Develop a sustained tremolo that remains even as you move across the instrument.
Sustain each open course for one beat before moving to the next.
Mandolin notes decay quickly, so tremolo creates the impression of a sustained tone. The aim is a continuous ribbon of sound—not a contest to pick as fast as possible.
Use a shallow pick depth and let the click define the beginning of each new course.
If the tremolo stalls, reduce pick depth before increasing hand speed.
Begin with measured sixteenth notes, four strokes per click.
Gradually blur the strokes into an even tremolo while retaining the pulse.
Make a small crescendo across the four courses, then reverse it.
Mark it complete when you can play three relaxed, clean loops.