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Here's an extract from 'The Shadows Modern Guitar Tutor' (page 35) from the early 60's - please note the section on 'use of tremelo arm' (!)



I bet Hank would have laughed...if he ever saw it.......

By the way, I can supply assorted elastic bands, various lengths of string and tape!
Chas.

Seems to overcomplicate things does'nt it. First time I had a tremolo, I just used it to get the sound that I desired as I had all the Shads tunes in my head. It just came natural to me when playing, I dont ever remember thinking, how do I use this thing???
One thing I remember when learning was off the Bert Weedon book. He stated that you must hold and pick with the plectrum in a certain way by holding your hand so far off the string and at a certain angle etc.
I did this for years, in some cases not being able to get the required sound I wanted til I saw guys like Hendrix and Santana picking almost the exact opposite of the suggestion on Berts book and sounding great.
I was thirteen when I got Berts book, so at that age you believe what you are told I suppose and dont question it.
Thanks for posting that Ian.
Hugh.

I've played without a pick for years but just lately have started to use one in order to "conform" and it feels odd not having that direct contact with the strings. I still think the human hand with its thumb, nails etc is a much more versatile device!

It's the age-old problem of trying to describe, precisely, a simple action. Think about picking up a cup of tea and taking a sip. Well, that's the point , you DON"T think about it. But, imagine trying to describe all the necessary actions to an alien who has never done it before, step by step. The poor bugger would end up with tea all over him/her/itself!