Tremolo - How to practice?

I'm looking for tips, guidance, advice regarding how to improve the speed, accuracy and consistency of my tremolo picking. I've made modifications to my technique to be attentive moving the pick in a manner that minimizes the risk of getting stuck on the string, but am struggling with consistency especially when I try to increase the tempo. I appreciate any insights. Thanks!

I cover all that in this tutorial on building speed with a focus on tremolo picking.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/287/

You've got the right idea with grazing the string.  Going too deep into the string inhibits speed.  Essentially, use minimal motion & stay relaxed.  Wide motions & tension inhibit speed.  Hope that helps!

Hi Christopher,

Thanks for pointing me toward the tremolo tutorial. I've started working on it and am slowly getting the hang of it but still inconsistent when I try playing 16th notes at 120 bpm along to the backing track. I think it's a combination of factors that will require some more practice. The play along videos and the ability to loop and modify the speed are fantastic practice tools!

I notice that as I move on to the A-minor lick along the high e-string that you're not using your pinky finger at all. Is that personal preference? I feel like I should be using my pinky whenever it's reasonable, so that when I "need" to use it, it will be better coordinated.

I appreciate any additional guidance.

For tremolo picking mastery, you should focus on relaxed technique with a slightly angled pick. Practice slowly with a metronome, prioritizing accuracy over speed. Gradually increase tempo while using targeted exercises to build muscle memory and endurance. Slope Game

As you mentioned, it's possible to slow down the tempo & that is a great idea until you find the tempo you are able to maintain.  Gradually speed up as you are able.  It is tricky because at a certain point you have to minimize your motion in order to go faster.  And playing at a slower tempo gives you the luxury of wider motions.  So you have to really work at minimizing.  Another thing that is hard to overcome is tension.  That's why practicing at a slower tempo helps reinforce staying loose & relaxed.  So when you increase the tempo you are already trained to stay relaxed.

I do use my pinky, but only in the lower frets when doing the lick down a complete octave.  I can use my pinky, but I find it more efficient to use index, middle, ring in the upper frets for 2 related reasons.  

First, the frets are smaller & closer.  Second, quite often this style of playing requires bending, because this is essentially electric rock style playing.  So, having my ring finger on the top fret of any given position leaves me ready to do that kind of thing.

But as I move to the lower, wider frets I start to use my pinky on the highest note of a position because that is more efficient.  Unless I know I want to include a bend, then I switch to my ring finger which is more stable.

If you want to use your pinky on the higher frets, that's perfectly fine!

Hope that helps!

Thanks Christopher!

That is VERY helpful!! I had not even considered your point about practicing with the ring finger instead of the pinky in preparation for bends. Where I am in my journey, I was so focused on not neglecting my pinky that it didn't occur to me there would be reasons to specifically practice without using it.

I won't take your advice as permission to neglect my pinky, but I will try to think bigger picture going forward.

I appreciate the thorough response and am happy to report that I'm making progress😀

You're welcome.  Best of success!