There are three types of vibrato – arm, hand and finger. These definitions refer to which part of the arm or hand is the most …read more
Vibrato
Free the Upper Arm
Starting with banjo position frees up the upper arm. Whether you use predominantly an arm (forearm) or a hand vibrato, freedom in the upper arm …read more
Four-Way Release
“Practise the four-way release. Is the upper arm free? Is the wrist soft? Can you release the thumb? Is the nail joint flexible?” A good …read more
Knock E-String Peg
The vibrato cycle consists of action and reaction and this ‘Knocking the peg’ exercise helps develop the necessary rebound. The most common vibrato a… New …read more
View from Scroll
The direction of the vibrato often requires attention. Use the feel of the fingerboard to guide the direction of vibrato to be along the fingerboar… …read more
Knock Peg Double Stop
Practising vibrato on double stops (particularly minor 6ths) is good to help unify the vibrato direction of all fingers. This in turn will help develo… …read more
From 4th to 1st Position
“Check the direction of the vibrato. Elongate the first finger and stroke the side of the violin neck. Move down to 1st position and knock …read more
View from Scroll
Here you can see the release in the nail joint of the 2nd finger and how the straightened 1st finger strokes the side of the …read more
Vibrate on Hand & Wood
“Practise vibrato on the back of your right hand. Also practise vibrato on the wood of the violin. Try playing open strings with no vibrato …read more
Vibrate on Wood & Octaves
The wood of the violin feels quite different to the string and encourages a lighter touch with the finger. Vibrating on the octave below or …read more