01-10-2024
NPA tremolo fingering
In the eve of releasing information about the Tirando Completo Tremolo (TCT) along with an accompanying prototype recording of it,
I am pleased to announce the optimal right-hand fingering for the typical tremolo as we all know it. It is the "m-i-a" finger sequence that has convinced me to be the best one (contrary to the most popular "a-m-i" or even "i-m-a" by some). Why?
First of all both of the above mentioned finger sequences suffer from the "m-a" alternation. It should be a no brainer by now that the ring finger ("a") is a problematic one compared to the other fingers. This means that these fingerings require for a speedy "m-a" cooperation and this is not such a good idea in my opinion.
The NPA tremolo fingering starts off with a solid middle finger ("m"), which is highly capable and literally sits in the middle of our hand and that means nerve signaling and blood supply is optimal. Everybody should know that the "edges" of our body have fluctuating blood supply and for example room temperature is a factor, meaning when being in a cold environment blood vessels contract. So the middle finger is certainly the most suitable one to follow the thumb.
After the "m" finger, the "i" finger is the best way to go so we can have an "i-m" alternation. This is the fastest neighboring couple of fingers we have (if we exclude the thumb = the "p-i" alternation). One can understand the usefulness of this already by playing "p-m-i" and (s)he will definitely see the ease and speed it provides.
To complete the fingering sequence, there comes the "a" finger, which is now the result of a speedy and easy "i-a" alternation, especially when compared to "m-a". Or you can just think of it this way: you have a perfect "p-m-i" sequence followed by a clumsy "a" rushing to end the sequence, which as mentioned above is the most problematic finger.
Here you have it, the best right-hand fingering for the typical tremolo. I am sure all possible combinations have been tried before, there aren't that many fingers after all haha, but this is not the discovery here. The discovery is the realization that THIS fingering beats the rest in execution (providing balance and ease/comfort) and of course reasoning.
Like all NPA announcements, you are free to use that knowledge or even discuss it with others BUT be grateful and always remember to state where you learned it from.
Have a nice October,
Nick Papadopoulos
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