Mike's Oud Forums

Right hand question

journeyman - 5-4-2006 at 07:59 PM

I am unsure of the proper right hand technique for doing tremolo. Is it ALL in the wrist or does the forarm come into play as well? I am finding that I generate a lot of tension when using tremolo so I must be doing something wrong. When I totally relax, I can't seem to execute a tremolo at all. Any comments on developing the ability to do a good tremolo would be much appreciated.

All the best,
Roy

billkilpatrick - 5-5-2006 at 02:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by journeyman
I am unsure of the proper right hand technique for doing tremolo. Is it ALL in the wrist or does the forarm come into play as well? I am finding that I generate a lot of tension when using tremolo so I must be doing something wrong. When I totally relax, I can't seem to execute a tremolo at all. Any comments on developing the ability to do a good tremolo would be much appreciated.

All the best,
Roy


roy - i feel your pain. oddly enough, what works for me is to concentrate on an accurate and supple up-down - with any of the picks i use - while practicing so-called "economy picking:"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_picking

i have a tendency to stiffen my wrist while doing this and - while it works ok - it's exhausting and impossible to do quickly. by forcing my wrist to relax and concentrating on the wrist joint instead of the forefinger and thumb as the center of activity, i found that tremolo came easily, almost as a bonus by-product.

think limp - bill

tsugumi - 5-5-2006 at 06:48 AM

Dear Roy San

I know you are very excellent Jazz Guitarist.

I will express the opinion from the viewpoint of Guitarist.
I think that you understand whether to use the wrist like any when comping is done with the guitar enough.
When I tried the movement of the right hand that did 4voice or 5voice in comping by single string, I was able to do the tremolo.
I am having it process by the wrist without so moving the arm though this is described only in case of me.

How if referring to styles of right hands such as Jim Hall, George Benson, and Pat Metheny when you play oud?

I'm sorry that an appropriate explanation cannot be done.

Regards,
Mitsugu

journeyman - 5-5-2006 at 08:04 AM

Thanks Bill. Economy picking....I should have known about it after 30 years of guitar playing but have never heard it actually defined. Thanks for that; I'll give it a try on the oud and the guitar as well. (limp....OK)

Cheers,
Roy