When to Tremolo

[Sherry Cadenhead]

Is there a rule of thumb as to when to tremolo? I've been doing it for all dotted quarter notes, half notes, etc. But is there a speed at which tremolo is too difficult and shouldn't be attempted (by a novice, at least)? Please give me a metronome setting if possible.

[JeffD]

Well I am learning that it is a bit more complicated than I ever thought, and depends a lot on the kind of music being played.

But what I do absent any specific instructions to the contrary, is to tremolo quarter notes and longer. That is how I start anyway, and see if it works with the music and with whoever else is playing.

[derbex]

You can vary the number of notes in your tremolo depending on the speed of the tune, the faster the tune the less notes. So for a tune at a slower speed I would play 8 notes to the quarter note and a faster tune, say 80bpm and up I would play 4, occasionally I play 6. You need to find what works for you and work up to it.

As Jeff says it depends on the music, I'll perhaps do what you do for folk tunes, depending on the speed and feel of the tune. For some classical pieces you might tremolo the lot, or none.

[DavidKOS]

Well....

it depends on the style of music, some styles not using tremolo and other styles (like the ones I play) use it all the time.

I use it on longer notes or any phrases that I want to be legato and cantabile. I don't make a rule since a quarter note at a slow tempo can be as long as a whole note at fast tempo.

[Mandoplumb]

When it sounds and feels right to you. Music shouldn't be rules set in stone. When I tremolo may not be when you would, that is the art of music. Everyone sees it a little different.

[sbhikes]

I've almost never heard it played in old-time music, except for waltzes. And then it appears it's used when the note is long and tremolo would sound sweet there.

[pops1]

I use it when it fits the music. Sometimes a half note is better with the pause and no tremolo. Other times a tremolo is what I want to hear.

[JeffD]

... a quarter note at a slow tempo can be as long as a whole note at fast tempo.

This is a good point. You have to go by feel to a large extent.

Another possible exception is when quarter notes, and are to be emphasized. In some cases four quarter notes in a row contribute to the drama better if you down stroke them individually.

The first thing is to fit the music most effectively.

The second thing is to irk the orthodox.

[mobi]

My own thumb rule is whenever I need to sustain a note for few beats

[DavidKOS]

I was at a jam session yesterday that played a lot of rootsy, Americana music. Somehow I didn't do much tremolo at all at that session!

[Steve Ostrander]

My own thumb rule is whenever I need to sustain a note for few beats

My thoughts exactly.