Violin Vibrato: How to do it Without a Shoulder Rest!

[@tullochgorum6323]

Far too many teachers say "this is the one true way" - usually just whatever works for them or was passed on by their own teacher. So it's really helpful to find a teacher like you who demonstrated the options and helps empower students to find solutions that suit their own physique and artistic priorities.

[@chasegiacomo7279]

I found this the most helpful video I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a lot) to understand the different approaches and techniques without a rest. Thank you!

[@johnwilkerson3391]

Andrew, you have a great ability to teach violin techniques. I really like the way you analyze the physics of playing. I also spend a lot of time analyzing the science of playing - watching great players, and trying to duplicate their positions and motions. Thank you for another awesome video. They are priceless !

[@paddlepower888]

Thanks. The left thumb has the job of supporting my violin-I often forget that it has to be UNDER the neck rather than left of the neck as it was when using a shoulder rest. I’ve been attempting to play without a shoulder rest because of comfort issues with one. I’ve found helpful a sling that connects the violin to my body. It keeps the violin from sliding away from my neck and swinging to the right. Do a search using the term “happynex” or “Ithaca strings fiddle strap“ to find them. It’s really easy to make, even without a sewing machine.

[@anjinsanx44]

I'm only playing 4months but I like your way of explaining it! I vibrato like on my guitars up n down n was told!stop doing it That way! I was shocked my hand couldn't vibrato! I got over 45 yrs on guitar n 10 on piano's

[@yowalice1726]

I am rest-less . I use the third method you described here. I think the most important thing if you want to go rest-less is to have a violin light and well balanced in weight

[@otbmikesrides1476]

Thanks. This is very helpful as I am finally getting an acceptable vibrato after many years playing. I began in 2011 at age 59. 🙂

[@madmaxx5612]

50 here and just started

[@raizelquintana8174]

Thanks for the great tips!!

[@juijooi]

Thank you so much for this video. This is very helpful! 😄

[@jonmacranger1404]

This video is great. I'm having a hard time learning vibrato since I am not using a shoulder rest. Thanks for this. You just answered all my questions. Hope to see more educational videos from your channel. Regards from the Ph.

[@TheABCFamilyMovies]

Thank you so much for this helpful video! I have been trying to play without a shoulder rest and I have found it very frustrating to do vibrato. This makes so much sense. I was thinking that I had to be away from the neck. My think my teacher doesn’t want me to put my thumb under the neck.

[@katiemartin2428]

I really like this , thanks

[@juijooi]

Thank you so much fo this video. This is very helpful! :)

[@dhritikonwar6668]

Very helpful

[@rl7651]

You have presented things clearly and convincingly but I do have a question. With the third approach that involves some circular rotation, it would seem that that movement would in general create a slower vibrato because the shortest distance back and forth between two points is a straight line so the circular movement could not be generated as quickly. Does that makes sense? Personally, I thought you sounded best doing the Augustin Hadelich type vibrato. The vibrancy and throbbing quality of this vibrato is very exciting and I feel creates greater emotional intensity- it seems a part of the essential expression of the notes rather than an imposed vibration on the note. This can easily be heard in the sound of Heifetz and his pupils like Erick Friedman but also with other wonderful violinist like David Nadien and Tosy Spivakovsky. If you do not know the Tossy Spivakovsky video of the last movement of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor you should hear it. His manner of moving the bow is somewhat unique (maybe very unique- it clearly works for him- and his crisp articulation (the trills near the end are wonderful) and ease of movement around the fingerboard are admirable. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5emkmeHjMuHkM0 He also recorded an incredibly fast but totally "in control" performance of Kresiler's Sicilienne et Rigaudon. Anyway, thank you for your great video and easy manner in explaining a very tricky subject!

[@bigol7169]

I love your videos so much Andrew!! Your explanations are so clear and you demonstrate so well! What a king 👑😭

[@rajendravarma7517]

Your tips are great because they actually work ! Regards from India.

[@bahman1186]

Thank you so much for your explanation. Would it be possible to explain how to shift without shoulder rest up and down please?

[@rosalietacasa8474]

Thank u so much for this! Gonna practice this tom

[@Multimusiclight]

Very good review of these 3 methods for vibrato. Well explained. I am using the first one, but I will try the two others. Thanks

[@penguindrum264]

Finally got the second approach down after a few months, but my vibrato on a B(in G#minor)on the G string with my ring finger is almost non-existent lol. I'll try to the third technique to see if it fixes that issue. Thanks for the video, a shoulder rest is uncomfortable for me lol even though I have a long neck.

[@davedonnie6425]

How does the violin stay in place while you vibrate? What is stopping it from shaking back and forth while you vibrate?

[@jacc88888]

This is very thorough. Thank you. I’m going to experiment with trying these different methods. Ps could you explain about the feel of the left arm when doing vibrato, for example: a) should the left arm: bicep, forearm etc be as relaxed as possible or should there be some tension? b) do you think of any feeling of balance and a ‘complete connection’ and balance between the left shoulder and the hand during vibrato? I feel with my own vibrato that the set up (the way I hold the violin) causes left arm tension that blocks the vibrato so it becomes too slow.

[@barbarat6341]

I removed my shoulder rest because I was experiencing a lot of discomfort on my back. To compensate, I use a higher chin rest and a small pad to cushion my shoulder. I did notice my wrist vibrato stiffer, though it is more noticeable on my first finger on first position. I'll try these tips out. Thanks!

[@hast3033]

I see your violin "shaking" a bit when you do vibrato, mine does this too and i just started playing the violin, i thought this was a problem, is it supposed to be doing that because I've seen some peoples violin being basically completely still while doing vibrato?

[@leif1075]

I don't understand ate you holding upnthe violin withyour thumb underneath it? How can you move the rest of your fingers and index finger freely? That doesn't seem pos3.

[@yowalice1726]

I am rest-less

[@retrops4261]

Most of this video is good idea.s. but no, wide vibrato in high positions is a bad idea. The pitch will be too wide and will sound and be out of tune. Also, I believe the reason for that position is to keep the resonance of the instrument open and to allow for a FAST vibrato, not so much wide.

[@damaja416]

A lot of violin players don't realize "shoulder pad" is just another term for "cheat code" 😂 #fiddlegang

[@conniechan3280]

Too soft , difficult to hear .... Pray :: louder sound in future .......pray😊