El Trino
El trino is a great technique that is basically a triplet,
which gives a very Norteña or Tejano sound. This can be done with sixes or thirds but is easier with the thirds. To
start lets look at the scale of G in thirds.
There are basically two shapes in any scale in thirds. The shape that
spans two rows: F3C6 or two notes on the same row: G67.
To explain the Trino, look at thirds on one row. The
trino is a quick triplet played using the third with a whole tone note added.
Example: G67 C6 G67
Practice this while
counting four beats
****1 2
3 4
G67
C6 G67 G67 C6 G67 G67 C6 G67 G67 C6 G67
Note: Obviously this position can be transposed when using the
C and G row. You will not have the note you need when working with the F row.
Practice this until you have it fast and then try adding it to
a melody like "Las Mañanitas"
Note: This is also great to combine with apoyaturas (grace notes).
Hope that works for everyone.
Stoney
