What do Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, The Staple Singers, Nancy Sinatra, the 1939 World’s Fair and a 16th century organ in Italy have in common? They are all discussed in my second article for Premier Guitar magazine, A Brief History of Tremolo, appearing in the November 2013 issue. Tremolo, an oscillation in volume, is a “natural” effect for many instruments. Move a bow on a violin back and fourth while holding a note and you’ll hear it. But what about guitar? Not possible by any normal means – only when you electrify things. Who was first?
The online version (click above) also contains links to some YouTube videos.
