What is Vibrato?
Vibrato is pitch fluctuation (with some volume fluctuation as well) that is very common in Western vocal music. Essentially there is rapid laryngeal movement, approximately 5-7 “jiggles” up and down in a second. (That’s fast)!! In classical technique, the larynx can also be felt rocking side to side as well as jiggling up and down.
There are two ways to sing a note-either with a straight tone or with VIBRATO. Vibrato brings emotion and interest to singing and there are many types and speeds depending upon culture, style, and taste.
Classical Vibrato
In this type, the upper abdomen jiggles with the larynx which I believe has to do with muscular synergy between the upper abdomen and larynx. A beautiful classical vibrato should sound shimmery with mulitple vibratos interwined in it.
In Classical vibrato the larynx jiggles up and down, rocks side to side slightly, and upper abdomen jiggles.
Pop Vibrato
This vibrato is also a normal vibrato, but there are subtle differences between pop and classical vibrato.
In Pop vibrato the larynx jiggles up and down, the larynx rocks less side to side and the upper abdomen jiggles LESS.
Jazz Vibrato
Jazz vibrato is more throaty vibrato. Jazz vibrato tends to be much slower than pop vibrato and is felt only in the throat (not in upper abdomen). In a throaty vibrato the larynx moves forwards and backwards, not side to side, and the upper abdomen doesn’t jiggle.
Problem Vibratos
Tremolo-a way to describe this sound is that it has volume fluctuation but no pitch fluctuation, like saying “wow-wow-wow”
Jitter-a sound produced by vocal cords which sounds like a sheep bleating (think of the glottal sound fast in rapid succession)
Wobble-a large, slow, uncontrolled vibrato symptomatic of some aged voices. common in aged voices.
A good singer should be able to sing with both straight tone and with a normal vibrato
A good practice is to listen to some of your favorite artists and analyze where they use straight tone and where they use vibrato. You can even add these inflection markings in your lyrics if you’re learning one of their songs!
Classical singers use vibrato most of the time. Country or jazz may use vibrato as little as 10% of the time depending upon the song.
If you don’t sing with vibrato it can result in too much tension in neck or shoulders. Try shaking like a rag doll when you sing to work on singing with vibrato (this will loosen you up and help you to relax in the areas you need to relax).
