How to Do Tremolo Picking on the Guitar

Tremolo picking is your ticket to that blistering speed and unrelenting drive that’s the hallmark of so many metal subgenres. Whether you want to unleash a storm of rapid-fire notes in black metal or add an aggressive edge to your thrash riffs, mastering this technique is essential. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tremolo picking, from basic hand positioning to advanced exercises that can elevate your playing to the next level.

Why Tremolo Picking Matters

You might be wondering why tremolo picking is such a big deal. Simply put, it forms the backbone of many metal riffs, giving them that relentless, driving force. It’s not just about playing fast; it’s about maintaining control and clarity at high speeds. Think of iconic bands like Slayer or Immortal, where tremolo picking is often at the core of their sound. It creates a wall of sound that’s both chaotic and precise—a blend that’s hard to resist.

When you nail tremolo picking, it’s like unlocking a new level in your guitar playing. Suddenly, those fast-paced riffs you’ve been struggling with start to fall into place. It’s a skill that opens up a world of possibilities, from intricate solos to tight rhythm sections. So, let’s dive in and get those fingers moving.

Setting Up for Success: The Right Gear

Before you even touch the strings, having the right gear is crucial. While it’s possible to tremolo pick on any guitar, certain setups can make your life a lot easier.

• Pick Choice: A hard, pointed pick can give you that crisp attack you need. Jazz III picks are a popular choice among metal guitarists for their precision.
• String Gauge: Heavier strings might offer more tension, which can help with control. However, they can also be harder to play fast on. Experiment to find your sweet spot.
• Action Height: Lower action can make fast picking easier, but too low might cause fret buzz. Find a balance that suits your style.

Once your gear is set up, you’re ready to focus on technique. Remember, even the best gear won’t compensate for poor technique, so use these tools as an aid, not a crutch.

Hand Positioning: The Basics

Let’s start with the fundamentals—how you hold your pick and position your hand. These might seem trivial, but they have a huge impact on your ability to tremolo pick effectively. First, grip your pick between your thumb and index finger, holding it at a slight angle to the strings. This allows for a smoother, more efficient movement.

Your picking hand should be relaxed yet stable. You don’t want to tense up as this can lead to fatigue and errors. Rest your palm lightly on the bridge for stability, but avoid muting the strings unless that’s part of your sound. The movement should primarily come from your wrist, not your elbow. This allows for quicker, more precise picking.

Developing correct hand positioning early on will save you a lot of frustration down the road. Spend some time getting comfortable with this setup before diving into more complex patterns.

Starting Slow: Building Speed Gradually

Patience is key when it comes to tremolo picking. It’s tempting to jump straight to Mach 5, but starting slow is essential for building speed without sacrificing accuracy. Begin by setting your metronome to a manageable tempo. Focus on picking consistently and cleanly at this speed before gradually increasing the tempo.

• Start with quarter notes, ensuring each pick stroke is even and consistent.
• Once comfortable, move to eighth notes, then sixteenth notes.
• Increase the tempo in small increments, keeping track of your progress.

Using a Riffhard metronome can be incredibly useful here. Our custom metronome is designed specifically for guitar practice, allowing you to set precise tempos and help you track your improvements over time.

Practice Patterns: Exercises to Perfect Your Technique

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to incorporate some exercises into your practice routine. Practicing different patterns helps you develop flexibility and control across all strings and frets.

Single String Patterns

• Open String Exercise: Start by picking on an open string, focusing on evenness and control.
• Chromatic Exercise: Play a chromatic scale using tremolo picking. This helps with finger dexterity as well as picking consistency.

Cross String Patterns

• Two String Alternation: Pick between two adjacent strings. This helps improve your accuracy when changing strings under speed.
• Scale Runs: Practice scales with tremolo picking, focusing on clarity and precision.

Remember, consistency is more important than speed. Use these patterns to build a solid foundation, and you’ll see your speed naturally improve.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best players make mistakes, but being aware of common pitfalls can save you a lot of hassle. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Tension: It’s easy to tense up when trying to play fast. Make a conscious effort to stay relaxed. If you notice tension, take a break and shake it out.
• Inconsistent Timing: Playing in time is crucial. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight and consistent.
• Sloppy Technique: If your playing gets sloppy, slow down. It’s better to play accurately at a slower speed than to rush and make mistakes.

By being mindful of these issues, you can correct them early and develop good habits that will serve you well in your playing career.

Integrating Tremolo Picking into Your Playing

Now that you’ve got the technique down, it’s time to integrate tremolo picking into your actual playing. This is where things get exciting. Start by incorporating tremolo picking into riffs you already know. Experiment with different rhythms and see how tremolo picking changes the feel of the riff.

Try writing your own riffs specifically using tremolo picking. This not only helps you get comfortable with the technique but also develops your creativity and songwriting skills. Listen to your favorite bands and analyze how they use tremolo picking in their music. You can learn a lot by simply observing and emulating before creating your own style.

Advanced Techniques: Adding Dynamics and Flair

Once you’ve got the basics of tremolo picking down, it’s time to add some flair. Dynamics and articulation can take your picking from good to great.

• Volume Swells: Experiment with picking harder or softer to create dynamic interest.
• String Skipping: Incorporate string skipping to add complexity and variation to your playing.
• Using Effects: Add effects like delay or reverb to create a fuller sound.

These advanced techniques can really make your playing stand out. They require more control and finesse, but they’re well worth the effort.

Learning from the Pros

One of the best ways to improve is to learn from those who’ve mastered the art. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. Whether it’s Dean Lamb of Archspire or Jason Richardson, our instructors provide insider tips and techniques that can elevate your playing.

These lessons cover everything from picking precision to rhythm techniques, giving you a comprehensive toolkit to refine your skills. Plus, our interactive player lets you adjust the tempo, so you can practice at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Getting the hang of tremolo picking can be a game changer, opening up a myriad of musical possibilities. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you’ll be ripping through riffs with precision and speed. Don’t forget, we at Riffhard have a wealth of resources to help you along the way, featuring lessons from the best in the business. Now, grab your guitar and start picking!