Welcome to another essential lesson in our journey to becoming a proficient lead guitarist! In this guide, we’re diving deep into Vibrato Guitar, a technique that’s not just about notes, but about injecting soul and personality into your playing. Think of vibrato as the vocal inflection of the guitar world – it’s what separates a robotic sound from a human, breathing melody. Just listen to legends like B.B. King; a single note with his vibrato is instantly recognizable. Developing your own vibrato is key to finding your unique voice on the guitar.
Just as singers cultivate their natural vibrato, guitarists must discover and refine theirs. The best approach? Immerse yourself in the styles of your guitar heroes. Pay close attention to how they employ vibrato. Borrow elements that resonate with you, and gradually mold them into your own signature sound. For me, guitarists like Eric Johnson and Ty Tabor are masters of vibrato, each offering distinct approaches to explore.
There’s a vast landscape of vibrato techniques, but let’s focus on two fundamental methods that have proven incredibly effective. We’ll start at the 6th fret of the B string, using your pinky finger as our anchor.
Two Essential Vibrato Techniques for Guitar
Technique 1: The Classic Wrist Pivot Vibrato
The first technique revolves around a controlled, repetitive bending motion, almost like a subtle string bend executed rhythmically. Remember our lesson on bending? The principle of pivoting between your thumb and wrist is crucial here. This pivot point allows for a smooth, rocking motion that creates the vibrato effect. It’s a delicate balance – not a full bend, but a gentle oscillation around the note.
Technique 2: The Full-Arm Vibrato Inspired by Eric Johnson
The second technique, famously employed by Eric Johnson, involves a broader physical approach. By releasing your thumb from the guitar neck, you engage your entire arm to create the vibrato. You’re essentially pushing upwards on the string using the strength and motion of your forearm. Watching this technique in action, you’ll notice the whole arm contributing to the undulation. This method often produces a wider, more pronounced vibrato.
Personally, I blend both of these vibrato guitar techniques in my playing. The choice depends entirely on the sonic texture I’m aiming for. Experiment with both methods, explore the nuances of each, and discover what feels most natural and yields the sound you envision.
Shaping Your Guitar Voice: Speed and Width in Vibrato
Vibrato is more than just a technique; it’s a powerful tool for expression. Two key elements – speed and width – allow you to dramatically alter the mood and feel of your music.
Speed Variation: From Agitation to Serenity
The speed of your vibrato is a potent emotional dial. A fast vibrato can inject urgency, excitement, or even agitation into your playing. Conversely, a slow vibrato often evokes a sense of calm, melancholy, or tenderness. Listen closely as you vary the speed of your vibrato; the change in character is immediately apparent and profoundly impactful.
Width Variation: Subtlety and Drama
The width of your vibrato, referring to the pitch range variation, is equally crucial. A narrow vibrato offers a subtle, refined shimmer, adding gentle warmth and sustain to a note. A wide vibrato, however, creates a dramatic, almost vocal-like wail, bending the pitch more noticeably. Mastering the control of vibrato width allows you to paint with a broader emotional palette.
Remember, vibrato guitar is deeply personal. There’s no single “correct” vibrato sound. The beauty lies in experimentation and discovery. Find what resonates with your ear and enhances your musical expression. Grab any jam track and practice these techniques. Have fun exploring the expressive potential of vibrato! Check out the video example to see these vibrato techniques applied to a minor scale jam track.
In our next lesson, we’ll conclude the Lead Guitar Quick-Start Series by exploring legato technique, specifically hammer-ons and pull-offs. If you have any questions about vibrato or want to share your experiences, please leave a comment below. See you in the next lesson!
