Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
Photo by Numinosity (by Gary J Wood)
Playing a guitar without vibrato is like eating Mexican food without salsa. Vibrato is an essential technique that shapes a guitarist’s tone and technique, and no skilled guitarist would overlook its importance. Each player’s vibrato can be unique, with variations in speed and width, and that’s what makes it fascinating to explore different vibrato techniques. It’s akin to choosing queso salsa over sour cream for your taco or burrito. But before you get too hungry, let’s delve deeper into the world of vibrato.
Vibrato is sometimes mistaken for tremolo, but it shouldn’t be confused with fluctuation in volume. Vibrato refers to the slight variation in tone produced by the vibration of the string. Beginners often employ the technique of using their third finger on the seventh fret of the third string, bending the note slightly up and down in rapid succession. This creates a “wobbly” effect around the root note being played. As you practice this technique, coordinate your hand, arm, and wrist movements, ensuring a smooth and consistent motion. Avoid simply wiggling your finger. In some cases, guitarists pull the string all the way down and release it back to its original position, which is a popular form of bending.
Experiment with different speeds and degrees of bending while using vibrato. The key is to maintain consistency and smoothness in your motion. Depending on the genre you’re playing, you may want to vary your approach. For slow blues, you can try a slower circular motion to add feeling to your riffs. On the other hand, if you’re playing something like Iron Maiden or Avenged Sevenfold, a rapid and narrow vibrato can provide that emphatic exclamation point at the end of a run.
Vibrato can be executed using any finger, but it is most commonly performed with the first and third fingers of the fretting hand. Using the first finger can be a bit challenging. B.B. King, for example, demonstrates quick vibrato using his first finger as he skillfully manipulates Lucille, his beloved guitar. This technique involves lifting the first finger off the fretboard, pressing down, and then quickly and openly moving the string. It’s interesting that the word “vibrato” is similar to “vibrate,” as that is essentially what you are doing—vibrating the string.
Incorporating vibrato with other techniques such as advanced string bending, legato, and harmonics can help you become a dynamic and versatile musician in no time. You don’t have to replicate the exact styles of legendary guitarists like SRV, Jimi Hendrix, or Jeff Beck note-for-note. Playing the guitar Strumming Practicing The Guitar - Practicing the guitar takes time and dedication. Learning to play the instrument requires consistent practice, but it doesn't guarantee that you'll become a rock star. Nonetheless, with regular practice and skill development, you can still achieve proficiency. There are two methods to start strumming a guitar: using your fingers or using a pick. Find a… is about developing your own unique style and unleashing your creativity. Playing vibrato brings you one step closer to cultivating a style that is uniquely yours. Remember to enjoy your guitar playing journey and be patient as you explore different vibrato techniques and other playing styles.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
