The tremolo pedal has its uses, but it’s not the only way to get a tremolo sound on your guitar. In fact, the word ‘tremolo’ (sometimes called ‘tremolo’) can refer to two different but related sounds*. Perhaps best known among electric guitarists, ‘tremolo’ refers to a rapid variation in volume. At low settings, this creates a bright, vibrant sound commonly associated with surf rock, while at maximum, this effect creates a jarring, unnerving shudder. Verify give me shelter by the Rolling Stones for a great example of the first or how soon is it now by The Smiths for an example of the latter. This tremolo effect relies entirely on modern electronics, the tremolo effect in another form has been around since at least the 16th century.
Tremolo in its original form refers to a rapid repetition of a single note. This type of tremolo is believed to have been invented by the Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi (1567, 1643). He used it in orchestral composition, but that doesn’t mean you as a guitarist can’t add it to your bag of tricks. Simply hold the plectrum loosely, play the note you feel is appropriate, and pick that note over and over again as quickly as possible, making sure to hit the string on both the upstroke and downstroke to maximize speed. This is called ‘picking tremolo’. It’s a picking technique you might not hear as often compared to other tricks like sweep picking or legato, but it has its uses.
A word of warning: use it sparingly! Tremolo picking can really add ‘oomph’ to a song or solo, but no one wants to hear it on each song. You can have too much of a good thing.
(BTW, one of my favorite examples of tremolo picking can be heard throughout the song do not forget me by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Check it out.)
Outside of songwriting and performance, tremolo selection is also a really beneficial practice exercise. Speed and stamina in your picking hand are two vital skills if you want someone to take you seriously as a guitarist, and tremolo picking will build those muscles quickly. Try pairing it with a restless hand exercise, like scales or arpeggios, to get more bang for your buck.
So if you can’t afford a tremolo pedal, or even if you’re playing an acoustic guitar, rest assured there are plenty of non-electronic ways to use the tremolo effect to enhance your performance. I’ll see you on stage!
*It can actually refer to a third sound as well, as the word ‘tremolo’ is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to the effect known as ‘vibrato’, but that’s a topic for another article
