Four Types of Vibrato You Should Know, Part 2

In our previous article, we learned the two most common forms of finger vibrato. In the conclusion of our series, we will discover two more forms of finger vibrato that can really add a lot to your phrasing.

The Scalloped Vibrato

While being somewhat too subtle on a classical guitar, the scalloped vibrato is an interesting variation that is worth exploring, particularly if you play a scalloped fingerboard (like Yngwie Malmsteen made famous) or if you have jumbo frets. Rather than a push/pull motion like the classical vibrato, or the rotating motion of the rock vibrato, the scalloped vibrato is an up and down motion, as though an invisible string were pulling your finger down through the fingerboard. In practice, this vibrato is accomplished by squeezing the string down hard enough to change the pitch, and then releasing. The result is a bit like the classical vibrato, but since it is accomplished by an entirely different hand motion, it offers different speed and pitch variation. Take the time to master this little-known technique, as it is a powerful tool in the hands of an advanced player and takes time to learn.

 The Circle

The most technically difficult and awkward vibrato to master, the circle vibrato amounts to performing the classical and rock vibratos simultaneously. This allows two different modulation cycles concurrently. Imagine your hand is moving in a circle on the fingerboard, bending the string higher (as with rock vibrato), then pulling towards the nut (classical style) without releasing. Release the bent note, then push it towards the opposite side of the fingerboard, while pushing the string towards the bridge. It will feel entirely awkward at first, but stick with it. It may help to imagine you are dragging the guitar side to side and up and down with just your finger. The circle vibrato gives you incredible control of both the depth of the modulation (bend) and the cycle (speed). The ultimate result is you can create a tortured or ethereal effect that is incredibly expressive. Guitar players will notice this one, and probably come up to ask you what you are doing. It has a very exotic look and feel to it. If you want to add one more level of complexity, try incorporating the scalloped vibrato motion as well, for true 3D string movement.

Emulate the Vibrato of Vocalists and Sax Players

As your skills develop, remember to learn the application of your vibrato as well. Have you ever heard a singer who put vibrato on every note? It strikes the listener as odd and overdone. Listen to vocalists and woodwind players and notice where they add vibrato to their phrases. Often it is the last note of the phrase, but there are many other ways to use vibrato. Listen to your favorite guitarists and see if you can pick out the difference between the different styles of vibrato. Practice accelerating and then decelerating the cycle of your vibratos and you'll gain heaps of control. Experiment with the different styles in your regular practice. If you try one and it isn't quite what you need, try swapping it out for a different technique. Mix up the different types to avoid seeming repetitive and predictable. Each style has situations where it really shines. Finally, always remember that techniques and tricks are cool, but knowing just how to use them is even cooler. Exercise taste in using vibrato and your phrases will become sweeter. Good luck, and practice, practice, practice!

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