A tremolo arm is a device attached to electric guitars that bends the strings.The guitar players like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen used the bar for dramatic solo performances.The sound of the bar can be used in a wide range of music.
Step 1: Take a look at your guitar.
Some guitars can't mount a bar.Look at the bridge of your guitar.The bridge is at the bottom of the body.If your guitar is able to hold a bar, you should see a small hole.The permanent bar on some guitars cannot be removed.
Step 2: Take it to the store.
You should let the music store fit the bar if you have a Telecaster or Stratocaster.Many of the bars look the same, but are different in size and fit.You need to install a tailpiece onto the bridge and body to hold the bar.The two main types of bars are the detached ones and the ones that have a tailpiece.The method for installing a tailpiece on a guitar could be different.A Gretsch model might look the same as a Les Paul model, but installing a bar is different.
Step 3: Try the connection.
Make sure your bar is set up correctly.Problems with your bridge can be caused by a bar that is not set up correctly.Some bars are not required to be screwed on to the bridge.You just put the bars in the slot and you're ready to rock.If you have a bar that screws in, make it tight but not too tight.Some guitarists like their bars more open than others.Make sure your bridge and tailpiece are strong.If you install your bridge on your own, be careful not to misplace any screws.Before you install a tailpiece, talk to someone at the music shop.Don't buy the wrong type of system for your guitar.Quality work is guaranteed, and music shops won't charge too much for it.
Step 4: Listen for the blow.
Listen to a range of music to learn how the bar works.This will show you what you can do with the bar.The shredding chaos of heavy metal can be used in the minimal surf guitar style.Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine are examples of other types of music that use whammy bars.
Step 5: You should get comfortable with the bar.
Try playing a note by plugging your guitar into an amplifier.The bar needs to be pushed down.The pitch of the sound will be dropped.Add a bar to play the riffs.Heavy use of the bar will affect your tuning.Higher quality guitars go out of tune quicker than cheaper guitars.Floyd Rose usually has tuning locks for the guitar strings.After heavy use of the bar the locks are designed to keep the strings in tune.
Step 6: Pull up.
Lift up the bar, but don't pull it too high.The bars were made to dip the notes.The strings are stretched when you pull up on the bar.This raises the pitch.You might not be able to do this with tailpiece bars.
Step 7: Go for the dive.
The dive is a classic technique for the bar.You can stroke a note on the guitar and press the bar towards the strings.Heavy metal solo begin and end with the dive.When the sound of your guitar quickly dives into a deeper register, it's called the dive.Try using this technique.It is possible to try it out during soloing or as an end to a song.Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Darrell Dimebag have solo performances.
Step 8: The flutter should be performed.
The flutter is when you change the notes on your guitar.The flutter can be practiced by tapping down on the bar.Some players like to place the bar at the bottom of the guitar.The Floyd Rose bar is the best place to use the flutter.The effect of the flutter is great when used lightly.While playing a song try tapping your bar.
Step 9: Put on a shriek.
The shriek is when you make a loud sound with your guitar.You need to play pinch or open.Touch a string on the fifth, seventh, or twelfth fret.Pull up on the bar to make a shriek.When playing open harmonics, never press down completely.It is a good idea to hold your finger over the fret.When you pick a note and hit the string with your thumb, it's called a pinch harmonic.It will take time to develop this technique.It is easier to do on the D and G strings.The pitch creates a sound.
Step 10: The shoegaze grip can be used.
The late 80s and early 90s saw the development of shoegazing.The name is derived from guitarist who modify their tone through pedals.The audience is looking at their shoes.You can move the bar to the beat of the song by holding it in your hand.The idea is to use the bar heavily throughout the progression.The strum needs to be synchronized with the bar.The sound is unparalleled, even though this technique isn't the best for your strings.
Step 11: surf guitar
The surf guitar is all about using the bar.The surf guitar is usually centered around a couple of riffs that are played using tremolo picking.A tricolo picking is when you alternate upward and downward picking.The end of a verse or melody is the best place to use the bar.Listen to classic 50s surf music to learn this technique.It's possible to listen to Dick Dale and Link Wray.
Step 12: It's a good idea to practice the guitar.
Practice is the best way to improve your bar skills.Scales and shapes can be used with a bar.The best guitarists know their scales and when to use them.As you begin to develop your own style, keep an ear open for the use of whammy bars in music.