefully, the above clears things up...
\
Secondly, I'm wondering if you could tell me what brand/type of mandolin would be a nice gift for an Italian mandolin lover???

Wow! There would be so much to choose from...if you want a traditional Italian mandolin, your best bet would be to look for a bowl-back mandolin on eBay...if you want a mandolin with more functionality, for volume, projection and playability, you'll want a flat-back mandolin...you might consider an A-Style with oval soundhole...similar to the Breedlove Quartz models...

I'm interested in what something high end would cost as opposed to something a little more affordable.....but nothing of poor or weak quality.

The Breedlove Quartz would be middle-of-the-road...priced in and around $1,000.00...you might also look at the Weber Hyalite or Absaroka...which is really a wonderful mandolin in every way...

I'd like to purchase something this person would go nuts over and be "impressed" that I even knew to buy it. Do you have any suggestions???

Let me know if the above doesn't appear to be what you're looking for...we also have an extensive video sampler base of most of the models we carry:

For video samplers, on most instruments we carry:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Mickey

Thank you kindly,
sharon

P.S. if you know of any other italian techniques used on the mandolin might you explain to me what they are? I am writing a creative story based on a mandolin and I just want to have all my research correct so I don't mess up the integrity.

Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2003 00:12:59 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Mando Info

Greetings Tom,

Glad to assist if I can:

I recently bought a mandolin, and have been going through your lessons on the website. I have been playing piano, and guitar for about 15+ yrs., so i am familiar with learning an instrument. I am having trouble with the tremolo - if I have my terminology correct. If I am correct I believe that is when one or more notes are speedily played simultaneously - giving a sound one may here in an Italian resturaunt. I hope you followed that.

Yes, you're correct on the technique definition. The tremolo is quite difficult to teach through books, paper or internet. The best way to learn this technique is from a pro mando player in person...or possibly from a video.

There's quite a bit to think about when attempting to play a tremolo:
1. The angle of the pick as it strikes the strings...
2. Gaining an even tempo that fits within the time structure...
3. Volume/Dynamics during the tremolo...
4. The type of pick you're using...
5. Using a looser wrist or stiff forearm...
6. How to hold the pick properly during the tremolo...

Also, I am trying to get all of the scales down. You have the G scale posted. But I am wondering about the rest of the scales. I know which notes are supposed to be there, I just want to make sure my positioning is correct.

Positioning is critical...for, it's easy to gain bad habits when teaching yourself...there is a proper choice of fingers to use for each note to ensure that you'll always have the most efficient approach at your disposal...and you're not limiting your stretch as you learn new scales and songs.

Do you think any of your books or videos would suit me from what you have heard. I am familiar with reading tab, music, and timing. What I need help with are the sutalties of playing the mandolin that make it the mandolin.

There are lots of choices of media to learn from today...and, there are many phenomenal mando players that can contribute in their own way, to your progress. My main suggestion would be to look for instructional materials that focus on methodology first and learning songs only as a reinforcement to the exercises and studies. Yes, my "Introduction to the Mandolin" and "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" are methodologies...my video does teach tremolo technique...only, it touches upon it and does not spend too much time on this particular technique as it deserves. I hope to put out future videos with a comprehensive focus on each mandolin technique: tremolo, faster flatpicking, fingerpicking, split-string technique, crosspicking, hammering and pulling off, and so on...

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated.
You have a wonderful website with an amazing amount of information - Thank you

You're most welcome...and thanks for the kind words regarding our website...be sure to check out our video sampler section for some possible examples of tremolo playing within the samplings:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Tom Guadagno

Subject: Thanks Mickey!...and a question
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 17:37:35 +0000

I received my KM150S on 11/22/02 from Folk Of The Wood. I absolutely love it's sound and I have been using your Intro to the Mandolin video to get me on the right track. I have spent many, many hours on Chapters 1-5 and I am so proud of myself! This is my first time playing a stringed instrument and there are no mandolin instructors in my area. So, the video is all I have and I am actually playing chords on a instrument that I tuned all by my self! I'm on Chapter Six now. Is there a secret to the tremolo exercises? This is the only thing that is hanging me up, it doesn't sound smooth when I do it and my pick hits other strings when I'm concentrating on only one. If you have any pointers can you let me know? I really appreciate this video, more than you can imagine! ~ Carrie

Greetings Carrie,

Thanks so much for the kind words regarding our video...

To assist you with your tremolo techniques, I've listed the following:

1. Make sure that your forearm is remaining in one spot for a pivot point...

2. Try using a thinner pick for less resistance...upon becoming comfortable with a thin pick, you can then graduate to other medium gauge picks...

3. Try starting out by counting to 4 with "and" beats for upstrokes...1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and...and repeat...start out slowly, and then build your speed by counting faster and faster...before you know it, you'll be kicking into the tremolo speed...

Hope this helps...please get back with me if it doesn't...Mickey