Topmusicanswers
Floating the trem allows the bridge to be pushed down which loosens the string tension, and pulled up which tightens the string tension. ... Blocking the trem physically locks the bridge in place not allowing for any movement. All three options change the characteristics and feel of the guitar.
Should I block my tremolo?
A: Blocking a tremolo means to set it up so that it can only go down in pitch, not up. ... It's a must if you change among alternate tunings; since the tremolo doesn't float, the strings are easier to re-tune. If a string breaks, the guitar tends to stay in tune.
What does floating tremolo mean?
Floating vibrato systems are generally described as any tremolo system where you can both adjust the guitar's pitch up or down with the bar. In these setups, the guitar's bridge is actually suspended, or “floating” in the guitar's body when the bar is not being used.
Does Clapton block his tremolo?
Very few Stratocasters were built with hard tails, but some guitarists prefer them. Eric Clapton, for instance. If your Strat has a tremolo tailpiece, and you want a hard tail, you can do what Eric did and block the tremolo (which is actually a vibrato, but after decades, the name stuck).
