Vibrato Vibrato is a wavering of pitch, produced by repeatedly bending and releasing a string. It brings the notes to life, improving their sustain and helping to generate harmonic feedback. (See page 46 for ‘more about sustain and feedback.) To play a note with vibrato, press the side of your first finger against the neck of the guitar. Then, twist your wrist to pivot your hand as in the photos below. Although this is called finger vibrato, i's, not so much a motion of the fingers as itis a motion of the wrist and forearm. (Of course your fingers move because they are attached to your hand and wrist.) Practice the examples below with a slow vibrato on each note. It should be smooth and under control. On the first and second strings, push the string up to bend it instead of pulling it down. (That way you won’ tbe pulling the strings off the fretboard.) ‘The symbol 444 indicates that a note should be played with vibrato, (As a general rule, any note that you hold out should be played with vibrato—unless itis moving up or down, as in a bend.) ee 2 H = ed au