How to Sing Vibrato

Vibrato is a fundamental technique that adds richness and warmth to a singer’s voice. It involves a slight, regular variation in pitch that creates a shimmering, expressive quality in the sound. This guide will take you through the steps to develop and refine your vibrato.

What is Vibrato?

Vibrato is not merely a fluctuating pitch; it is a controlled, even, and aesthetically pleasing vocal technique. Typically involving a variation of a semitone or less at a rate of 5-7 cycles per second, vibrato subtly alters the pitch of a note to convey emotion and intensity.

Characterised by a gentle, oscillating movement between the target pitch and a slightly higher or lower pitch, vibrato, when executed correctly, can add life and drama to your singing, making it more engaging and memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Vibrato

1. Breath Control

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

• Good breath support is crucial. Practise diaphragmatic breathing by placing your hand on your abdomen and inhaling deeply, feeling your stomach expand. This ensures you are using your diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing.

Consistent Airflow: Maintain a steady airflow as you sing. A consistent stream of air helps control the oscillations in pitch that create vibrato.

2. Relaxation and Tension

Relax Your Throat:

• Tension in the throat can inhibit vibrato. Ensure your throat remains relaxed and open. Practising yawning can help, as it naturally opens the throat.

Release Tension: General body tension can also affect vibrato. Stretching exercises and yoga can help reduce overall tension.

3. Pitch and Tone

Sustain Notes: Start by holding a single note steadily. Focus on maintaining pitch and tone quality. This helps build control, which is essential for developing vibrato.

Gentle Pulsing: Once you can sustain a note, introduce gentle pulsing. This can be done by slightly varying the pitch or volume in a controlled manner. Think of it as a very subtle “rocking” motion in your voice.

4. Exercises for Vibrato

Metronome Practise: Use a metronome set to 60 beats per minute. Sing a note and try to match the beat with slight, even pulsations in pitch. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Sirens and Slides: Practise siren sounds by sliding your pitch smoothly from low to high and back down. This helps in achieving control over your pitch fluctuations.

Humming: Hum a note and gradually introduce small pitch variations. Humming reduces the strain on your vocal cords and helps you focus on the pitch.

5. Listening and Mimicking

Analyse Performances: Listen to singers renowned for their vibrato. Analyse how they use vibrato in different contexts, noting the speed and depth of their oscillations.

Imitation: Try to imitate the vibrato of professional singers. This can help you understand the nuances of vibrato and incorporate them into your own singing.

6. Regular Practise

Consistency: Like any other skill, developing vibrato requires regular practise. Dedicate time each day to focus on vibrato exercises.

Recording and Feedback: Record yourself to monitor progress. Listening to your recordings can help identify areas for improvement. Seeking feedback from a vocal coach can also be invaluable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When developing vibrato, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to poor technique or even vocal strain. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Forced Vibrato: Avoid forcing vibrato. It should come naturally and not feel strained or unnatural.

Inconsistent Vibrato: Aim for a consistent vibrato that does not waver uncontrollably. Practising with a metronome can help maintain regularity.

Overuse: While vibrato is a beautiful tool, it should be used tastefully. Overuse can make your singing sound artificial or overdone.

Tensing up: Avoid tensing up your throat and jaw muscles, as this can restrict your vocal range and cause strain.

Pitch wobbling: Don’t wobble or wavering excessively, as this can lead to poor pitch accuracy and loss of control.

Over-exertion: Avoid over-exerting yourself by trying to sing too loudly or too long without proper warm-up or rest.

Lack of breath control: Failing to control your breath can lead to poor support and strain on your vocal cords.

Final words on the art of vocal vibrato

Singing vibrato is an art that requires patience, practise, and dedication. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can develop a rich, expressive voice that conveys emotion and depth.

Remember to always prioritise proper breathing, posture, and vocal technique, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

With consistent practise and a willingness to learn, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of singing vibrato!