Question on tremolo

MichaelHorowitz

djangology wrote:

im excited to see everyones playing ability improve after your book is released... rhythm is sooo important (obviously)

Thanks Jon....I was just writing the afterword and was basicly saying that the most important lessons about rhythm can't be learned from a book. The deep internalization of time....the rock solid feel of Nous'che, Hono, and so many other Gypsy greats comes from years of "paying your dues."

But still...the book will teach you every trick there is to know!

I hope to start taking pre orders before x-mas....


Thanks for the interest...at least I'll sell two copies!

'm

BluesBop Harry

Looking forward to it, count me in too!

zav

Hi, Michael!

I just went to forum to ask the same question about the release date! )))
Sounds nice!

What aspects of Rhythm playing will cover Vol. 1?

Thanks!
Anton

MichaelHorowitz

i'll post a new topic about Gypsy Rhythm w/more info....


'm

BluesBop Harry

Michael wrote:

I angle my wrist...there is also some slight adjustment with the thumb and forefinger...same grip though. I'll have a picture of it in the Gypsy Rhythm book.

Man, am I embarassed to ask this again, but I just can´t wait for the book to come out. :oops:
I think im doing it right since my tremolos are smoother and im getting something of a swishing sound, but im really not sure...
Could you please elaborate. What do you mean by "angling your wrist"? I´m turning mine to the right but I feel this causes extra tension, and I dont want to hurt myself doing it.
Also, exactly what its the slight adjustment you make with the index and thumb? I think I know but...
Thanks and sorry for asking again.

trumbology

What I'd like to be able to do is nail that "bumble bee" tremolo Django sneaks into the eighth bar of "Old Man River."

Sounds like a single string, and it sounds like all string, not the swishing of the pick sideways over the strings. Something to work towards.

BluesBop Harry

Yeah! Or What about really nailing "Mystery Pacific" and playing it along with the record?
Man!

MichaelHorowitz

BluesBop Harry wrote:

Could you please elaborate. What do you mean by "angling your wrist"? I´m turning mine to the right but I feel this causes extra tension, and I dont want to hurt myself doing it.
Also, exactly what its the slight adjustment you make with the index and thumb? I think I know but...
Thanks and sorry for asking again.

The wrist angle is subtle...it shouldn't be too much. If you feel tension then it's too much. Probably more of the adjustment is done with the fingers. Essentially you want to angle the pick so you're using the blunt side of it to slide over the strings. Whatever combination of wrist and finger adjustments you do to achieve that should be OK as long as you're not hurting your self. You'll know you have it right when the pick just slides effortlessly over the strings and makes a nice 'swooshing" sound.

good luck!

'm

BluesBop Harry

Thanks a lot Michael!
I think I get it now, I´ll try it right away.
And really thanks for EVERYTHING!
-Harry

Riviera

bribas wrote:

Are there any other exercises that will help the wrist turn for the fast tremolo? Something with weights, or shaking a can of soup or something? My progress seems to be slow, and often the pick gets hung up on the strings. Any advice, of course, is greatly appreciated.

A relative of mine (french gypsy side of the family from Alsace), who is retired as a player, recommended spinning a small lead weight on the end of a short piece of fishing line to build the oscillation muscles evenly. I started doing this many years ago and I have found it very useful. After a few minutes of this go straight to the guitar and check out the difference. I got into a habit of doing this for long periods of time ie while watching a movie. Be real careful that the weight is tied on properly I don't want a bill for your broken windows. I am sure this is a well known trick and I am sorry if this already has been mentioned. BTW I learned the rest stroke approach as a kid but went off for a career in straight ahead jazz but have recently decided to mend the error of my ways!
All the Best