Tremolo, Scale Studies
and Further Studies for Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Mandola & Bouzouki
by Mickey Cochran
by Mickey Cochran
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There's quite a bit to think about when attempting to play a 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. Website Map • Return to Lessons Section • Return to Homepage
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.
Tremolo Technique: Using your flatpick, rapidly go up and down on one pair of strings, such as the G strings, attempting to create a long drawn out sustain without any pauses between picking strokes.
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...
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
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