# Guitar/Tremolo Picking

## What is Tremolo Picking?

**Tremolo** means a modulation in volume; in the context of stringed
instruments, usually refers to repeatedly striking or bowing a single
string in a steady rhythm, especially the fastest rhythm the player can
maintain. (This technique is particularly common on the acoustic
mandolin.) In guitar literature, this is called *tremolo picking*, and
one of the few places the term \"tremolo\" is consistently used
\"correctly\" in guitar literature (whose convention usually reverses
tremolo and vibrato). This technique has nothing to do with a \"tremolo
bar\" (really a vibrato bar) or a \"tremolo\" effects box.

## How to hold the Pick

Tremolo picking, though appearing hard at first, is actually quite easy.
It is merely alternate picking at a faster speed. To start off, a pick
makes tremolo picking much easier and is highly recommended when
attempting it, but even though most people find tremolo picking much
easier with a pick, it is possible without a pick. The best way to hold
your pick is between your thumb and the side of the first knuckle of
your pointing finger, but if you feel more comfortable holding it
another way, such as with your thumb and middle finger then go ahead.

## How to Pick

The movement should come mostly from the wrist. A little bit of arm
movement is okay, but shouldn\'t be done intentionally. It is possible
to tremolo with the elbow, but the wrist is actually easier and faster
for most people with practice.

The motion done with the wrist should be like drawing quick zig zags, or
Vs. Picking should feel just like writing. Imagine drawing as many
connected V\'s as possible.

Do not play with your hand parallel to the strings. Pick like you write,
with your wrist at an angle.

## Grip

An important aspect of tremolo picking that many beginners fail to
realise is that you must have a relaxed grip on the pick, as when you
try to pick when holding the pick tensely, you will find that the pick
hits the string harder therefore making it harder to pass through the
string, causing it to sound sloppy. Maintaining a relaxed grip becomes
harder when playing faster, but you will get used to it.

## Things to Remember

When tremolo picking make sure you use just your wrist, as this will
make it much easier to pass through the string. Also, when you pick the
string, make sure your hand doesn\'t go to far away from it, as this
will slow you down. The impact from hitting the string usually forces
your hand to leave the string, but after practice, avoiding this will
become easier.

It\'s also important to remember that many beginners start to use the
thin side of the pick to tremolo, since the thin side has a smaller
surface area and passes through the strings easily. This is incorrect,
as the pick start to not only damage the strings, but also causes damage
to the wrists, and may further start to ring other strings. Use the flat
side of the pick to tremolo, not the thin border.

