Question: How can I improve my tremolo technique on classical guitar?
You are not alone in finding tremolo technique challenging. Many players, even fairly advanced ones who can play most late-intermediate to advanced techniques, still have trouble with tremolo. First, let me discuss some misconceptions and common issues I see with tremolo practice and then I’ll give some practical tips and exercises to improve your tremolo.
Side note: Remember that tremolo technique is not just a technical skill but also a musical one. Tremolo aims to create the illusion of a continuous sustaining melody created by rapidly repeating the melody note. The tremolo line of repeated notes is almost always the actual melody. Therefore, if played evenly with a nice tone and good phrasing, even a moderate or slow tremolo technique can still sound beautiful.
The Importance of a Well Rounded Technique Overall
The first thing I do when examining someone’s tremolo is to look at all their other technique skills first. Tremolo requires a well rounded technique with lots of control and relaxation. I usually start by checking a student’s scale technique. It is essential that they be able to play scales equally with i-m, m-a, or a-m-i patterns. It is very common that if a student can not play m-a scales proficiently with speed and control, they won’t be able to play tremolo either. I look at arpeggios and planting techniques to make sure their hand is organized, balanced, and relaxed. I’ll also take a quick look at their rapid speed bursts and reflex-oriented light playing. Further, some simple single string playing on the 2nd string can help me check accuracy in the right hand. If any of these elements are out of order, that is usually my starting point. It can be disappointing to the student if I start them their tremolo journey with m-a scale work but it is absolutely essential.
Do you practice tremolo exercises everyday?
You need to practice tremolo exercises every day. I know this sounds silly, but many people only focus on tremolo when they want to play a tremolo piece. Ideally, tremolo would have been practiced everyday along with scales and arpeggios as part of the student’s technique routine for most of the years they’ve been playing. This way, when they want to play a piece with tremolo they are almost ready to do so without much extra practice. Just as with scales, arpeggios, slurs, bar, independence, and stretch exercises, if you don’t practice a skill regularly the skill will start to degrade. So, please start practicing tremolo exercises even when you are not working on a tremolo piece. You can find exercises in my Full Technique Book.
Check out my video lessons on tremolo
- Tremolo Exercises for Classical Guitar (video below)
- Beginner Tremolo Exercise for Guitar
- Intermediate to Advanced Tremolo Lesson and Exercise
- How m, a scales can improve your tremolo and arpeggios
Practice Tips for Improving Your Tremolo
Create a balanced practice session. You might want to watch my lesson on How to Practice Music and Organize Your Practice Session.
Practice a well rounded technique routine. This is essential to achieving tremolo evenness and speed. If you are at the intermediate level you might also want to see my article and video on: 7 Technique Categories to Practice Every Day on Classical Guitar.
More specifically, practice tremolo exercises every day. Tremolo exercises are designed to improve your accuracy and the evenness of your tremolo from a rhythmic standpoint. You can find exercises in my Full Technique Book.
Staccato Speed Bursts – Getting your finger into the starting position before it has to begin the stroke is key to building speed. Practice staccato and contrast with legato. I recommend you keep track of your metronome speeds and gradually work increase over a series of weeks or months…or years.
Check my Lesson on Speed and Relaxation.
Speed = Economy of Motion + Accuracy + Relaxation
- Economy of motion is the act of eliminating unneeded movements. Keeping your fingers close to the strings and preparing your fingers directly over the frets increases efficiency.
- Accuracy is self-explanatory but should not be overlooked. Placing your fingers close to the frets allows you to play with less pressure and tension.
- Relaxation enables you to access reflexes connected to your body’s natural ergonomic movements. Focus on slow, accurate playing and relaxation. Allow speed to come naturally as a result of good practice.
Are your expectations too high?
Another aspect of this conversation is whether you are ready to play tremolo. Tremolo is an intermediate technique at the least. To play it fluidly with speed is an advanced technique. Are you an advanced player? When I say advanced, I mean truly advanced. Not just able to play some advanced repertoire but overall in terms of both technique and musical skills are you advanced?
Even if you are an intermediate player you can still play tremolo but you have to put your expectation in order. A successful intermediate tremolo can be super beautiful but it will often be slower than the advanced tremolo we hear in the professional level player. However, if you play evenly with good tone, tremolo can sound very nice in intermediate hands. So that should be your primary aim.
Additional Considerations
- Nail shape. When I recently switched to fake nails my tremolo was greatly improved. Not fixed or suddenly worked, but improved for sure. Here’s my lesson: Fingernails for Classical Guitar: How I Shape My Nails
- Get every book you can and practice all the crazy tremolo exercises people recommend. My book is a very practical choice since I have video lessons on each exercise but you might also consider The Bible of Classical Guitar Technique by Käppel and Kitharologus: The Path to Virtuosity.
- Have a qualified teacher assess your technique. Not just tremolo technique but also scale and arpeggio technique. A deep dive into your technique will likely reveal why your tremolo is having difficulty.
Need a Technique Book?
Check out my book Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, and Arpeggios. The 122 page book includes: Practice Routines, Tips, 100 Open String Exercises, 120 Giuliani Arpeggios, Scales, Slur Exercises, Shifts, Finger Independence, Barre, Tremolo, Common Harmonics, and much more.
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