Learn Cello Vibrato in 4 steps

Vibrato is an especially difficult area for adult learners. When I teach vibrato to adults, I emphasize two aspects simultaneously. The first is learning the correct motions, and the second is learning how to reduce physical tension. Both are needed to achieve vibrato, and the four steps in this video deal with both aspects.
Whether you want to learn vibrato for the first time, or just have a suspicion that there has to be a better way of going about it, I've organized the process into 4 clear steps that will help you learn the motions and identify and eliminate physical tension.
♫ LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING THE ULTIMATE START ON CELLO:
Cello in 30 Days Course: www.adultcello.com/courses
Billy Tobenkin is a Los Angeles-based cellist who specializes in teaching adult learners. As a professional cellist who started playing the cello from scratch at 25, he is in a unique position to help others, like him, who found the cello later in life. He has developed strategies from his own musical journey to accelerate the learning process, and he is here to share them with you.
Please contact him at [e-mail] with any questions or comments! Or visit adultcello.com
00:00 Intro
1:46 Step 1: Shifting Slides
4:55 Step 1a: Tennis Ball
7:22 Step 2: Finger Joint Flexibility
11:16 Step 3: Arm Circles
13:48 Step 4: Bend Tone & Return

[@jankeen6617]

Thank you for the reminder about the importance of concentrating on making a beautiful sound with the bow. It’s so easy to forget that the left hand doesn’t make any sound!! I remember my first cello teacher telling me to start every practice session with playing long tones (no left hand involved) and I still do it now for 10 -15 minutes. It settles me and grounds me. It reminds me why I want to keep playing.

[@forestofgloom1353]

"it's harder than it looks, even if it looks hard, it is just even harder" lol

[@fam.rangeljacobo8768]

Ohhh I love your video sooo much. Thank you! 10 years now and still an adult beginner, not able to develop a vibrato yet, too much tension. Thank you!

[@hicari43]

I watched almost all the cello vibrato related videos on KZbin. This one is literally the best one and the only that worked for me. Thanks a lot!!!

[@sunshine_1111x]

Thank you for this tutorial. I’m still struggling but it gives me something to work on each day.

[@simonwalton]

How on Earth do you know exactly what video I want you to do next? I’m just starting to learn vibrato so this is very timely. As I expected, your explanation of vibrato gets to the real root of the movement rather than resorting to too many gimmicks. Also your production values as usual are sublime.

[@adultcello]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the kind words! That's so great that you're already embarking on vibrato, please let me know if you find the exercises helpful. Happy practicing!

[@zhihannn]

self learning cello and couldn't figure out why my vibrato was so stiff and short but this really helped me find out what was wrong, thank you!

[@philenacarter]

This is so helpful! I just started cello from 0 and am glad to have come across several of your videos already. Great explanations. The detail 👌

[@lordneeko]

This is better than most vibrato instructions which say #1 You're not ready yet, come back in 10 years.

[@thecelloonline]

Great Video, love that you mentioned tension so specifically. Releasing tension is such an important part of a good vibrato.

[@caseyhrynkow6725]

You are so great for me, Billy! You read my mind!

[@Darkslide99]

I really want to learn vibrato. Also, I wish there was a video that would outline the basic skills you learn in each suzuki cello book. I was learning on my own for a while and had no idea all the skills I skipped over in those books!

[@ezraschwartz5201]

Billy, thank you for this tutorial. Great point about holding off from trying to sprint while still being barley able to walk. I do it all the time, despite knowing its way premature :-).

[@adultcello]

My pleasure! I make sure to mention that piece of advice because it was a major habit of mine as well!

[@Wrendymion]

Over 10 years of playing when I was a kid I never got the hang of consistent vibrato. I could play very well but I tended towards that hummingbird vibrato you speak of. Now I'm trying to relearn it and build back my strength (10 years without playing), hoping these exercises can help me break it down and fix my weaknesses in the technique. Thank you!

[@cheungivan3361]

This great teaching, watching from Hong Kong

[@gabrielluduena5219]

Excelentes ejercicios y muy bien explicados. Gracias

[@kevinmkraft]

I'M SOOOOOO GLAD YOU DID THIS VIDEO!!!

[@gemmaboon]

Best example I’ve ever had, have been struggling with my ‘hummingbird’ vibrato for 24 years!

[@breenaxie4672]

Having too much physical tension has been my biggest “enemy” as an always overthinking adult cell student. I will try to follow your instructions and see if I could actually learn how to the vibratos properly. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@adultcello]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for your message and I hope you find the exercises helpful!

[@comedianandmotivationalspe4344]

Excellent instruction! Thank you!

[@oliverchecketts09]

I love cello, and this was so helpful!! Danke!

[@susanhsiao7867]

Vibrato has always been an issue to me. The beginning of the video pointed out exactly I have been struggling with. I can feel the tension and cannot control my shaking arms while doing vibrato, so it sounds like shaking too much. Thank you for making this video.

[@johngilbert184]

The right approach at las!. Having learned via shoulder injury that took 2 years to fuly resolve due to tensioned vibrato, your approach prioritizing tensinless vibrato looks perfect. I've been learning celllo for 4 years and well overdue a decent vibrato technique.Well done and huge thanks.

[@adultcello]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@galnyska]

Great exercises and explanations, thank you!

[@justinkrueger8787]

So helpful. Best explanation I have heard yet.

[@margierojo8445]

Thank you for this instruction. I found it so very helpful.

[@bobatea123]

This is the best!🎉🎉🎉 I finally learned this, this video is very helpful!😊

[@orion5992]

You're a good teacher!

[@wanderer.antonio]

You're a genius teacher! I just de-fretted a classical guitar and cello is the closest thing I could find with a similar left hand position. Did the exercises and found vibrato! It also improves overall playing because it keeps the fingers relaxed. It feels like they got superglued to the neck and there is no force required to keep them there so all the focus shifts away from them. This mentally liberates them from the pressure of having to press the string. I enables them to gently rock as if I were trying to peel them off. Thanks

[@LadyAbstracted]

Haha I love how you already know we‘re going to try and speed it up after like 2 tries! 😂 Great video! I really struggle with the hummingbird sound staying on the pitch. I‘ll definitely be trying these exercises in my practice sessions. 👍🏽

[@adultcello]

Thanks so much, and I hope you find the exercises helpful in your practice!

[@flashnut]

I am an adult beginner. Never played a string instrument before, but do play other instruments. Vibrato on flute or sax is so much easier than the cello vibrato, Your lesson was excellent! And I do want to jump to the sprint right away. I promise I won't though.....(maybe). Going to step one now, (my pic is not me, it's my son who played cello)

[@pabloperalta6254]

You're doing a great job!!

[@genloke98]

"Hummingbird" vibrato, how apt! Feels like my eternal problem. I shall try these steps!

[@mallinmall1327]

thank you Billy this is super helpful. Request: a series of videos on bow work & exercise! I found once intonation is in place, how do you sound on cello is 90% depended on your bow work.

[@adultcello]

That's a great topic to cover, thanks so much for the request! And it's totally true, at the end of the day, pulling the right sound with the bow will essentially get you 90% to your goal.

[@cellosong]

Excellent tips for vibrato! Your teaching is a great example of the insights gained by overcoming difficulties in our own playing as teachers. Once students learn the basic vibrato motions try having them place their hand at the base of the neck placing 2nd finger on the D string and resting the left side of their hand against the cello shoulder. From there they can make the basic vibrato arm motion and incorporate tapping the left side of their hand lightly and slowly against the cello shoulder. Add rhythmic practice starting with groups of 2 taps, then groups of 3 taps, and finally groups of 4 taps to gradually increase the speed of the vibrato. Tapping the shoulder rhythmically helps ensure they are making the basic motion properly while doing the rhythmic exercises slowly. This exercise helps ease beginners into using a faster vibrato without creating tension that sometimes comes into play when trying a faster vibrato in first position. The rhythmic control also anchors their thinking about how to get to a faster vibrato. If they don't have that mental anchor they will often just take "stabs in the dark" at getting a faster vibrato - thus laying the groundwork for the frantic "hummingbird" tension to creep in.

[@danapickens]

This helped so much!!!

[@JLGrant-rp3ke]

Just a suggestion...Also try keeping a constant vibrato while taking the left thumb off and lifting it on top of the fingerboard and then back down below the neck. You can do this on a 1 finger scale as well.

[@rodrigoartilheiro2985]

Great tips🙏

[@kazirahelaamin9188]

Hi Billy...thank you so much for this video...it was really helpful... However, can please make a video on yoga or regular physical exercises for a cellist...!!! Thank you.

[@BrookeandJacob]

Here for the video, but also here for tips on what haircair products you use. Thanks in advance!

[@randisl.h.9713]

Thank you! To learn I have to understand the "why" And awesome call to Ace Venture lol

[@lelo8976]

Hello Billy, Your exercises have been working miracles in my vibrato learning. I am stunned about the progress they have allowed me. Thanks a lot for sharing. I am wondering if you could create some content on spiccato too? That's what's next on my agenda. Of course there are some other useful teaching videos out there, but I'd love to hear your perspective on it. Cheers, Karolina

[@adultcello]

Hi Karolina! Thank you so much for your message and I'm thrilled to hear that the exercises have been producing great results for you! That's a great idea, I will definitely add spiccato to my list of video topics, thanks so much!

[@traceyschaufele]

Very good explanation. Thank you! I’m off to get a tennis ball!

[@brendamann6106]

Billy thank you! The tennis ball was the answer to how the forearm worked with the wrist and hand. I knew to keep it all relaxed and to initiate from the arm, I have played violin so knew what the finger did, but how much to use the forearm to get the best sound for cello? I used my cat’s tennis ball and understood. Now to keep practicing for continuous control. 😊

[@mrwoohpa919]

Thank you so much for covering finger flexibility! I have so much tension in my hand and now I know what to work on! This is great content with a thorough explanation!

[@TheBereangirl]

Lol... independence of hand -- that is my nemesis! Remember that exercise where you pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time? Yeah...I could do it for a little while, but not maintain it...this is going to take a LOT of work, but it's going to be glorious when I get it!

[@adultcello]

Yes it is! Happy practicing and thanks for your comment!

[@ToxicJusticeBook]

Excellent vibrato tutorial.

[@adultcello]

Thank you so much!

[@torlanivibes573]

How do you balance moving your left hand properly while moving the bow without freezing up or lowkey forgetting how to move the bow..because im so focused on getting it right?

[@hesperant5380]

The volume on your videos varies quite a bit. I might recommend something like the dji mic system to equal it out.

[@HugoTorres-bo5iq]

Excelent! I need it in spanish😂

[@mothersgauri4137]

This is a great video. You know those exercises like patting your head and rubbing your tummy ? Does anyone else feel like that trying to do this? Or is there something wrong with me? I'm a guitar player and it's like this is using muscles I've never used before.....???

[@lolosmusic5122]

Wonderful tutorials! Thank you so much for doing this. Do you have any instructions, insights on continuous vibrato. I find that I “restart” a vibrato for each note and it breaks up the music flow.

[@adultcello]

Hi! That's a great question, and probably a topic for a video, as I remember it being a difficult process to gain fluency in vibrato between fingers. I'll try to make a video on that topic soon!

[@lolosmusic5122]

That’s great. I’m looking forward to it.

[@DarkDFlame]

Very nice. I had two cello lessons but they did not cover vibrato. With your video i will develop it in no time! Thank you so much.

[@adultcello]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for your message, and let me know how the exercises go for you!

[@mallinmall1327]

if only w/ 2 lessons and you have no other string instrument experience, it might be too early to start vibrato. I found one should always get the intonation nailed 1st before moving to V. I made the same mistake on trying to jump to V too fast and had to stop and went back to intonation for a few more month before i can try V. anyways just my 2 cents.

[@DarkDFlame]

@@mallinmall1327 thank you for the honest answer i must have patience. I hope to master it someday

[@pakhoy8648]

I've been learning for more than 3 years n haven't started on vibrato

[@bobatea123]

😊

[@jeweliarex2202]

Vibrato on cello was one of the first things I mastered. On violin I was not able to get a correct suzuki method Vibrato due to RA I later learned causing stiff Muscles and joints.

[@cheryljulye1156]

Where is part two?

[@charlesming7875]

Nice horsey painting behind you.

[@luigidelgado8069]

En español

[@winterheat]

I think you need a better microphone for speech audio

[@basspunkjunky]

shouldn't say old soprano.. doh! best part of the video

[@mallinmall1327]

Hi Billy, a question for you: what is the relationship between the sliding up & down vs the bending finger? Is the final vibrato form one of these 2 (i.e. sliding or bending finger) or the sliding is the pre-steps to the bending finger? Reason im asking is because, i saw in videos some people do vibrato with the sliding motion, some with the more finger bending motion. As a beginner still in the process of getting my head around, im a bit confused. Thank you!

[@adultcello]

Great question! The way I see it, the finger must be flexible enough so that motion from the forearm actually makes the finger's contact point with the string roll back and forth. But as I've been taught and the way I see it, the pumping/sliding forearm is the motor. So once you have worked on finger flexibility and they are flexible, you forget about them when doing vibrato and allow the forearm to do the work. There are a multiple ways to create a working vibrato (and I've experimented with multiple ways), but the video demonstrates what has worked for me and my students.

[@mallinmall1327]

@@adultcello THanks Billy! i will definitely follow your advice and give it a try. Im going to be super annoying here, more questions! hahahaha How should we practice/start to practice continues vibrato? i.e. playing a scale all notes with smooth vibrato? I found myself getting nervous at the end of a note and stop the vibrato until bowing the next note and start the motion again, esp on 3rd & 4th fingers. THanks!

[@mallinmall1327]

@@adultcello After a day of testing and looking at myself in the mirror while trying here is how i understand: the bending exercise is like oiling the hinges of the finger, making them flexible and once you add the motion from the forearm, the hinges are already flexible and smooth so they can take the power from the forearm and transfer into the fingers into vibrato. Not sure if this understanding is correct?

[@adultcello]

@@mallinmall1327 That sounds correct to me! The arm powers the vibrato and the flexible fingers allow the motion to roll the skin of the finger back and forth which creates the oscillation of the vibrato. Happy practicing!

[@adultcello]

@@mallinmall1327 That's another great question, and the best way to answer that would probably be with another video, since it can be a bit complicated. The 2nd part of my vibrato series will be coming out next week and working on those exercises should help indirectly. I found that the majority of the problem tends to be a result of tensing up when changing from one finger to the next, and so the more you can peel tension away, the easier it will be to vibrate continuous through finger changes as well as bow changes.

[@cxtpace]

thanks Sir. such a set of valuable lessons! btw, can you set your volume up? prob is since your audio is low, your audience needs to turn the volume in full (even in full, it is still so low). it is when the ads come in with the maximum volume they could put. it will either destroy our devices' speakers, our eardrums (using earphones) or just stop watching coz it is too tiring to reach the device and turn the volume down and up again. so try to level it up as loud as the ads set it. or even louder. thanks!

[@hisham2854]

Now i need a tenis ball. Shit man!

[@violethill3745]

Some tips because people might learn this wrong: You start by focusing on the correct forearm motion, but lose it by the end of the video. The motion comes from opening and closing the forearm at the elbow,, like shaking a bottle of ketchup, always. By the end you are back to twisting the wrist and forearm instead of moving the forearm up and down. The tension that you mention with hummingbird vibrato is all in the thumb- free the thumb from the neck and it will do wonders. There is no need to have finger flexibility in vibrato- that’s actually making it harder. You don’t want to practice your finger being more towards the tip and back again- you want to keep the fleshy pad part of the finger in contact with the fingerboard at all times to help the vibrato. Only when you play fast notes with no vibrato is it helpful to play more on the tip of the fingers.

[@WenHoff-mh5pi]

😂