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Also wondering how others are getting on with their vibrato ?
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It occurred to me this weeend that perhaps it was because I played classical guitar for a few years that I didn't have any problem with violin vibrato. CG vibrato is less ambiguous than violin vibrato. If you have a guitar, try it. Or maybe hold your violin as though it were a guitar or uke and do some pizzicato vibrato?
Continuous vibrato does take some practice, though.
Andrew
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That’s what I’m doing at the beginning of every practice session- practice in guitar position. Thing that I’m finding is you can’t have any contact with the index finger so even the times you aren’t doing vibrato you have to move away from the neck.
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I’ve just recorded this if anyone has any advice I’d appreciate. I didn’t realise how much my arm was moving definitely need to address!!
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I started with hand vibrato, and had problems with moving my wrist back and forwards which gives the illusion of vibrato, so I changed to arm vibrato which I find easier. Ultimately though it is up to the individual which you prefer. One thing is certain your hand has to be completely relaxed, when I started I got muscle cramps and pains in the wrist and arm through tension.
Cant beat a sunny day
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I wouldn't say your arm is moving too much, Katie, but your pitch is moving all over the place. I think this is caused by practising vibrato slowly. I think you should make the jump to fast vibrato whilst listening to the pitch and trying to keep it constant, but use the vibrato to affect the timbre of the note.
Andrew
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Oh and also, no thumb pressure, forgot about that. And a slight gap between the edge of hand and fingerboard, which it looks as though you have.
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Thank you for the feedback. I have just managed to get into first position so yes I totally agree I need to address my tuning ! It’s all over the place as is my bowing but I’ll do what you suggested thanks Gordon. Think I’m actually feeling ok about it I was worried about my arm. I need to get the metronome going.
Haven’t had any pain but yes having the gap is weird it’s like I’m having to start all over again with where my left hand is ! I think that’s what I’m struggling with most !
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If I can give a bit more advice, which is up to you if you use it or not, and others may disagree but I wouldnt practice vibrato for more than a few minutes a day, as you will lose the feel and it may be counterproductive, a couple of minutes doing it as perfectly as you can is better than half an hour which will tire the mind.
Cant beat a sunny day
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Do you know about peg knocking.
Cant beat a sunny day
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Just watched I’ll try it tomorrow and yes I’ll definitely limit the time I practice it because as well as what you are saying it’s taking over my practice a bit. Thank you 😀
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By the way I like the look of your fiddle, it looks well finished.
Cant beat a sunny day
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@Katie L -
I think you are doing great!
I'm still working on stepping up the pace and evenness.
Still very uncomfortable for me to keep my elbow under far enough, my upper arm tenses because of it. Doesn't help that I'm overweight and I can't play while standing - luckily, you don't have those issues. 😁
I would practice like you are, but while you're playing pieces you know well - and on every note, even though you wouldn't normally play it that way.
Don't forget your pinky!
- Emily
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Thanks Stringy it’s a lovely spaghetti bolognese colour!
Will do Emily it’s a struggle because I feel like my whole left hand is changing so I’m a bit all over the place. Sounds like yours is coming along nicely if you are stepping up the pace. Well done looking forward to a demo.
katie
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katie m said
Just watched I’ll try it tomorrow and yes I’ll definitely limit the time I practice it because as well as what you are saying it’s taking over my practice a bit. Thank you 😀
Practice normally, and only add a little vibrato, normal speed, on the long notes. You'll get there.
Andrew
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Ok 😀
the video below has really really helped me ! May help others.
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@Katie L -
That IS a good video.
This was my original problem - not keeping my elbow far enough under the violin, to help create that gap.
Sorry, I'm repeating myself because I think it's an important point. 😊
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It really is!! The gap I’m finding is the hardest part of vibrato. But I like the brush idea of when you aren’t doing vibrato and then the slightly away bit when you are. I saw you mentioned the pinky strangely finding this much easier than first finger !! Very strange. Happy practicing!
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I had a mini break through this evening I think. So I was practicing in guitar position and ( I know this is actually pretty obvious) but realised my thumb is in a completely different position to when I try and play vibrato normally in first position. It was higher up rather than underneath the neck ( which caused the massive gap). So I’ve started experimenting with my thumb now but I’ve noticed my hand is much less tense now and I can get a much more flexible first finger. But it’s a big difference I think I’m pretty happy now just need to work out exactly where the thumb will go!! 😀 also not sure If the neck should be resting in my hand !
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To answer your first question, you try to get it to move towards the scroll. However, you can't do that 100% because the neck is in the way. If it moves at about 45%, that is fine. The goal is to pull straight back.
Next, apply the pressure to the left side of your finger when vibrating. When I say left, I'm referring to when you are looking at your finger while vibrating.
Did you ever see any of my vibrato videos? I think I made four ages ago.
I didn't get the impression that your arm is moving too much, and I certainly wouldn't give it any thought unless you are feeling tense while doing it. Your violin isn't moving negatively while doing so.
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