Violin Vibrato

This page explores various vibrato issues that may arise and offers solutions.

It also includes vibrato practice videos, including preparatory exercises, rhythms, and close-up demonstrations of vibrato.

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Before beginning work on vibrato, it is important to have a relaxed left hand. Visit the “achieving a relaxed hand” page for more info.

Important techniques before working on vibrato:

• A straight left wrist in line with the arm
• Fingers curved over the strings

1. Introduction to Relaxation and Basic Principles

• [Vibrato Basics & Relaxation Techniques]
  • First video to watch: Vibrato from different angles (6:14, 12:54)
  • Relaxation Video: Left hand and shoulder relaxation, proper violin support
  • Preparatory Exercises for Vibrato

2. Developing the Vibrato Motion

• [Learning the Basic Vibrato Motion]
  • Vibrato with shoulder support: Keep the violin steady and relaxed (Consideration for future vibrato work)
  • Wide and narrow vibrato motions: 2nd and 3rd finger on violin

3. Focusing on Finger and Hand Movement

• [Finger Technique & Joint Movements]
  • First joint exercise: How to move the first joint of your fingers
  • Relaxation and check for tension in fingers: Ensure that the side of the index finger doesn’t touch the neck
  • Movement of left thumb during vibrato

4. Strengthening and Refining the Vibrato Rhythm

• [Vibrato Rhythms & Variations]
  • Different vibrato rhythms
  • Long-short-long rhythms (start at 2:16)
  • More vibrato rhythm variations (rhythms start at 6:46)
  • Various vibrato rhythms

5. Improving Control and Expression

• [Advanced Vibrato Techniques]
  • Close-up vibrato technique
  • Vibrato from different angles and hand relaxation
  • Rhythmic vibrato practice with metronome
  • Playing vibrato in 3rd position

6. Monitoring Tension and Fine-Tuning

• [Checking for Tension & Adjusting Hand Position]
  • Check hand position and thumb height
  • Thumb position adjustment: Play around with the height
  • Shoulder relaxation

7. Final Practice and Variations

• [Final Vibrato Practice]
  • Left hand not squeezing the violin: Focus on wrist motion
  • Use one finger to stabilize hand
  • Relaxed vibrato technique and focus on the motion (3:20)

Optional Resources (For Later Practice)

• Vibrato Rhythm Variations (Long-Short-Long rhythms at 2:16)
• Violin held with head and chin: Check for hand tension

This sequence should help you gradually build up the vibrato technique, focusing on relaxation, finger mobility, rhythm control, and monitoring for tension throughout the learning process.