Level 4 · Musician · 20 min
Vibrato on a held note
By the end you can introduce and release vibrato on a single note.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 The reference note
Hold E at fret 5 of string 2 for four beats.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · The pitch stays steady until beat four.
More detail
Listen to both ends of this note before adding movement.
2 The rocking motion
Rock the hand gently along the string while keeping the fingertip planted.
4 min
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · The fingertip stays in fret 5 and the pitch undulates.
More detail
Keep the movement tiny. Watch the left finger for one long note.
3 A delayed entrance
Start the vibrato only on beat three of bar two.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · The first two beats are straight and the next two fluctuate.
More detail
The change happens without another right-hand attack.
4 A neighbouring note
Keep the D of bar 3 straight after the E with vibrato.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · D at fret 3 on string 2 keeps a stable pitch.
More detail
Stop the rocking before changing fret. Compare both colours within one phrase.
5 Return to centre
Finish the last note by returning to a straight E.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · The final E matches open string 1.
More detail
Sound string 1 after the passage to compare the pitches.
You can move on when…
You pass when a listener hears the straight note, vibrato and return to the starting pitch.
If a movement feels difficult
The finger slides into the next fret.
Reduce the range until the fingertip stays within one fret.
You pluck again to restart the vibrato.
Try the movement after one attack on a whole note.