I'm a fairly new player and have been working through a few David Barrett books, which I have found to be very helpful. What I am struggling with the most, however, is producing good vibrato. Barrett introduces the technique of throat vibrato very briefly, and then--as if it is nothing--goes on to use it beautifully in every CD example he plays. I mean... He basically flavors almost every note with it, and it is awesome! I can't even come close to imitating it. Sure, I can produce some vibrato on sustained notes, but even that is mediocre at best.
Is there anything I am missing that I need to work on? ...Other then the years of practice that I am currently working on acquiring. :)
I know this isn't going to make you feel any better, but out of all the techniques on harmonica, it would seem vibrato takes the most time to be develop beautifully. (beautifully is the key word). Keep working on that hard stuff and lighten up as you do it. Keep producing whatever vibrato you can and do so for a while. Eventually you'll hear it in your playing after practicing and even furthermore, it'll be easier to access and then you'll be at the point where you can choose to turn it on and off fluently. At that point, you are beginning to really grab it. So don't stop playing vibrato, that's how you get vibrato! (from my experience) ---------- Hunger is the best spice.
Afro is right, it takes time. But I found it easier to learn knowing what was going on. You're actually introducing air from your nose buy opening and closing those holes on the roof of your mouth. The action is much like swallowing.
Check out Adam's video. He does a great job of helping you visualise what is going on - http://youtu.be/-pUqFV7T2dA (sorry on my phone so can't embed).
The reality as Afro is saying is that it takes time to train and build up the mussels, so keep at it and it will come. Before you know it it'll just find its way into your playing naturally.
Half the battle is HEARING techniques…then comes recognizing the differences between them…then comes the blood, sweat and tears of learning all of them, (not at the same time though) good grief! So, since you are able to focus in on hearing vibrato AND your also “curious” about how to achieve it, then your well on your way to bleeding, sweating and crying your way to a masterful vibrato :)
"You're actually introducing air from your nose buy opening and closing those holes on the roof of your mouth. The action is much like swallowing." Not what I do either - and generally leaking air tough your nose is a Bad Thing. I can tell you that I sort of figured it out one day by getting a 2 or 3 draw on the hairy edge of a bend, but not bent yet - then playing with the muscles in my throat that are the ones I use when I clear my throat. ---------- /Greg
It's an odd thing but its the only,and i mean the only,thing that came easy for me learning harp. I was doing it straight off. When i get it right on the money it feels almost like my lungs are slapping together...It definitely doesn't involve my nose at all. Now blow bends..mmm Guess we're all different in what comes easy.
I find that working on opening up your tone, getting a bigger tone, is helpful when working on reaching a good vibrato, at least on the harps lower register. Vibrato in the upper register I find works better with a more shallow vibrato, meaning working your tounge and jaw. Budda had a very sweet vibrato in the higher register. ---------- The tone, the tone ... and the Tone
Here's the Buddha's (Chris Michalek's) take on vibrato. Vibrato is still mystifying to me. During pactice I feel I've got it but when it comes to playing, I keep forgetting to use it. I think it's best to try all the different techniques that are suggested until you find the one that suits you best and gives the sound nearest to what you want.
Throat vibrato is learning where the muscles are that control the "clearing the throat" effect or that "machine gun sound" you may have made as a child.
Once you reacquaint yourself with them, it is merely a matter of learning to control the speed of the pulse while inhaling as well as making it a gentle and minimal muscle interaction.
Of course, the air flow is controlled by the diaphragm....
Takes a bit of time and it helps to have a live instructor there helping you. ---------- The Iceman
Last Edited by on Dec 16, 2012 6:25 AM
Well, Time and Greg, Advice given to me from Paul Delay about 15 years ago. It made sense to me. It makes it possible to actually change pitch, which isn't a BAD THING. (btw, I too use the muscles in my throat for control)
