The tremolo is one of the most interesting and expressive fingerstyle guitar techniques, whether classical, flamenco or acoustic. Tremolo technique seems to rise above the physical limitations of the instrument, creating a seamless illusion of continuous, seemingly endlessly sustained sound on nylon or steel strings. Some of the most beautiful music written for the guitar uses this technique as its primary vehicle of expression and it has fascinated composers since it first appeared.

But what exactly is the tremolo technique? Well, the traditional classical guitar tremolo involves a combination of movement of all the available right-hand fingers (minus the little finger). It is a 4-note sequence performed as follows:

1. Pluck a bass note with p.
2. Perform a free stroke with a on a treble string.
3. Perform a free stroke with m on the same treble string.
4. Perform a free stroke with i on the same treble string.
5. Repeat Steps 1-4 many, many, many times!

However, there are very significant technical variations developed by various pioneers, which we will examine in the course of the following chapters.

So, why a whole book dedicated to tremolo?

The answer is simple: The tremolo technique gives rise to one of the most frequently asked questions at masterclasses and guitar seminars: it happens virtually all the time! This clearly illustrates that the guitar-playing world has a very keen interest in the specific technique and its numerous variations.

On the other hand, tremolo is a technique that exists in various permutations in all styles of guitar playing (classical, flamenco, acoustic, and even jazz and rock)!

The tremolo technique is not a “static” technique that has remained unchanged. In the following chapters we will examine the beautiful, lyrical 5-note flamenco tremolo and its 6-note and 8-note variations, as well as the continuous tremolo and a multitude of other related tremolo techniques pioneered by many diverse players and teachers.

While researching the materials for this book I consulted over 100 classical and flamenco guitar players, both teachers and professional performers, as well as a few quite gifted amateurs!