How do you make vibrato work?

[michelew]

Hi all (and of course Neil and Hector),

I'm learning Hectors song, the Irish Dance - and I'm trying to emulate one of the ways that he adds expression - namely vibrato.

I've noticed that he is moving his fingers back and forth a fraction, but I can't tell which direction he's moving in. I assume he is moving across the fret rather then along the string (since I assume that the fret would deaden any change in this direction).

Can someone please explain what I should be doing and how to get this technique started. Like all things I'm sure it takes practice. So any advice to move the progression of technique along too would be welcome.

Frankly, I feel and probably look like a bit of an idiot as I attempt it.

Also - are there any differences in doing it on a steel string and a nylon.

thanks

Michele

P.S. - Edited - I just realised that Neil is doing a TG live this weekend, so I've added this question over there. But, feel free to give me you wisdom and experience if you'd like to. Like most people - I'm bound to get different things from different explanations.

[lmc831]

Hi Michele,

I found this explantion in one of my books: The principal technique of the left hand for producing tonal variation is known as "vibrato". The effect of this is to alter the pitch very slightly so that the noter wavers, resulting in a more emotional sound. There are 2 ways to produce this variation in pitch. Frets 1-4 and 13-19...In in the first position and above the 12th fret, vibrato can be produced by pushing the string rapidly from side to side without releasing the pressure of the left hand. Grear care must be taken with this type of vibrato, so as not to exaggerate the variation in pitch. If done to excess, the result is a wailing sound more appropriate to the "blues" than to the classical repetoire. As a technique it is used sparingly, and chiefly because the normal viibrato described next is less effective at these frets. Frets 5-12...again, without releasing pressure on the string, the left hand oscillates. the slight pull and push of the string along its length produces a small and wavering vibration of pitch. Although harder to do effectively at first, this type of vibrato is on the whole more satisfying as it is unlikely to be excessive. For more experimental purposes while learning, it is more easily produced on hte 2nd, 4th,5th and 6th srings. Hope that helps.


Lisa

[beaker]

Michelle, Now I am no BB king but here is something that I have learned. I have 2 main ways of playing vibrato, one is where I basically am pointing my finger down towards the soundhole and vibrate the string up and down quickly. another way is more subtle. In the second one I am basically pointing my finger up towards me and again try to vibrate quickly. In the second one the string does not move as much and the result is much more subtle. The other thing that I can say is keep trying, you will develop your own vibrato soon.

I really noticed Hector's vibrato as well. It is inspiring! Maybe one day.....

By the way, Lisa, great answer above.

Beaker.

[neverfoundthetime]

Must not post. Must not Post!

[michelew]

Thanks Lisa and Beaker that's helpful. The stretching explanation makes sense. I'll continue to try it.


Chris.... yes... hmmm... and I had a timer on who the first person would be to smirk at the question.