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Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I wonder if there's
an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick, arm/hand motion,
etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while holding the pick at a
right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm (not loose) grip on
the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the motion being
generated from the arm). Of course, like everything else, I think
the biggest benefit comes from "practice, practice, practice".
Just looking for ways to improve my technique - any ideas? Thanks!
-Dick
I use four different methods for trem picking. I use a thumb pick exclusively
but two of the methods don't involve the pick at all. One "non-pick" method
is to hold your picking hand completely steady and to fan your middle finger
back and forth across the string. The second non-finger method is a more
dramatic version of the first method. You can fan both your first and middle
fingers back and forth across the strings keeping a constant 90 degree angle
between the fingers at the knuckle. This doubles the speed of the trem.
The "pick" methods include the standard one that Dick mentions below and one
where you keep your fore arm still and let your rist do the trem'ing. it
requires a bit more practice to get up to speed.
-Marty
<<Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I wonder if there's
an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick, arm/hand motion,
etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while holding the pick at a
right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm (not loose) grip on
the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the motion being
generated from the arm). Of course, like everything else, I think
the biggest benefit comes from "practice, practice, practice".
Just looking for ways to improve my technique - any ideas? Thanks!
-Dick
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I haven't really studied it, but I think I do mine from the wrist mostly,
and keep my arm steady.
I have always used a heavy pick...never tried it with a light pick.
-----Original Message-----
From: flatwound01 [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2001 10:43 AM
To:
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Trem Picking Technique Tips
Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I wonder if there's
an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick, arm/hand motion,
etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while holding the pick at a
right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm (not loose) grip on
the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the motion being
generated from the arm). Of course, like everything else, I think
the biggest benefit comes from "practice, practice, practice".
Just looking for ways to improve my technique - any ideas? Thanks!
-Dick
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I use a very tight grip on a heavy pick, with as little of the pick
point contacting the strings as possible. The motion is a combination
of the wrist and arm. Although my grip is tight, my arm is very
relaxed. I attack the string agressively, yet do so in a relaxed
manner, if that makes any sense. I liken it to a boxer pulling his
punches.
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "flatwound01" <rmessick2@m...> wrote:
> Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I wonder if
there's
> an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick, arm/hand motion,
> etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while holding the pick at a
> right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm (not loose) grip on
> the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the motion being
> generated from the arm). Of course, like everything else, I think
> the biggest benefit comes from "practice, practice, practice".
>
> Just looking for ways to improve my technique - any ideas? Thanks!
>
> -Dick
Pretty interesting, seeing the different styles of tremelo picking! For me, I
use two methods. First one is resting my palm on the bridge, and reaching out
with my middle finger to manipulate the bar (only works to flatten the notes,
but that is all I have my guitar set up to do, anyway). Second one is holding
the pick with thumb and index finger, and gripping the bar with the remaining
fingers (I have the springs adjusted very tightly, and the bar is bent to be
closer to the strings). Like I say, there appear to be many different styles,
and this is what works for me! By the way, Happy Holidays to all!
Best regards, Dana Vincent
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I always use .13 to .56 flatwounds, I think heavy strings are really
important for a hard, even, fast double-picking approach.
I started out using those massive purple 3mm thick picks but
eventually switched to .78s (better tone).
I hold my pick without any angle towards the string, I pick really
hard. I use a combination of wrist, forearm, and upper arm muscles.
When I started out I used my wrist and/or elbow and all I got was
tired and cramped.
Really important to use the right muscles, otherwise you burn
yourself out.
Dana,
Maybe I'm still under the influence of some potent eggnog but when you
say "the bar" I assume you mean the tremolo arm, is that correct?
Would this mean that you use the trem arm to help with the double
picking?
Bo
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent" <splashbk@d...>
wrote:
> Pretty interesting, seeing the different styles of tremelo picking!
For me, I use two methods. First one is resting my palm on the
bridge, and reaching out with my middle finger to manipulate the bar
(only works to flatten the notes, but that is all I have my guitar set
up to do, anyway). Second one is holding the pick with thumb and
index finger, and gripping the bar with the remaining fingers (I have
the springs adjusted very tightly, and the bar is bent to be closer to
the strings). Like I say, there appear to be many different styles,
and this is what works for me! By the way, Happy Holidays to all!
>
> Best regards, Dana Vincent
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Bo, I thought when referring to "trem-picking", we were talking about the style
used by Hank Marvin (holding the tremelo arm or "bar", and picking the notes
individually). Maybe I am the one who had too much eggnog, but I thought the
style used in Miserlou was called "double-picking". Please straighten me out!
Best regards, Dana Vincent
----- Original Message -----
From: lebodde
To:
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 10:09 AM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: Trem Picking Technique Tips
Dana,
Maybe I'm still under the influence of some potent eggnog but when you
say "the bar" I assume you mean the tremolo arm, is that correct?
Would this mean that you use the trem arm to help with the double
picking?
Bo
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent" <splashbk@d...>
wrote:
> Pretty interesting, seeing the different styles of tremelo picking!
For me, I use two methods. First one is resting my palm on the
bridge, and reaching out with my middle finger to manipulate the bar
(only works to flatten the notes, but that is all I have my guitar set
up to do, anyway). Second one is holding the pick with thumb and
index finger, and gripping the bar with the remaining fingers (I have
the springs adjusted very tightly, and the bar is bent to be closer to
the strings). Like I say, there appear to be many different styles,
and this is what works for me! By the way, Happy Holidays to all!
>
> Best regards, Dana Vincent
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
It is called 'double picking' though it's not really correct.
'tremolo picking' is the classical term for it. Incidently Fender is
wrong to call it a tremolo arm , because what it does is really
vibrato, which is a variance in pitch. Tremolo is what Fender calls
vibrato on thier amps. I think someone at Fender way back got
confused and they never bothered to correct
it.
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent" <splashbk@d...>
wrote:
> Bo, I thought when referring to "trem-picking", we were talking
about the style used by Hank Marvin (holding the tremelo arm or
"bar", and picking the notes individually). Maybe I am the one who
had too much eggnog, but I thought the style used in Miserlou was
called "double-picking". Please straighten me out!
>
> Best regards, Dana Vincent
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: lebodde
> To: SurfGuitar101@y...
> Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 10:09 AM
> Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: Trem Picking Technique Tips
>
>
> Dana,
>
> Maybe I'm still under the influence of some potent eggnog but
when you
> say "the bar" I assume you mean the tremolo arm, is that correct?
> Would this mean that you use the trem arm to help with the double
> picking?
>
> Bo
>
> --- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent"
<splashbk@d...>
> wrote:
> > Pretty interesting, seeing the different styles of tremelo
picking!
> For me, I use two methods. First one is resting my palm on the
> bridge, and reaching out with my middle finger to manipulate the
bar
> (only works to flatten the notes, but that is all I have my
guitar set
> up to do, anyway). Second one is holding the pick with thumb and
> index finger, and gripping the bar with the remaining fingers (I
have
> the springs adjusted very tightly, and the bar is bent to be
closer to
> the strings). Like I say, there appear to be many different
styles,
> and this is what works for me! By the way, Happy Holidays to all!
> >
> > Best regards, Dana Vincent
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
It is called 'double picking' though it's not really correct.
'tremolo picking' is the classical term for it. Incidently Fender is
wrong to call it a tremolo arm , because what it does is really
vibrato, which is a variance in pitch. Tremolo is what Fender calls
vibrato on thier amps. I think someone at Fender way back got
confused and they never bothered to correct
it.
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent" <splashbk@d...>
wrote:
> Bo, I thought when referring to "trem-picking", we were talking
about the style used by Hank Marvin (holding the tremelo arm or
"bar", and picking the notes individually). Maybe I am the one who
had too much eggnog, but I thought the style used in Miserlou was
called "double-picking". Please straighten me out!
>
> Best regards, Dana Vincent
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: lebodde
> To: SurfGuitar101@y...
> Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 10:09 AM
> Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: Trem Picking Technique Tips
>
>
> Dana,
>
> Maybe I'm still under the influence of some potent eggnog but
when you
> say "the bar" I assume you mean the tremolo arm, is that correct?
> Would this mean that you use the trem arm to help with the double
> picking?
>
> Bo
>
> --- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "Dana and Roberta Vincent"
<splashbk@d...>
> wrote:
> > Pretty interesting, seeing the different styles of tremelo
picking!
> For me, I use two methods. First one is resting my palm on the
> bridge, and reaching out with my middle finger to manipulate the
bar
> (only works to flatten the notes, but that is all I have my
guitar set
> up to do, anyway). Second one is holding the pick with thumb and
> index finger, and gripping the bar with the remaining fingers (I
have
> the springs adjusted very tightly, and the bar is bent to be
closer to
> the strings). Like I say, there appear to be many different
styles,
> and this is what works for me! By the way, Happy Holidays to all!
> >
> > Best regards, Dana Vincent
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SurfGuitar101-unsubscribe@y...
> Visit for archived
messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
At 00:29 27/12/01 +0000, you wrote:
> It is called 'double picking' though it's not really correct.
>'tremolo picking' is the classical term for it.
just ask any mandolin player :)
90
I've always thought of tremelo picking as the Dick Dale style of picking used
in Miserlou.
The confusion is all Fender's fault. Their "tremelo" bar should really have
been called a vibrato bar. And what Hank Marvin does should be called
"vibrato picking".
Marty
<<Bo, I thought when referring to "trem-picking", we were talking about the
style used by Hank Marvin (holding the tremelo arm or "bar", and picking the
notes individually). Maybe I am the one who had too much eggnog, but I
thought the style used in Miserlou was called "double-picking". Please
straighten me out!
Best regards, Dana Vincent
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
--- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "flatwound01" <rmessick2@m...> wrote:
> Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I wonder if
there's
> an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick, arm/hand motion,
> etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while holding the pick at a
> right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm (not loose) grip on
> the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the motion being
> generated from the arm). Of course, like everything else, I think
> the biggest benefit comes from "practice, practice, practice".
>
> Just looking for ways to improve my technique - any ideas? Thanks!
>
> -Dick
As a "surf instro guitar non-conformist" I don't much like "trem
picking" (aka "double picking"). Since I never use a pick -
fingerstyle picking can be both easier and tougher - I won't
elaborate on that method I use.
However, when using a plectrum pick, use a thick/heavy one, and use
the roundest edge (not the pointy edge) ... or better yet, use two
bits (a US quarter) ... always hold the pick at a slight angle to the
string for better entry. That's it. YMMV.
Hi YMMV,
Please do elaborate on the fingerstyle method that you use. I am curious.
I also play fingerstyle but I use a thumb pick. As I mentioned earlier, there
are a couple good methods for trem picking without a pick.
-Marty
<<... I never use a pick -
fingerstyle picking can be both easier and tougher ...
...YMMV.
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dick,
When I trem pick, I use a real loose wrist, so I can
get a lot of movement with very little effort. For me
that is the key to fast trem picking. Try to imagine
your shaking-out a lit match; its more of a twitch for
me then a wrist movement. I learned this technique
from studying Django Reinhardt(Gypsy Jazz God of all
time). It also helps to use heavy strings. I like
flatwound 11's on my jazzmaster, but most surf guys
use bigger ones (I play other styles that require me
to bend). As a bonus, bigger strings give your guitar
better tone, in my opinion. As far as how to hold the
pick. I don't have any help for you. I hold mine the
same regardless of what style of music I'm playing and
I only use Herco Gold Flex 50's. I have a hunch Dick
Dale uses flimsy picks; he uses giant strings (16's)
and he tends to melt through picks when trem picking.
Damon
--- twangstring <> wrote:
> --- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "flatwound01"
> <rmessick2@m...> wrote:
> > Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I
> wonder if
> there's
> > an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick,
> arm/hand motion,
> > etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while
> holding the pick at a
> > right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm
> (not loose) grip on
> > the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the
> motion being
> > generated from the arm). Of course, like
> everything else, I think
> > the biggest benefit comes from "practice,
> practice, practice".
> >
> > Just looking for ways to improve my technique -
> any ideas? Thanks!
> >
> > -Dick
>
> As a "surf instro guitar non-conformist" I don't
> much like "trem
> picking" (aka "double picking"). Since I never use
> a pick -
> fingerstyle picking can be both easier and tougher -
> I won't
> elaborate on that method I use.
>
> However, when using a plectrum pick, use a
> thick/heavy one, and use
> the roundest edge (not the pointy edge) ... or
> better yet, use two
> bits (a US quarter) ... always hold the pick at a
> slight angle to the
> string for better entry. That's it. YMMV.
>
>
>
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Well, now that I have been educated on what "trem-picking" is (...duh...!!!), my
method is resting the palm on the bridge or guitar body, and using my wrist with
the pick at a slight angle. Since I don't pick this way through the whole song,
fatigue is not a problem. I also have learned to trem-pick while holding the
trem/vibrato/whammy bar/arm (...sorry, don't know what to call it now...!!!),
which is kind of a fun effect!
Best regards, Dana VIncent
--- twangstring <> wrote:
> --- In SurfGuitar101@y..., "flatwound01"
> <rmessick2@m...> wrote:
> > Anyone care to share their trem picking "tips"? I
> wonder if
> there's
> > an optimal angle of pick attack, grip on the pick,
> arm/hand motion,
> > etc. . . . I've had pretty good results while
> holding the pick at a
> > right angle (that is, not tilted), using a firm
> (not loose) grip on
> > the pick, and using minimal wrist movement (the
> motion being
> > generated from the arm). Of course, like
> everything else, I think
> > the biggest benefit comes from "practice,
> practice, practice".
> >
> > Just looking for ways to improve my technique -
> any ideas? Thanks!
> >
> > -Dick
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I hold my pic so that my tips of my pointer finger and my thumb meet at a
little greater than a 90 degree angle. My pick is inbetween these two
fingers perpendicular to my thumb. This always just felt natural although
I'm sure I was taught to hold it different.
The picking is a little in the elbow and a little in the shoulder I guess.
I use my whole arm. That's how I've always done it and I've read that
that's how Dick Dale does it too.
I have 12 guage flatwounds but I still break these ALL the time. I think it
might be my bridge. I'll break them at the most random times. Sometimes a
string will break when I'm not even playing on it, I'm playing on another
string. Or sometimes when I'm playing very softly. Since the string is
broken at the bridge, what I do to save lots of money is I tie the string
back to the little cylindar thingie and restring the same string. I've only
gotten a string jammed a couple times heh. ;)
I guess you can kind of see my picking technique in this music video of my
surf band. I just uploaded it to my band's website: - It's in the "Sound Waves" section.
-Thor Andersen
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