Vibrato

Vibrato Vibrato

Vibrato adds so much to the quality of music. But of course, it takes a lot of work before
you become comfortable with it.

Vibrato is all about the diaphragm and air support. (Note: it can be done with the throat too, but this page will talk about the diaphragm way, which is much more popular.) The diaphragm moves up and down to produce the wavy sound. To help with visualizing it, pant like a dog and pay special attention to the muscle at the bottom of your lungs. The way it moves is what you aim for, but not as exaggerated. Saying ha-ha-ha while you're playing may give you an idea of how it works. Start slow, making a few waves at a time. Eventually you can work up to a faster speed, triplets, and even slowing it down.

Depending on which speed you use on different notes, you can produce so many colorful tones with vibrato. Usually more is used in the louder notes, and it's faster too. It makes the sound even louder. Slower vibrato is frequently used with the softer notes.

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