Finger tremolo » Special playing styles - Philipp Dangas

Description of the playing technique finger tremolo

The finger tremolo also called broken tremolo. It consists of a rapidly repeating sequence of 2 tones. They are performed either on one and the same string or on 2 adjacent strings.

The technique used is different in both cases: With a broken tremolo on one string the lower note is gripped firmly with the 1st, 2nd or 3rd finger. Depending on the fingering required, the upper tone is quickly alternately gripped or released with the 2nd, 3rd or 4th finger. The slur is played with legato strokes and “inaudible stroke changes” passed over the string.

It has no influence on the speed of the tremolo movement. It is determined by the finger gripping the upper tone. When the string is released, the lower tone of the tremolo automatically sounds.

If you use the open string (for the lower tone) for this type of broken tremolo, the tremolo can of course also be performed over a further interval . However, the resulting sound effect is not really satisfactory considering the sound difference between the open and the fingered note. Both types of broken tremolo are notated in the same way, following the rules of general musical notation. A slur or phrasing slur is required.

Reason for the generated sound with finger tremolo

The basic tonal difference between bow tremolo and finger tremolo lies in the "line for line" bowing of bow tremolo and the "legato" bowing of finger tremolo. The sound of the bow tremolo is therefore always determined by the individual articulations caused by the bow stroke changes. The smooth legato undulations define the tone of finger tremolo.

The finger tremolo in the context of the “symphonic world music“

The written for the bow tremolo applies accordingly.

Key data on the special playing style of the finger tremolo

1.Indefinite finger tremolo

Designation:

Indefinite finger tremolo

Technology:

same as trill, except the interval produced is greater than one second. Execution fast with no prescribed note subdivision speed.

Result:

two very fast alternating notes.

Dynamics:

all steps

Notation:

Triple quadruple beam, depending on the tempo, possibly with an additional »trem.«:

I.Variation

Notation of indefinite finger tremolo with triple beam

II.Variation

Alternative notation of indefinite finger tremolo with quadruple beam

2.Specific finger tremolo

Designation:

Specific finger tremolo

Technology:

like those of indefinite bow tremolo, only with the difference that a certain number of repeated notes required per hit.

Result:

like indefinite arc tremolo, but not as fast.

Dynamics:

all steps

Notation:

I.Variation

Notation of definite finger tremolo

II.Variation

Alternative notation of definite finger tremolo