tremolo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Primarily technical/formal, used in musical contexts. Can be informal when describing a vocal quiver.
Quick answer
What does “tremolo” mean?
A musical effect characterized by a rapid, regular fluctuation in the pitch or volume of a note.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical effect characterized by a rapid, regular fluctuation in the pitch or volume of a note.
Outside of music, it can refer to any wavering or trembling effect in sound, voice, or even visual media (e.g., a tremolo effect in film).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and context. The pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a technical, artistic connotation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard in musical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “tremolo” in a Sentence
[verb] a tremoloplay [with] a tremolothe tremolo [of] the stringsa tremolo [on] the noteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tremolo” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cellist's tremolo added a haunting quality to the passage.
- He adjusted the amplifier's tremolo to a slower rate.
American English
- The guitarist used the tremolo bar for a dive-bomb effect.
- A faint tremolo in her speech suggested she was on the verge of tears.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, performance studies, and acoustic analysis.
Everyday
Rare, except among musicians or to describe an emotional voice.
Technical
Standard term in music performance, composition, and audio engineering for a specific modulation effect.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tremolo”
- Confusing 'tremolo' (fluctuation in volume/pitch) with 'vibrato' (fluctuation in pitch only).
- Using 'tremolo' to describe an unsteady hand rather than a sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tremolo is a rapid fluctuation in volume (amplitude) or a rapid reiteration of a note. Vibrato is a slight, rapid fluctuation in pitch. On some instruments (e.g., violin), a 'tremolo' is produced by rapidly moving the bow, while 'vibrato' is produced by rocking the finger on the string.
No. While most common for instruments (guitar, strings, voice, keyboard), the term can also describe a quivering effect in singing or speaking. It can also refer to an electronic audio effect that modulates volume.
No, 'tremolo' is strictly a noun. The related action is described with verbs like 'play a tremolo', 'use tremolo', or 'apply a tremolo effect'.
It's a lever (often incorrectly called a 'whammy bar') attached to the bridge of an electric guitar. When pressed, it temporarily changes the tension of all strings, altering their pitch to create vibrato or dive-bomb effects, not strictly a tremolo in the classical sense. The name is a historical misnomer.
A musical effect characterized by a rapid, regular fluctuation in the pitch or volume of a note.
Tremolo is usually primarily technical/formal, used in musical contexts. can be informal when describing a vocal quiver. in register.
Tremolo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɛmələʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrɛməloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tremolo in his voice betrayed his emotion.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a trembling musical note: TREMBLE + SOLO = TREMOLO.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A FLUCTUATING ENTITY; EMOTION IS A TREMOR IN THE VOICE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a musical tremolo?