Tremolo with double stops?

[JLee]

Last year at the Symposium, I learned some great techniques to use for tremolo and since then my tremolo has sounded much better.

The only thing is that usually I play one set of the double strings for tremolo. Well I've been trying to work on new things and I was trying out a song with double stops (Down in the Valley) and it has lots of tremolo in it where you play the double stops. I was having trouble getting a smooth tremolo when I had one open string and was on a fret for the other set of strings (ex. A and F#).

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to handle this when the strings aren't on the same level?

Thanks! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Brian Aldridge]

tilt your pick and come at the strings on a slight angle

[Bernie Daniel]

JLee: I was having trouble getting a smooth tremolo when I had one open string and was on a fret for the other set of strings (ex. A and F#).

I would start with your pick grip -- are you holding it between you thumb and the first joint of your index finger? #

If so you should be able to have a firm grip yet at the same time a pick that is not too "rigid" -- you want the pick to glide over the sets of strings and to have a little bit of "give" of flex not one that is stiff and that digs in and hangs up between them. #(actually you did not say exactly what kind of problem you are having.

If done right you can termolo over as many strings as #you like with no problem whatsoever. #I think you could just practice a tremolo on one open string course say the A's then and then expand it to the next course (A's & E's) #-- then go to the E's alone then back to both etc etc. #It will come to you in short order I think.

Try that if it does not work others may have other ideas but I do not think this will too diffecult for you to solve in the end. #You you get it you'll wonder what the problem ever was! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Richard Russell]

The double stop tremolo is SO sweet, it is a worthwhile endeavor to master! Great advice so far. I would only add that it may help to practice at first with a very light attack, just lightly brushing the strings. You may want it to be louder, but, that will come in time as you gain confidence and then can play with more pressure or power. Work at it every time you play and fall in love with the sound that it makes, then you will own the technique before too long!!!

[Andrew Lewis]

I'll second Richard's suggestion. This approach helped me quite a bit...

[JeffD]

The double stop tremolo is SO sweet, it is a worthwhile endeavor to master!

Work at it every time you play and fall in love with the sound that it makes, then you will own the technique before too long!!!
That is so true.

[johnwalser]

I have mastered the tremolo (due to stupidity and my failure my to give up my guitar grip and convert to the "Compton Grip", it took me three years) and now can flow along with anyone. I can tremolo several strings together at the same time. But why? Tremolo and double stops are wonderful additions to a mandolin players arsenal and I chose to use them singly to best effect. Just my opinion and I could be wrong.
John

[Peter Hackman]

Seems I solve this problem by avoiding it, i.e., avoiding open strings.

Of course that very double stop, f#-a, would force you into a
somewhat high position.



Edit: do you mean the third or its inversion (a sixth), and which octave?

[jk245]

The only thing is that usually I play one set of the double strings for tremolo. Well I've been trying to work on new things and I was trying out a song with double stops (Down in the Valley) and it has lots of tremolo in it where you play the double stops. I was having trouble getting a smooth tremolo when I had one open string and was on a fret for the other set of strings (ex. A and F#).
Can you describe which strings you are picking in sequence to obtain the 'double stop"