8 Steps to a Perfect 05

Tremolo Course

STEP 3: EXERCISE 3

Thumb Control Rest the fingers a, m, and i, on the high E

string. Place the thumb on the 6th string
People often overlook the thumb when
and play the following without moving a,
practicing tremolo, but it is a vital
m, and i.
element of successful tremolo.

Now it is time to incorporate the

movement of the thumb. It is really
important that we have good control
between the thumb and the fingers. When
we play pieces, the connection between
the thumb and fingers will help us create a
fluid connected sound. Thumb control is
something that we can easily overlook, but
it is a crucial element of training the hand
to feel balanced and at ease.
The purpose of this exercise is to help
train our hands to move the thumb
without compromising the position of the
tremolo. Try and maintain a comfortable
arch in the planted fingers (a, m, and i) as
you move your thumb.

Try to keep the hand centered and move the thumb in such a way that the
fingers don't have to reach out to play the tremolo.
8 Steps to a Perfect 06
Tremolo Course

EXERCISE 4

Exercise 4 is a combination of Exercises 2

and 3. Once we feel comfortable with all
of these exercises, then we can move on.

STEP 4:
fingers, so it is important that we develop
balance in the right hand so we have
Balance control over which line gets priority.

Balance is extremely important in

tremolo technique because it enables
us to be expressive when we play.

EXERCISE 5

This next exercise helps us build control

over the the volume of each finger. Two
fingers will be accented and two soft. The
melody can be in the thumb or in the