ETUDE
June 1938
volume LVI
number 6
page 410, 420

The Tremolo on Fretted Instruments

By George C. Krick

THE INSTRUMENTS played with a plectrum – mandolin, banjo and modern guitar – have one characteristic feature in common, the tremolo. This is produced by a rapid, alternating down and up movement of the plectrum, and its purpose is to prolong or sustain the tone in a manner similar to that which we are accustomed to associate with the violin or other bowed instruments. While it is impossible to equal the smooth effect obtained with a violin bow, the student should make an effort to approach it as nearly as possible. For mandolin, mandola or tenor banjo a small plectrum is most satisfactory, which should be pliable but not too much so. The guitar and mandocello require one of medium size. Both edges of the plectrum must be beveled and smooth, and it should be kept so with the aid of fine emery paper. A few drops of furniture polish, occasionally applied to the playing edge will help also to keep it in good condition. Hold the plectrum loosely between the thumb and first finger, as a too firm grip will interfere somewhat with the freedom of the stroke. A free flexible wrist motion is essential, with movement of the forearm restricted to a minimum. Please remember that the best tremolo can be obtained only by “rubbing” or “skimming” over the strings, using just the tip of the plectrum and taking care not to dip in too far between the strings.

If the instrument is equipped with a raised guard plate it is permissible to rest the end of the little finger lightly on top of this guard, and to move this finger along with the hand, as it must not be kept tightly in one spot. In some instances it is advisable for the beginner to count the number of strokes to be used in the tremolo, dividing the whole note into four groups of four sixteenths, and extending this to four groups of eight thirty-second notes. Just as soon as sufficient rapidity has been acquired and the ear has become accustomed to the correct musical beat, the counting of strokes should be discontinued. One must guard against swinging the plectrum too wide on either down or up stroke, and should always keep the width of the stroke to a minimum on either side of the string. This is especially recommended for single string tremolo on the banjo or guitar. When the tremolo is used on double stops, or chords of three or four notes, it is advisable to lower the wrist somewhat, so the plectrum will not miss either the lower or higher string on down or up stroke. Extreme rapidity is to be avoided, as a good tremolo depends more on smoothness and evenness of execution than excessive speed.

When to Use It

WHEN AND WHEN NOT to tremolo certain notes depends on the style of composition. Whole and half notes usually require the tremolo. In slow movements the quarter notes, eighths, and sometimes even sixteenths may be tremoloed. In marches or foxtrots it is often advisable to use an accented down stroke for half notes, especially if they happen to occur between two quarter notes. Experience and the good judgment of the player should guide him to choose the right way. One thing that is frequently overlooked or neglected by fretted instrument players is “phrasing.” This is an important matter in the rendition of any composition. Throughout the phrase, usually marked with a slur, the tremolo should be continued without interruption, to the end, even when passing from one string to another. After a slight pause the tremolo begins the next phrase, and so on. Occasionally one finds the same note repeated several times. In cases of that kind, the tremolo may be continued; but an accent at the beginning of each note is necessary, which is accomplished by a momentary increased pressure of the thumb against the plectrum. One of the most interesting and instructive volumes teaching the use of the plectrum from many angles, is the “Plectrum Mechanism,” by Giuseppe Pettine. While this work was originally published for mandolin, it contains a great deal of information that should prove helpful also for players of the tenor banjo or plectrum guitar.

Tremolo on Classic Guitar

ONE OF THE MOST beautiful effects obtained on the guitar is the right hand finger tremolo, the accompaniment being played simultaneously with the thumb. In looking over the compositions of the old masters, we find many passages where the melody note is repeated with first and second finger. J. K. Mertz employs this method in his Fantasie Originale, Op. 65, No. 2, and several other operatic arrangements.