Planting Techniques for the Standard "p-a-m-i" Tremolo

Plant the "a" finger as the thumb plays.

Many people recommend this. Here's why:

• It is said that if the "a" finger is planted it serves as a reference point for "i" and "m", increasing their accuracy.
• Having the "a" finger on the string keeps "i" and "m" closer to the string as well.
• Some say it aids in developing speed.
• It also aids in hand stability.
• It certainly results in smaller movements of the "a" finger.
• Security: It provides a sense of security, especially in performance situations where nerves might affect your playing. With the "a" finger planted, you have a stable starting point.

Two schools of thought exist:

• One school says that the planting of "a" is a practice technique for slower tempos and that as the speed is increased, the finger is no longer consciously planted.
• The other school says that the plant is maintained even at high speeds.

Try both and see what produces the best result for you.

Plant "a" and "p" together.

Plant them immediately after the "i" finger plays.

Benefits of this approach:

• This is said to result in even greater accuracy, speed, and stability.
• It specifically helps to rein in extraneous movements of the thumb.
• It preps the thumb to play the correct string.

Two schools of thought exist:

• One school says this is only a practice technique.
• The other school says this plant is used even at final tremolo speeds.

Sequential Planting: Plant all four fingers Option A.

This one is more of a practice technique rather something to be used in actual playing.

Here is how it works:

1. Start with the thumb and "a" finger planted on their strings.
2. The thumb plays.
3. The "a" finger plays.
4. Immediately after "a" plays, plant the "m" finger. This will cut the previously played note short (staccato).
5. Immediately after "m" plays plant the "i" finger on the string. Again, this will cut the note just played producing a staccato.
6. Pluck the string with the "i" finger.
7. Immediately after the "i" finger plays, plant "p" and "a" simultaneously on the strings they will play next. This cuts off the note the "i" finger just played and cuts off the ringing bass string.

At first, it is practiced at a snail's pace. It will sound as notated in the example above and below.

Sequential Planting: Plant all four fingers Option B.

Method four is the same as method #3, except that at the end of the tremolo pattern:

1. After the "i" finger plucks, only plant "p" on its string rather than both "p" and "a."
2. Finally, as "p" plucks, plant "a."

Benefits and progression:

• It definitely helps limit the movements of the fingers.
• Each finger stroke pulls the next finger immediately into position.
• As the speed is increased the individual finger preparations and the resulting staccato become less distinct.
• As you approach tremolo tempo (MM=144+ for a quarter note) the staccato effect disappears altogether.

Watch me demonstrate these planting techniques in this video clip: