Vibrato for Dummies - for Violin and Viola

[@musicisbrilliant]

You really are doing a great thing by helping people learn for free. Especially in todays world where music is mostly electronic and going downhill. So I just want to say, sincerely, thank you. And youre an awesome guy.

[@1stfiddlerman]

+musicisbrilliant Very kind of you to say that. I get the feeling that you are too! Join our forum at: fiddlerman.com/forum

[@marciagracia3862]

Fiddlerman 5 o&hhhhh

[@KenderGuy]

I notice you specify electronic and I'm just going to say a digital keyboard is much less expensive than an actual grand piano, and also lets me make midis of my music so I can modify it on my computer instead of hand writing countless measures.

[@Machodave2020]

Agreed, and I'm subscribing.

[@Pixel_rebirth]

"Put the weight on the left side of the finger" -Best Vibrato Tip Ever This helped me immediately to vibrate when before I could not. Thank you for all that you do.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Exactly!!! Glad I could help.

[@maxxi11002244]

True expert, can explain things in the simplest terms. Got it, thank you.

[@1stfiddlerman]

+maxxi11002244 Thanks :)

[@kelcamer]

I've been trying to learn vibrato for 6 months! None of what anyone is saying was making sense. And then I watched this video. And now I understand it now, my hand is naturally picking up the motion, and it's clicking it's making sense! Thank you so so much.

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. That is great news. Join my forum at fiddlerman.com/forum Great interaction from great members. Great way to stay motivated and meet others doing the same thing that you are.

[@kelcamer]

Fiddlerman cool!! I'll check it out! And since this video I've been thinking about vibrato every day 😂 I was so confused for six whole months and now everything falls into place, all thanks to you!!

[@deedog9388]

Why does this man explain it so clearly in 4 mins than others do in 12 mins 💀

[@1stfiddlerman]

This man really appreciates your kind words!!! Thanks

[@deedog9388]

@@1stfiddlerman No, thank you! Now I have a teacher to surprise!

[@JeremyGalloway]

I love how succinct and to the point FM's videos are. Every other violin KZbin channel takes 10+ minutes to explain what he can in 2-4 minutes. Saves me lots of time, much appreciated!

[@Anna-xu5jc]

I realize this is an old video, but man, I was on the brink of a full meltdown trying to figure out how on earth this whole vibrato thing works. I've watched probably 50 different videos but it didn't click until this one.. Now I got it! THANK YOU! The calm, simple way you explain it is so easy to understand, and unlike a lot of the videos out there (and my violin teacher), you don't get stuck on the finger flexibility part, which for my double jointed self just confuses me more than it helps! Thank you again!

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. Good luck on perfecting it. Takes time but gets easier. Check out my forum at fiddlerman.com/forum

[@troll4147]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been playing for ~4 years, and I can do literally every other technique (pizz, double/triple/quad stop, trills, harmonics, you name it) but not vibrato for whatever reason. This helped a lot!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Very happy to hear that this helped you. I have 3 or 4 more vibrato videos. :)

[@MrDoner6961]

Thank you Fiddlerman, the last point about arm position has really helped me ! Many thanks sir . Al

[@depthcomplexity5518]

Okay so how come when i attempt to vibrato i shake my violin and Everything including bow and sometimes myself? And it easier for me to wrist vibrato.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Wrist vibrato is fine. Everything shakes because you aren't focusing the motion in the right places. You may need a lesson to get on the right track.

[@aniyamariepeppers611]

xhristina * did you learn it

[@TeamFlamingStones]

I just realized I'm watching violin tutorials without actually having played or owning the instrument...Guess I better buy one.

[@isaiahphillip4112]

Sums up my life for the past three months lol, but I finally went out and got a Stentor 1500, great starter instrument, full outfit for 250$ CAD not sure what it is in USD.

[@stalstonestacy4316]

FiddlerMan has great fiddles on his website. Full kits even. Might as well start where you are since you're already here 😉

[@studentoftheword6115]

You can also rent one. I am renting one for $36-$37 a month and it includes insurance. To buy my violin would cost me $850. Rent first then buy if you think your going to go the distance in learning the violin. That's what I am doing. I am just a beginner. I am on my 3rd lesson with my teacher.

[@alishanaqvi7316]

hahahahaha

[@Machodave2020]

WOW, Just WOW.

[@gryzman]

You're the most precise and least boring of all tuts I've seen on youtube so far. Good job, and thanks !

[@Kelnosha]

It took me a couple years to finally understand and get it..don't give up! i'm still working on it and I've played for 5 years.

[@dontruckbuddha6708]

Thank you for posting these lesson videos, they really are appreciated. I am in the process of learning the Erhu, and its mostly self study because of the lack of teach it or play it here in the U.S. You bring a lot of good positive energy to your videos, and I sincerely want to thank you and wish you all the best!

[@skullcandyeee]

thank you. I have been playing at my school for four years and what my teacher said never helped me at all. this is great! thank you again fiddlerman!

[@me-fj7nn]

Hello Fiddlerman! Don't know if you remember but awhile back I commented asking for help when I was struggling with my vibrato. Well I kept practicing and am happy to say I finally got my arm vibrato! It is not perfect but I am getting better each time, now I am working on my wrist vibrato which seems to be giving me a hard time. I just wanted to say a big thank you to and help from my orchestra teacher for helping me get to where I am today! Please continue making videos as I will be looking forward to watching them!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Yes, I remember. Congratulations :) I appreciate you taking the time to tell me this. I'll do my best to make future videos.

[@robertsotomayor7061]

I can't thank you enough for all the instructions and tips that you provide. Thanks again, and take care.

[@jacobkilgore2911]

haha this video helped me out about 2 years ago when I found this channel and now I'm playing Bach's violin concerto in a minor.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Very happy to hear it. :)

[@dontruckbuddha6708]

Cello Videos, thats a great suggestion, thank you. Yes the Erhu or Chinese Violin, is nothing short of enchanting, it has its own unique magic to it, that once you fall in love with it, you can't let it go. Your vibrato videos really are great! The effort in explaining and showing how its done is fantastic. I can't compliment you enough or say thank you enough for the time you put into them and sharing them. Thank you so very much for what you are doing and have done.

[@stenilasimon4410]

Thank you so much for the free videos! I just started learning to play a month ago and I want to start practicing vibrato as early as possible so I won't be wasting all those months I could be using to improve. Subscribed! :)

[@mitchellbarker9368]

Thank you so much. I just watched this video 10 minutes ago and, my vibrato has already improved. God bless you sir, in the name of the Son of the One true living God, Jesus Christ.

[@NM-dq2du]

You are a wonderful wonderful man. Thank you for providing such helpful videos. You have helped my fiddle playing very much! Thank you! I hope good things come to you for your gift to strangers

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thank you so much Nicole, but great things come to me all the time. People are great, thankful and our new business (fiddlershop.com together with my son since 2012) is going great as well. :-) Thanks for your support!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Right now they are only in black but I am thinking about offering a white with black text option as well. Would that be better? Thanks

[@joaquinmaldonado5915]

Exactly, I meant it as a recognition of talent and discipline. I would be very surprised if Fiddleman came from a background that allowed him to learn violin on a silver plate, and that's the point I wanted to get across. Mr. Fiddleman I tip my hat, you have a thick skin and I bet you had to earn your stripes. You have plenty to teach us besides playing violin. Sorry for any glitch in my English as it's not my native language.

[@markcobb6561]

I was watching Joseph Silverstein yesterday and his vibrato looked like a magic trick. You guys amaze me.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Silverstein is amazing. Love his Brahms. One of my favorites. Thanks for watching!

[@janderson2000]

You're one of my favorite people, Fiddlerman! Keep up the cause and great work!

[@pierreholstein534]

Thanks janderson :-)

[@herb2968]

thank you! I'm a beginner and teaching myself through online help such as you provide. a huge amount of gratitude to you and all the others who give freely the knowledge of playing this beautiful instrument.

[@1stfiddlerman]

It's my pleasure. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@PeaceLoveMagic501]

I hope I can vibrato properly. I've been playing for 2 years and cannot get it right. Thanks!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Me too. Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@markopolo2224]

sad

[@adriadam3296]

ive struggled with this for so long and your video helped so much. thank you much

[@isabellamixton-garcia9500]

Oh my gosh thank you!!! I was having such a hard time trying to figure out how to do vibrato. This really helped me. Keep up the amazing work

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks so much for your comment Isabella. Glad that it helped. Join my forum at fiddlerman.com/forum for motivation.

[@Horrortelltales]

I know this way of vibrato is the most correct one and the preferable one. But theres other violin teachers on youtube who's doing the "sideway" vibrato, which is alot easier than this way for me. But shouldn't it not matter? shouldn't the sound be the same ?

[@1stfiddlerman]

+SweDawgTv Honestly, if it works, is comfortable and sounds good, it's fine. Obviously you don't want to do anything which will create any negative physical issues for you in the future. There is good technique, bad technique, and technique that works but limits you. I suspect that you would be limited with the guitar type vibrato but what do I know. I've never tried it. :)

[@kaleyrodriguez8051]

I also agree. I prefer to go sideways. But my teacher says I can't to it that way

[@kaleyrodriguez8051]

Gameminer agreed

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks :-) Do you have a suggestion of a color that many others would like? I only thought of white because of the sun. Lot's of people want a cap that blocks the sun but is not too hot.

[@taviaharris248]

Ive watched tons and TONS of videos on vibrao and yours was the only one that helped. thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Also, I had a student with a similar problem and was able to help him by having him do air vibrato with the left hand/arm while just going up and down with the right at various tempos.

[@alexmatias2988]

This is by far the best explanation/example Ive come across, thank you so much :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Alex! Are you learning to use vibrato? Is it coming along for you?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Doesn't matter. Good to be able to do both. Arm vibrato is usually used for slower wider vibrato where as wrist, hand, finger used for smaller faster vibrato.

[@sirryu1987]

FM, Thanks for this extra video on how to do vibrato, this one is definitely for me! I'll start incorporating some vibrato in my practice sessions.

[@guitar1977man]

Brilliant for me the first old guitar player learning your beautiful instrument!

[@derivativeofmontecristo6138]

I think you have found your "calling", your video is so good. I spent some minutes daily for 2 weeks before I was able to break the co-ordination "lockstep" between my left hand fingering and my right arm bowing. Part way through this frustration I had the idea of pressing the scroll of the viola against a rectangular cork-surfaced notice board mounted on the wall (the type that accepts drawing pins). That solved one part of the problem. The other remedy is to avoid any stress on the finger.

[@donjonc33]

thanks for responding. ive played guitar for a while and have always wanted to play the violin since i bought a hilary hahn cd a while back but this viola is all i have available to me now. it's definitely more challenging than i had assumed.. for now i think a shoulder rest will def help me get more comfortable and maybe even a new chin rest... thanks again and i look forward to watching more of your videos

[@fonsitosantoshernandez9125]

Sorry for to star learning viola in mine 64th. However, I just want to congratulate U for the way you teach: eassy, well explained, and great motivational camera spot. Nada,! You are fantastic. From Puerto Rico, USA. Thanks U for share with us you experienced.Alfonso

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks so much for your kind words, and thanks for watching. How is it going for you?

[@fonsitosantoshernandez9125]

@@1stfiddlerman thanks for asking. IAM doing so well and excited in this journey of fretless strings. I'm experienced lead and rhythm electric guitarist. See yeah,alfonso

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@fonsitosantoshernandez9125 Very cool. Please join my forum if you have time: fiddlerman.com/forum

[@jgcg5082]

Thanks for your video. I followed your tips and at last I could made my first clean vibrato after 2 weeks. Your video was really useful.

[@1stfiddlerman]

+JGc G Very happy to hear that. Thanks

[@1stfiddlerman]

I'm not sure if I've ever seen that before. Can you be more specific for me please?

[@mathur4358]

wow thanks this actually helped unlike a lot of other vibrato videos. :) btw i really like the picture behind you :D

[@1stfiddlerman]

A 14" viola is like a full size violin so a regular full size violin shoulder-rest would work fine. You might want to order a shoulder-rest. Depends on your build though. Remember to keep the instrument up on your collar bone and hold it with your jaw rather than chin. This might allow you to hold comfortably and still get around with your hand. and arm.

[@MarkDiSciullo]

That was the best overview I've seen so far! On vibrato! Thanks!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Mark. I appreciate the comment.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Many players have calluses and it only means that you are building a protective cover for your fingertips. The only issue that you may have is that it could feel dry and slide a bit. I know many pros that have very hard strong calluses on their left hand fingertips. The soreness will diminish as your fingertips protect themselves in the near future.

[@alicemorales-urteaga4363]

+Fiddlerman thanks for this. my Orch teacher didn't explain virbrato too well when I was a kid. Regretfully stopped playing now at thirty I want to teach my kids how to play. I loved Orchestra class and the violin, so much fun!💙❤♥🎻

[@1stfiddlerman]

You should start playing again with your kids. Expectations might be different now. :) You may find that you love it more now than ever before.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I feel freer without a shoulder-rest. I don't like the feeling of keeping the violin in one constant position. The red rubber sponge is not really necessary but keeps the violin from slipping and sliding as well as a slight bit of padding on my collar bone. :-)

[@rachelmills5443]

Great video! This taught me the basics and was instructive without rambling, thank you!

[@Roosterbate44]

I just started playing a violin and your videos are extremely helpful thank you! You rock Fiddler Man!!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Mark!

[@melmack2003]

Best video on vibrato that I've seen....thank you!

[@jesusloaiza3032]

I love your videos, direct to the point and so energetic!! keep them coming, please; and thanks for sharing.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll get back to making videos soon when I free up some time.

[@Sharkmanlloyd]

im still amazed by how fast your vibrato is

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!!!

[@Sharkmanlloyd]

Fiddlerman no problem. Thanks for being helpful

[@shell3371]

started fiddle 2 weeks ago and i learned vibrato by watching videos and finally applying it when i play a tune hehe

[@1stfiddlerman]

I'm glad to hear it. That is very encouraging. Cheers!

[@donjonc33]

i just got a 14" viola from work n started playing today. i can already play basics but im having the hardest time keeping it in place. because of that i have to use more of my hand to hold it up limiting my hand to move around freely and practice anything. for me it's the hardest thing about the viola. any pointers? its a cheap cecilio 14" viola similar to the black one in another video but it didnt come with a shoulder rest.

[@1stfiddlerman]

How about if you begin by slowly pulling back you arm while leaving the wrist and hand straight? That is how I learned vibrato. :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

You can't see the videos on your phone?

[@tonycstech]

Can make the finger roll, it keeps sliding before it rolls anywhere.

[@1stfiddlerman]

This happens for people who have dry hands. Especially when they are first trying to learn vibrato. Try with some non greasy hand moisturizer. Cheers!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Hey Dee, In response to the question about the size of my viola = 16" Since I am a violinist I prefer a smaller viola but don't want to sacrifice sound.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I think that is the case for many. I don't know about normal. It's great if you can find the forward and back movement. Once you get it you'll see how easily you can vibrate. Finding that feeling is the tough part. Happens quickly for some and can take a long time for others.

[@huskvnj]

This is just what I needed! Straight & to the point! Only had my electric violin a few days & almost sent it back thinking it will be impossible to ever do vibrato! I'm a guitarist & have a mandolin, but violin seems like such a different world...It's like trying to write with the left hand! LOL Cheers dude!

[@1stfiddlerman]

LOL, I agree. Also, I've tried playing a left handed violin and it's almost impossible for me. Gives me an idea of how hard it would be to learn from scratch, and I know what I'm doing.

[@huskvnj]

@@1stfiddlerman Gotta say Your vids are helping me the most. I subscribed to a lot of violin teacher channels last week, Sorry Ladies, but you yammer on too much! LOL You Sir get straight to the point & that's what I need! & you seem like a guy I could have a laugh with down the pub. Cheers man

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@huskvnj If I get back to making videos, I'll try to yammer even less. :) Cheers

[@KyahRose]

Thank you soo much! I'm making another go at the violin...one of the reasons I quit playing after middle school was because I couldn't do vibrato...I literally sucked. I'm wondering now if the problem was not so much less dedication to practice as being double jointed. Anyways, I'm currently waiting on my new violin, and searching around for violin tutorials and lessons to help refresh my memory on how to play, etc. Do you have any recommendations on where I can look to relearn how to read music and the various notes and type of notes?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Try my learn to read sheet music games from my site. fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/violin-fingering-game/ fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/rhythm-counting-game/

[@evhwolfgang2003]

I seriously needed this video. Thanks FM

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad to hear that I was of help.

[@1stfiddlerman]

This can happen to me when my fingers are too dry. Try to find a non greasy moisturizer to use on that hand.

[@1stfiddlerman]

@sirryu1987 - You are welcome. Glad to be of help.

[@Arthur-fc5em]

I love your content, you give a great and easy to understand explanation. Thank you!

[@1stfiddlerman]

I appreciate that. Thanks so much for the comment and support!

[@russelljenkinsfearn]

Thank you Mr Fiddler Man. I'm not there yet but you give me hope !

[@neemaliggins9111]

I've been trying to teach myself to do vibrato for a long time. This is a great drill for beginners.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Nice to hear. Thanks

[@Violinist.calexbe]

You said it!😀😀😀

[@bsheaves]

I'm self taught violist, and I've had a hard time learning vibrato, I'd like to get into the advanced orchestra at my high school, and this video was a good starting point for me.

[@bsheaves]

One problem that has been an issue for me is my fingers slipping on the strings, what can I do to apply more pressure so this doesn't happen?

[@1stfiddlerman]

@bongalis1 - If you are happy with your chinrest bring it to a luthier and ask them to build it up, or do it yourself. A carpenter can do it for you too. You may need longer screws (barrels) to make the new distance. I had mine built up one half inch. The Stuber is pretty tall to begin with.

[@versaillechong5659]

Straight to the point! Practical one. Love it. Thanks!

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@oscarmorales3351]

thx man this was really helpfull because you told which virbrato you were going to use and just strait to the point thx so much

[@1stfiddlerman]

+Oscar Morales You are very welcome. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

The pinky is the weakest of our fingers. Most people avoid playing long juicy notes on their 4th finger and substitute for stronger fingers whenever possible.

[@Sapphirecrystalpearl]

your fingers are so stocky amg my fingers are like sticks and i feel like they have no strength

[@1stfiddlerman]

Finger pushups. ;) It's not necessary to have that much strength.

[@Sapphirecrystalpearl]

wot how do you do those i am going to google dat shit (also yay you answered)

[@Sapphirecrystalpearl]

Fiddlerman i just checked it up and i cant even do regular push ups much less these (imma skinny girl that sits at the computer all day)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Kidding about the finger pushups. Though maybe it's not a bad idea.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Let's concentrate on not using that much power with your fingers. Press just enough that your string touches the fingerboard. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

My guess is that cello videos would help for this instrument as well. Smaller neck of course but the angle of holding and such. Am I right? I really have no idea but that's what it looks like to me. Good luck with finding good resources for the Erhu. Seems like a cool instrument. :-)

[@redjohn1559]

Do you have any practical solutions for the problem of having flat finger tips? It seemed to be an issue for my index and fifth finger to do vibrato as it is unlike my third or fourth. Its always hitting on the nail even though cut.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Check out my other three vibrato videos where I show and play. I think one is called wrist and finger vibrato, one is called arm vibrato and I don't remember the third. Thanks

[@shym0nk3y]

Is it normal for the hand to want to go sideways and not forward and backward?

[@henrypagan6657]

Hi thanks again for your help. When are yours going to use a bow on this lesson.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Henry. Long time no see. :)

[@TheJessicaRadke]

Finally! I've been watching so many videos and I couldn't get it on any of them!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Great attitude. Vibrato is one of those things that you work on and all of a sudden, "BINGO"..... Just like learning to whistle but much harder. ;-) Good luck and DON'T give up even if it takes years. :-)

[@honeymist9981]

i have a viola so i dont know wether to start on my A string or shift into 4th position plz tell me

[@1stfiddlerman]

I have no idea. Haven't had the opportunity to experiment.

[@MrScott187]

OK this looks to be a better way for me to learn vibrato than I've seen other techniques. As an added bonus I get to see various views of how the vibrato works. Was getting to think the finger(s) rapidly move up and down the string a short distance.

[@Kam16665]

Simple and thorough. Brilliant :D

[@jaeyounglee5410]

Question: Usually, you use arm vibrato when shifting pretty high and wrist when normal right? And when do you use finger?

[@FredJonesJunior]

Yea , I'm glad you pointed out how your swing your left arm forward in that uncomfortable contortions to reach the G. string. because thats breaking the rules . If I don't break the rules I'm going to break my wrist.. You got use to the feeling I'll will just have to accept the pain. Thanks for the illustration

[@juliocesarguillen9298]

Your learning. Técnic are amazing. Thanks for share. Grettings from Ciudad de México.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks so much. :)

[@kcald9891]

Thank you SO much for addressing the g-string difficulty; my wrist always hurts when I practice vibrato so far over, wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are welcome!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

You're very welcome, You will probably need to use more of the flat part of your fingers. This will give you a better angle for your fingers bending in the right direction. It's tougher for double jointed people but it works too. :-) Be patient and keep on working on it.

[@Mitsuki424]

Is it normal for right arm to move while doing vibrato with left arm? For example, I do vibrato, and my right arm shakes as well. Any tips?

[@LuisCri]

Gracias amigo, muy buen trabajo. Thanks you friend, a excellent work. greetings!

[@GrandmaY]

Thank you! Very helpful to see the closeup motion of the fingers & hand.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad that it helped.

[@1stfiddlerman]

It bounces? I guess the next step is to stabilize the violin a bit and to learn to pull the bow while the violin is moving. Not so easy at first but it'll come with practice.

[@tashiannapatterson2857]

This helps so much! thanks for posting. My class is huge and its hard to get help on the little things. So thanks again!

[@1stfiddlerman]

+Tashianna Patterson You are very welcome.

[@violinow1673]

What chinrest and shoulder pad are you using here please

[@GreenHornet4110]

Another really helpful tip is hanging your hand from your thumb by the neck and just let it swing back and fourth so you can get that vibrato motion and so you'll know what it feels like when you do accomplish vibrato. Vibrato is something people pick up easily, or people can have a really hard time with it. The hardest part is that if you learn it the wrong way, it'll be hard to break it so good luck to the new string players!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@ctsfiddler - Maybe you are pressing your fingers down too hard. Try experimenting with relieving the pressure and not holding your violin so hard. Unfortunately holding too hard can lead to neck and back discomfort. Have a look at the strad pad too. It has a rubber(latex) feel instead of the smooth sliding feeling of a plain chin-rest. Also, your chin-rest might be too flat, that would make it feel like there is no connection. A hump could be good.