How to Do Vibrato on a Cello
Learn the motion., Use a prop before using the cello., Apply the motion., Control the motion.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Learn the motion.
Vibrato comes from the up and down motion of the arm, not from the rotation of the wrist or hand, but you do want the arm to rotate (this is different from the violin or viola).
This motion is similar to opening a jar, and then closing it quickly.
It is very helpful to learn this away from the cello before applying it.
See next step to help with this. -
Step 2: Use a prop before using the cello.
To learn the motion of vibrato, it is helpful to use a film canister to serve as a rattler.
Fill a film canister or a pillbox with pebbles, rice, or anything else that will rattle.
Simply hold this in your left hand.
Then support your elbow as if you were playing the cello, and move your hand up and down vertically as if you were hitting something.
Do this for 10 minutes a day until it feels natural.
It may take several days.
Practice a lot.
To help with control, try making this motion faster/slower, and wider/narrower.
When you feel comfortable, transfer back to the cello again. , Now, apply this motion to your practice, of scales especially, until it becomes a natural motion.
Try playing a scale first with one vibrato (maybe slow and wide), then try again playing it another way (fast and wide), then another and so on.
When first applying vibrato to your playing, try only using it on scales at first.
Scales are simple so it is easier to concentrate on getting the correct motion. , Be able to get a whole variety of different vibratos from wide and slow to narrow and fast.
Vibrato should not just be an on/off motion.
Different characters require different vibratos. -
Step 3: Apply the motion.
-
Step 4: Control the motion.
Detailed Guide
Vibrato comes from the up and down motion of the arm, not from the rotation of the wrist or hand, but you do want the arm to rotate (this is different from the violin or viola).
This motion is similar to opening a jar, and then closing it quickly.
It is very helpful to learn this away from the cello before applying it.
See next step to help with this.
To learn the motion of vibrato, it is helpful to use a film canister to serve as a rattler.
Fill a film canister or a pillbox with pebbles, rice, or anything else that will rattle.
Simply hold this in your left hand.
Then support your elbow as if you were playing the cello, and move your hand up and down vertically as if you were hitting something.
Do this for 10 minutes a day until it feels natural.
It may take several days.
Practice a lot.
To help with control, try making this motion faster/slower, and wider/narrower.
When you feel comfortable, transfer back to the cello again. , Now, apply this motion to your practice, of scales especially, until it becomes a natural motion.
Try playing a scale first with one vibrato (maybe slow and wide), then try again playing it another way (fast and wide), then another and so on.
When first applying vibrato to your playing, try only using it on scales at first.
Scales are simple so it is easier to concentrate on getting the correct motion. , Be able to get a whole variety of different vibratos from wide and slow to narrow and fast.
Vibrato should not just be an on/off motion.
Different characters require different vibratos.
About the Author
Larry Taylor
Committed to making organization accessible and understandable for everyone.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: