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Silent Night

A Tremolo Study

by Roland White

Photo by Mickey Dobo

This month I'm going to give you some pointers on tremolo. Tremolo consists of brushing the strings rapidly and lightly, down and up. To get the best tremolo, use the shoulder of the pick (in fact I recommend this grip for all playing). Aim the point of the pick toward the inside of your hand, letting about 1/4 inch show. Don't dig down into the strings. You will greatly diminish your chances of dropping the pick this way. Generate the pick motion mainly from your wrist. The flesh at the base of your right thumb will brush the strings behind the bridge. Whether you sit or stand, hold the mandolin neck at a 45 degree angle to the floor. This will help the edge of the pick glide over the strings. (In the recording I think I said "tip", but I mean the tip of the shoulder, not the point of the pick.) You should always be relaxed. Unless you think of relaxing you will struggle with your playing. listen to the recorded instruction and play along with me. Also listen without playing, so you'll hear everything. Now try out your tremolo on my arrangement of "Silent Night" from our new Christmas book/CD set. Happy Holidays!

- Roland White

Listen to Silent Night