Fundamentals of the Tremolo on Classical Guitar

• Tremolo is a series of repeated notes
• It should not sound like separate notes, but smooth like a "hum"
• Evenness and articulation are more important than speed
• Right hand movement is similar to playing arpeggios

Note: This chapter has a longer musical example. If you wish to print, then use the icon in the top right corner to make it easier to practice the example.

Example 1

Example Explained

This example uses speed bursts to develop the tremolo in the right hand.

Equal volume and duration of notes is the most important aspect of the exercise.

Example 2

Example Explained

This example forces the thumb to move from string to string while maintaining the tremolo on string .

Though focusing on the tremolo, do not forget to focus on the tone of the thumb.

Example 3

Example Explained

The most common problem of the tremolo is unevenness of sound or "lopsidedness."

Because the finger pattern is for four fingers and the change of notes is on three, the tremolo will emphasize the first of three with a different finger every time. This is a great exercise to correct the problem of uneven tremolo.