Get Trem

Work it!

In this lesson path we will introduce you to the tremolo, the A minor scale, and apply both to a song: Wayfaring Stranger. It is a slow tune with a gorgeous melody. It lends itself very nicely to a study of tremolo. The sound of the tremolo may have been the sound that drew you to the mandolin. It is very much the sonic signature of the instrument. It’s when one or more strings sets are picked repeatedly to create a constant stream of notes, sometimes creating the illusion that it is one drawn out sound, like a violin.

We begin with a tremolo workout on a single string. Each section shows a different way to subdivide notes. FOLLOW THE PICK DIRECTION MARKINGS IN THE TABLATURE! Doing this is essential to developing a reliable tremolo. The tremolo is never just one speed or volume and it can be played loud, soft, fast or slow and should be adapted to each song and situation. This workout will help you gain control of the timing of your tremolo. Loop each section and play repeatedly and keep a fairly relaxed pick grip. Practice playing lightly, and also loudly. Try and get a pleasing tone.

Count out loud! If you struggle with timing, try counting before you play - each time. In the A section you are playing quarter notes. Count these "1, 2, 3, 4". In the B section we add in 8th notes. These are counted with an "&" in between each quarter note. The whole measure is counted, " 1 &, 2 &, 3 &, 4 &". In the C section triplets are used. The measure is counted, "1 trip- let, 2 trip- let, 3 trip- let, 4 trip- let". In the D Section 16th notes are used. Count this measure, "1 e & a, 2 e & a, 3 e & a, 4 e & a". Here, pronounce the "a" as "uh". In the E and F sections, sextuplets and 32nd notes are used. If you truly can play the other sections well and feel those rhythms, then these tougher ones will come fairly easily. Use the focus feature to listen to and practice these repeatedly.

Know that playing near or over the neck will yield a darker/warmer tone, and playing near the bridge will become bright and even brittle. The angle of your pick shapes tone as well. A flat pick will yield a brighter sound while one with a bit of a forward tilt will darken the sound. Don’t start the exercise too fast, the more we subdivide, the quicker the notes come. A suggested tempo is provided, but trial and error will teach the right speed for you. Some may need to slow it down even more which is a good thing.

Picking hand exhausted. Let's give it a break and learn the A minor scale.