Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Tremelo

3 replies [Last post]
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 20:46
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
Offline
Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011

Hi David,

Any specific tips on softening ones tremelo? When I cough inwards on the tremelos it sound particularly harsh compared to you.

-Taylor

Top
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 21:47
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Harsh is okay at first... make sure the right muscles are doing their job. As the months go by you can soften it more and more... it will be natural.

Top
Sun, 08/28/2011 - 02:22
#2
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
Offline
Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011
OK. I guess I've been

OK. I guess I've been avoiding the tremelo on some levels because I felt like it sounds too harsh (the way I do it). And I got busted on a few submissions for cheating on my tremelo by either not doing it or making the "tremelo" in other places other than my throat :). This is good to know. I'll suck it up and mash through the rough stuff until those neurons develop and I can control it better.

Thank you,
Taylor

Top
Sun, 08/28/2011 - 07:55
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

Keep at it... it's one of the most important techniques for conveying emotion to the listener.

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com