Using the Tremolo Technique with Backing Tracks

By Eugene Walker

Life couldn't be easier than this: You get guitar backing tracks for almost all the top rock, metal, blues and progressive music tracks. All you need to do is learn to focus and learn to play along with the guitar backing tracks.The guitar backing tracks are essential because you can play just about anything or any type of lead. You can even conjure your own piece of work.

For example: if you have guitar backing tracks for the Blood and tears by Steve Vai then you don't have to necessarily play the same lead that Vai has played. You can use all the different advanced guitar techniques using the tremolo and do your original stuff. It's much more fun that way.

The tremolo technique for playing the lead guitar comes in handy especially when you're practicing for a live gig. Of course the guitar backing tracks have to be there but then you need to understand how to play around and improvise with the tremolo. While playing a tremolo all you have to do is play the string with an up and down motion with the help of your pick. It is something that was made famous by the legendary guitarist Pete Townshend.

You can use a tremolo on guitar backing tracks at very high speeds as well as slow speeds. More often than not, a tremolo is played rapidly. If this is your first time then all you need to do is get the right guitar backing tracks and start playing the tremolo at a slow speed and then proceed a step ahead and try to play it faster. The firmer your grip on the tremolo, the faster you should play it. The truth is that there is no fun playing the tremolo slow. Here is a tip: try to play thin picks on the tremolos as they are easier to play. Here is an example of a basic tremolo track:

E|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0--| B|-----------------------| G|-----------------------| D|-----------------------| A|-----------------------| E|-----------------------| |--d-u-d-u-d-u-d-u-d-u--|

Always remember that when you're playing the tremolo with guitar backing tracks, you need to pick down on whatever string you are playing and then immediately pick up that particular string. It should never be two motions - it should always look like just one motion. Here is another example of a simple tremolo that you'll be able to practice with guitar backing tracks:

E|--0-0-2-2-4-4-2-2-0-0--| B|-----------------------| G|-----------------------| D|-----------------------| A|-----------------------| E|-----------------------| |--d-u-d-u-d-u-d-u-d-u--|

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