Prerequisites for success

Correct right-hand position

• You must use the standard classical guitar right-hand position to play the tremolo. See this technique tip for details .
• If you are playing with fingernails (recommended), playing with simultaneous flesh-nail contact on the left side of the fingernail should be second nature. Watch this video .

Fingernails

• The tremolo is easiest to play with right-hand fingernails (with the standard simultaneous flesh-nail contact).
• Be sure each fingernail is the correct length. One nail should not feel shorter than another. Note that in order to have the nails feel like they are equal length, one nail may need to be slightly longer than another when you measure their lengths. See this technique tip for details .
• Also, pay attention to the length and shape of the thumbnail for tone and precision of attack. See this technique tip for details .
• You can play the tremolo without nails, but it will be more difficult.

Relaxed right hand

I highly recommend the "pluck-return" or "pluck-release" method of playing with the fingers to eliminate tension and fatigue. See this technique tip for details .
Watch this video .

Ability to play with small or short finger movements

I highly recommend the "pluck-return" or "pluck-release" method of playing with the fingers to train the fingers to make small movements. See this technique tip for details .

Independence between the right-hand fingers

• If you are learning the traditional p-a-m-i tremolo pattern, independence between the "m" and "a" fingers is crucial. To develop basic right-hand finger independence, practice these four patterns with a metronome, starting at MM=80: "p-a-m-a," "p-m-i-m," "p-m-a-m," and "p-i-m-i." The metronome will tick on the thumb and the third note of each pattern. See this technique tip for details .
• If you are using a non-traditional pattern that eliminates the use of the "a" finger, such as "p-i-m-i" or "p-m-i-m," I would still recommend practicing the four arpeggio patterns but also practice "Etude No. 1" by Heitor Villa-Lobos using this pattern: "p-i-p-i, then p-m-p-m, then i-m-i-m, and finally,p-i-p-i." The non-traditional "p-i-m-i" and "p-m-i-m" patterns can be difficult to play fast. Practicing the Villa-Lobos "Etude No. 1" with the pattern above will help build the speed of your "i" and "m" fingers for the alternative tremolo patterns.

Ability to play precisely with a metronome

This is essential. You must be comfortable playing with a metronome.

Equipment to record a sample of your tremolo on your computer

You do not need any special or expensive recording equipment. You can record your tremolo sample on your phone. Or, record on your laptop or desktop with an inexpensive USB microphone and free recording software such as Audacity. Click for details.