The Use of Vibrato

Dear tonebassists,

This week, let’s tackle a topic that stirs up diverse opinions and passionate discussions: the use of vibrato.

Vibrato can deeply enhance the emotional expression of a piece, but opinions on its use vary widely among bassists. Some argue that vibrato should be a constant presence, a natural part of the bass sound that shouldn’t be overly manipulated. Others advocate for a more deliberate use of vibrato, employing it selectively to enhance phrasing and add colour where it is most musically appropriate.

  • Do you believe vibrato should be used on every note?
  • How do you decide when and how much vibrato to use in your playing?
  • Have you noticed changes in vibrato trends over the years?
  • What artistic considerations influence your choices about vibrato?

Let us know your thoughts!!

 

All the best,

 

Travis Harrison

Double Bass consultant

6 replies

null
    • joelquarrington
    • 1 mth ago
    • Reported - view

    Gotta have more vibrato! I've got a fever and the only thing that's gunna cure that fever is more vibrata! However, if the music says "no vibrato", fine, I won't vibrate.

      • Double Bass consultant, tonebase
      • Travis_Harrison
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       what affect would you say that has on an orchestral or chamber ensemble vs. solo playing? Would you offer a few words about if/how/why you change your approach in those settings?

    • Raffaele
    • 1 mth ago
    • Reported - view

    I play double bass  in classical  amateurs orchestra and I never do vibrato. I have played so far debussy mozart beethoven , movie soundtrack and my sound is hopefully very intonated and very still. I rarely do  find on the music scores, the indications to do vibrato....

      • Double Bass consultant, tonebase
      • Travis_Harrison
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       not many composers ever write to explicitly encourage vibrato for any instrument, other than the occasional "espressivo" marking, which could be interpreted all sorts of ways. 

    • Bernard_Dionne
    • 1 mth ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello everyone!

    I am at the level where I am starting to play with an intent on being expressive. I should have started from the beginning I suppose but here I am trying to make beautiful music. For this topic of vibrato I will say this: #1- as we all know the bass is a beautiful musical instrument and it can be as inspiring as any other musical instrument. I have found vibrato AND dynamics are the tools to achieve expression. #2 I asked Joel Q. once “how did he prepare the expressive quality of a phrase, how did he come up with that phrasing?” His answer was: “I think of it as if I was singing.”
    In conclusion: listen to a lot of music, how phrases are shaped and performed by the musicians that inspire you and see how YOU can hear the melodies you are playing. I do not spend time questioning where and how, I want to do vibrato as I hear it in my evolving journey of playing.

      • Double Bass consultant, tonebase
      • Travis_Harrison
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       a very organic and instinctual approach - I love it! 

Content aside

  • 1 mth agoLast active
  • 6Replies
  • 33Views
  • 4 Following