Voice vibrato as the name suggests is when the voice vibrates to give more expression to the song. This effect is produced in the voice when singing and the same effect is given by a pulsation in the pitch in an instrument. The “depth of vibrato” is characterized by the amount of pitch variation created and the “speed of vibrato” is characterized by the speed with which the pitch is varied.
Vocal vibrato is actually produced by oscillation of the vocal chords from an open pharynx/throat with good support from the muscles at the throat and firm control in the opening and closing of your vocal chords. If done properly vibrato can be very pleasing to the ear and adds loads of expression and dynamics to the music.
Vocal vibrato is a mastery of voice which has to be perfected well before using it while singing. Unfortunately there are several singers who try to produce this effect without mastering this special skill. When this happens, the oscillation is sometimes too slow and this sound is called a “wobble” and if it is too fast it is called a “tremolo” and both are awful to hear.
While learning how to sing vibrato, singers who sing producing a wide and slow vibrato are actually doing a wobble. This happens due to lack of focus on the singing and lack of breath control and breath pressure. Wobble can sometimes be caused due to lack of correct adduction of vocal chords.
Tremolo is caused by over pressure at the root of the tongue. This is due to a tendency to speed up and finish singing, breathlessness and lack of voice control. Tremolo is even recognized as a sort of voice trembling due to lack of confidence levels or improper physical health. Tremolo can happen to singers who alcohol and drug abusers.
Sometimes some singers produce uneven vibrato. The vocal chords may move apart and vibrate unnaturally. This happens when there is a change in flow of even air pressure through your system. This can be rectified by regular practice and deep breathing exercise to clear you passage and strengthen the voice support muscles.
Some singers can produce a vibrato from their diaphragm aptly named as diaphragmatic vibrato. This is when the diaphragm pulsates during a sustained note to give a fake vibrato sound. Some theatrical singers develop this habit when they are unable to master a correct vibrato in their voice and they want to get away with some sort of a vibrato sound. This is a habit which cannot be rectified easily since the abdominal muscles memorize the pulsating sensation and develop muscle memory. However even this can be corrected over a period of time with determination.
A good vibrato can be very pleasing to the ears. A good vibrato is when the singing voice is vibrating at an even pleasant rate. Learning how to sing vibrato can be developed with proper vocal exercises, regular practice and when the singer achieves proper balance in support muscles. The three “D” of music namely determination, diligence and drive will help you achieve the vibrato power you ever dream of.