Tips & Such

[grainya]

I want to try and get into this String Ensemble they're starting on campus. I asked the lady about skill level etc., and she mentioned that I would need "a good, steady vibrato". My vibrato is, as of now, shite. I was hoping you guys could possibly give me some tips on how to get a steady vibrato, and/or some suggestions as to good ways to practice

Comments

[samisyosam]

it's not in the wrist, it's in the forearm. Imagine you're shaking the back of your fist at someone in anger. Then after you get that down, you start to work on loosening up your wrist. A good steady vibrato would be described as being a lot slower and more of a nuance to improve the tone of the note. Vibrato is like teaching someone to roll their r's. It's hard to describe, just work on it. It usually takes a lot longer to get character than it is to learn how to do it. It should be a comfortable and relaxed motion.

[grainya]

Actually that's pretty helpful. I'd been trying to do it from the wrist, and the sound it produces... well I wouldn't exactly call it nuanced.

[grainya]

I didn't know that community existed. But I'll check them out now :)

I'll have to try slowing it down, I hadn't really thought of that. I guess that's why we have these communities.

[shortyzazu02]

This is what my violin prof suggests...
Trill very slowly on a note, say B to A (1st finger on A), then with the same rhythm, rock back and forth. Continue on all fingers on all strings. The key is to start SLOW because you can always get faster, but its SUPER hard to correct the nervous-twitch vibrato. Good luck!

[ryanjones]

I think that's one of the best ways I've heard that explained vibrato.

Good luck with learning vibrato. Keep practicing and you'll be a pro at it in no time! :-)

[grainya]

Thanks for the help everyone.