Performing Tremolo Pieces

I recently performed Jorge Morel’s transcription of Misionera which contains two tremolo sections that are each repeated. When performing any piece (let alone one involving the specific technique of tremolo), I find it very important to keep loose and flexible. This would apply to not only the hands and fingers but also the forearms, upper arms, shoulders, back and neck. If I tighten up, my tremolo technique becomes choppy and uneven. How to combat this?

1 - Consider checking in with your specific tight spots throughout the piece. Ask yourself, “How is my right shoulder?” It is tight, tense, raised?
2 - Loosen up before the performance by stretching and warming up.
3 - Before starting, check in with your body. Run through the entire body and perform a system analysis. If you find a trouble spot, take a deep breath and try to release the tension with your exhale.
Read more

Karl Wohlwend plays Seis por Derecho

Learning the tremolo may be as simple as learning to play relaxed

I’m five months into my review of the tremolo technique, and I keep coming back to the same observation. Learning the tremolo or, for that matter any classical guitar technique, may ultimately be about learning to play relaxed (or playing without extraneous tension). I may have made too broad a statement, so I’ll try to focus it more. Maybe in trying so hard to learn something new, we are actually ruining our chances at success. Perhaps “trying” is far removed from “doing.” And maybe “trying” gets in the way of “learning.” The book, “The Inner Game of Tennis,” keeps coming to mind. Are we too much in our own way to make any progress? This brings into question our traditional notions of what constitutes practice as well.

Technorati Tags: classical guitar, sheet music, recuerdos de la alhambra, tremolo, tarrega, tremolo technique, guitar lessons

Online Guitar lesson: Preparing for a Musical Performance and Confronting Performance Anxiety

We just released our first online guitar lesson: “Peak Performance in Music: Complete Guide to Preparing for a Musical Performance and Confronting Performance Anxiety.” In which we cover almost everything you would need for a successful musical performance. Check it out, I think you’ll find the information very helpful.

Peak Performance in Music: Complete Guide to Preparing for a Musical Performance and Confronting Performance Anxiety