How to Improve the Vibrato on a Violin
In the art of playing a violin, vibrato is the technique that causes the note pitch to vibrate between high and low by moving the finger back and forth along the string. There are several types of vibrato: one that involves using just the fingers; the vibrato that asks for energy from the entire wrist; and vibrato that requires the use of the whole forearm and even some extra upper body strength. The best technique to learning vibrato is with practice, practice and practice. Remain patient; vibrato can take years to perfect.
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Instructions
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Make sure your hands are moisturized and not too cold. This will give you a better grip on your violin and better finger traction. Relax your grip on your violin -- hold it, don't grip it.
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Position your violin properly. Take all of the pressure off of your left arm, and support the violin with your chin and shoulder.
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Relax. If you are tense, you will affect the motion range of your fingers.
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Warm up before playing. Remember that the hand is in a backwards position than how it usually functions during vibrato, so be sure to stretch your fingers before beginning. Start small and practice vibrating in first position while bowing the violin. Keep your hand relaxed and don't lock your joints.
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Perform basic finger gymnastics on strings E, A, D and G in third position. Repeat in first position. Practice full bows from strings E to A to D to G, and vibrate on each finger. Start in third position and then repeat in first.
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Switch up your technique. If you usually do vibrato with one finger, try two; if you use two, try one. Practice deadnote vibrato -- vibrating the string with you finger without coming in contact with the fingerboard.
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Remember that vibrato is a technique of skill. It can take many years to find the technique that works for you and perfect it. Consult a violin teacher for additional help with your vibrato, because it is a difficult technique to explain and is best learned by example and experience.
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References
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