Technique Tuesday is a collaboration by Lauren Pierce and Double Bass HQ that explores techniques from Lauren’s best-selling books, Scales, Scales, Scales, Please Play in Tune, and Basstudes.
Understanding Vibrato
Vibrato is an essential expressive technique used in classical music. It adds warmth, emotion, and character to notes, vibrantly transforming your sound.
The Doorknob Technique
A helpful way to understand the vibrato motion is to compare it to twisting a doorknob.
Proper Finger Placement
To execute vibrato properly on the fingerboard:
- Plant the finger you’ll use for vibrato (in this example, the second finger)
- Release the other fingers from the string without popping them up
- Create the vibrato by “twisting the doorknob,” rotating on your vibrato finger
Body Position and Movement
When performing vibrato, body position is crucial. Keep your upper arm completely still, using only your forearm and hand for the motion. Avoid the common mistake of creating a “chicken wing” position with your elbow.
Adding the Bow
Once you’ve mastered the finger motion, integrate the bow to produce the full vibrato sound.
Practicing Effectively
When practicing vibrato in isolation, start with a wide span of motion. This approach allows you to develop control and flexibility. You can always narrow the width later as you refine your technique.
A common issue for developing musicians is that their vibrato doesn’t sound quite right because it’s too fast and narrow. Beginning with a wider motion helps establish the foundation for a beautiful, expressive vibrato.
For more of Lauren’s insights, visit her Technique Tuesday series, and sign up for the Double Bass HQ newsletter to have the series delivered to your inbox each week.
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