What makes a good-sounding tremolo?
A good-sounding classical guitar tremolo is characterized by a combination of these elements:
Rhythmic precision
The notes in the tremolo should be evenly spaced. Any irregularities in timing can disrupt the illusion of a continuous melody. The Wizard measures timing differences down to the millisecond, identifying exactly which notes need adjustment. This rhythmic precision must be maintained when the left hand executes shifts, as the right-hand thumb jumps from string to string, and as the guitarist plays expressively at a variety of dynamic levels and with crescendos and decrescendos.
The average human ear perceives deviations of more than 10 milliseconds between consecutive tremolo notes as uneven. The Tremolo Wizard's goal is to help you train your fingers to stay within 10 milliseconds of the ideal note duration.
How to interpret your results:
- ±0–5 ms: Outstanding. Will sound absolutely even to all listeners at any tempo.
- ±6–9 ms: Low priority to fix. Will sound even to most listeners at BPM = 140 or above.
- ±10–15 ms: Priority to fix. Will sound noticeably uneven to most listeners at moderate to fast tempos.
- ±16 ms and above: High priority to fix. Will sound obviously uneven to all listeners at most tempos.
Correct balance of volume between the thumb and fingers (thumb quieter than the fingers)
The thumb plays the bass line and accompaniment, which provides harmonic and rhythmic support. It should be played with clarity and precision, with a good tone with no harsh or percussive sounds. Since the thumb plays the accompaniment, it must be quieter than the fingers. This balance must be maintained when the left hand executes shifts, as the right-hand thumb jumps from string to string, and as the guitarist plays expressively at a variety of dynamic levels and with crescendos and decrescendos.
The three notes after the thumb are even in volume
Each of the fingers playing the repeated note in the tremolo (the melody) should have a consistent volume. No finger should overpower the others. This even volume must be maintained when the left hand executes shifts, as the right-hand thumb jumps from string to string, and as the guitarist plays expressively at a variety of dynamic levels and with crescendos and decrescendos.
The Tremolo Wizard also measures how evenly you play the notes in your tremolo, based on their volume (amplitude). Ideally, all finger notes should be equally loud, and the thumb should be balanced—not too loud or too soft compared to the fingers.
- Fingers (Notes 2, 3, 4): "GOOD" if within ±2 dBFS of the ideal (average of the finger notes).
- Thumb (Note 1): "GOOD" if within ±3 dBFS of the ideal. Thumb and fingers should sound balanced.
How to interpret your results:
- GOOD: The note's volume is balanced and even.
- TOO LOUD: Fingers more than +2 dBFS, thumb more than +3 dBFS above the ideal. The note will stand out.
- TOO QUIET: Fingers more than -2 dBFS, thumb more than -3 dBFS below the ideal. The note may disappear in your tremolo.
Musicality
Musicality is a combination of all these elements. As noted above, one should have the ability to play the tremolo at a variety of dynamic levels and use crescendos and decrescendos without affecting the rhythmic evenness and balance of the thumb vs. the fingers.
Tonal quality
A warm, round tone is essential for a beautiful tremolo. There should be no fingernail clicks or extraneous sounds. Vibrato can also add to the beauty of the tone and musicality of the tremolo. However, we recommend postponing the use of vibrato until you have achieved an even tremolo at 144 BPM.
Speed
The tremolo creates the illusion of a continuous sound rather than individual plucks at a tempo of about 138 BPM and faster (the thumb of the tremolo pattern playing on each tick). All of the previous elements must be maintained at 138+ BPM.
Artistic performance
Keep in mind that artistic expression and performance is the ultimate goal. The tremolo should serve the music, not just be a technical display. Understanding the phrasing and emotional context of the piece is essential for creating a compelling performance. Pieces like Francisco Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" or Agustín Barrios' "Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios" require the guitarist to convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, or tenderness through the tremolo.
Before you continue...
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