noun
tremolo
A guitar bridge mechanism that changes string pitch using a lever.
The guitarist uses the tremolo to lower the note's pitch.
Etymology
The Italian word means trembling. Guitar makers used it for a lever mechanism producing pitch variation, although that effect is more precisely called vibrato.
More examples
- This guitar has a tremolo instead of a fixed bridge.
- Pressing the tremolo's lever lowers the pitch of all six strings.
- Some tremolos let players bend notes both up and down.
Forms
tremolo · tremolos
Similar words
- vibrato bridge
- Names the same mechanism by its pitch-changing effect.