I have always thought that bending and vibrato are very important techniques that really define a lot the player’s character. Downward vibrato came natural for me but learning upward vibrato was like brushing my teeth with my left foot. Nothing like executing some crazy wide vibrato after a raging nuclear pinch harmonic.
When you were talking about playing sounding conversational it reminded me of an interview I saw with Polly Sampson a while back. She was saying that when she argues with David Gilmour she'd almost prefer he just played guitar in response to her cos he's not really much of a talker but his playing is so expressive she'd know just what he means.
I'm ssssso Thankful & honored to have you, broadcast a whole video addressed to me more than anyone else Really I can't seem to be able to swivel that wrist the right way & speed.. I will work vibrato using all of your advices Ben. Super grateful as always. Man you Rock. 🙏 Salutations to Miss as well.
It’s strange, I remember an interview with Kirk from 1987/88 where he talked about wanting to improve his vibrato. He said he admired Joe Perry’s style, wide, loose and almost sloppy. Kirk reckoned he was working towards that style. I guess he didn’t have time yet, it’s only been 35 years.
It's interesting how some players can make their vibrato so distinctive, like a signature. Michael Schenker is one; many others of course. Ta for the fun video 👍👍
You just can’t skip practicing proper bending and vibratos! Yet somehow so many ppl do skip and dive right into the technical stuff! I guess these ppl don’t realize these techniques are the foundation of good ‘tone’? Or some just don’t hear it or have a different taste even? I just can’t imagine ppl liking this nervous and uncontrolled type of playing though!
I don't think there's anything wrong with it if you do it tastefully. It's one of those things that just get better the more you practice, no other way.
It seems like the core principle is to not forfeit your target note, when using vibrato. You’re taking the note out of pitch, so you want to return to your target pitch in a way that’s audible to the listener. That way you wont sound all weasly like Kirk. Or, sheep-like, which is very apt. Great video. I’ve tried to teach this many times. It’s very hard to teach.
I’ve tried very hard to improve my vibrato but having broken my wrist many years ago I just can’t do it with my hand, I have to totally rely on the bar
I wouldn't describe those guys as having a nervous sheep vibrato at all. Angus and Kossoff are well controlled and sound great, as does Page. Kossoff's vibrato is wide from memory and Angus is narrow, medium or wide.
Only BB King get away with the "nervous" vibrato. Also interesting to notice you didnt touch the vibrato arm on the guitar a single time...a different subject I know.
BB King *and* Buddy Guy. The first time I say Buddy in a televised live show playing that wild fast vibrato he does totally blew me away. So fast vibrato on slow tempos can work when done intentionally for effect.
Personally, I think what separates mediocre players from good/great players is their bending....and vibrato.....and both at the same time. Get it wrong and you sound amateur
Grab a copy of BADASS VIBRATO and get your f*ck on! courses.benhigginsofficial.com/badass-vibrato
I have always thought that bending and vibrato are very important techniques that really define a lot the player’s character. Downward vibrato came natural for me but learning upward vibrato was like brushing my teeth with my left foot.
Nothing like executing some crazy wide vibrato after a raging nuclear pinch harmonic.
this is actually such a great video, and i love all the points that you made
When you were talking about playing sounding conversational it reminded me of an interview I saw with Polly Sampson a while back. She was saying that when she argues with David Gilmour she'd almost prefer he just played guitar in response to her cos he's not really much of a talker but his playing is so expressive she'd know just what he means.
I'm ssssso Thankful & honored to have you, broadcast a whole video addressed to me more than anyone else Really I can't seem to be able to swivel that wrist the right way & speed.. I will work vibrato using all of your advices Ben. Super grateful as always. Man you Rock. 🙏 Salutations to Miss as well.
In other words, don't do the Hammett?
It’s strange, I remember an interview with Kirk from 1987/88 where he talked about wanting to improve his vibrato. He said he admired Joe Perry’s style, wide, loose and almost sloppy. Kirk reckoned he was working towards that style. I guess he didn’t have time yet, it’s only been 35 years.
This nervous vibrato sounds really good on the Space 1999 soundtrack.
It's interesting how some players can make their vibrato so distinctive, like a signature. Michael Schenker is one; many others of course. Ta for the fun video 👍👍
I use a fast vibrato when it sounds appropriate. It's a carry-over from my cello playing days. My finger wiggle is on point.
I appreciate the tips Ben. Thank you for pointing this out
You just can’t skip practicing proper bending and vibratos! Yet somehow so many ppl do skip and dive right into the technical stuff!
I guess these ppl don’t realize these techniques are the foundation of good ‘tone’?
Or some just don’t hear it or have a different taste even? I just can’t imagine ppl liking this nervous and uncontrolled type of playing though!
I don't think there's anything wrong with it if you do it tastefully. It's one of those things that just get better the more you practice, no other way.
It seems like the core principle is to not forfeit your target note, when using vibrato. You’re taking the note out of pitch, so you want to return to your target pitch in a way that’s audible to the listener. That way you wont sound all weasly like Kirk. Or, sheep-like, which is very apt. Great video. I’ve tried to teach this many times. It’s very hard to teach.
This is super funny!!
I’ve tried very hard to improve my vibrato but having broken my wrist many years ago I just can’t do it with my hand, I have to totally rely on the bar
What guitar is this guys.
Angus Young, Jimmy Page, Paul Kossof, Steve Rothery etc has a sheepy vibrato so ? I’think I like the wool vibes lol
I wouldn't describe those guys as having a nervous sheep vibrato at all. Angus and Kossoff are well controlled and sound great, as does Page. Kossoff's vibrato is wide from memory and Angus is narrow, medium or wide.
hmm.. what about "Shadow on the Wall" from Mike Oldfield? Isn't that Sheep Vibrato?
Only BB King get away with the "nervous" vibrato.
Also interesting to notice you didnt touch the vibrato arm on the guitar a single time...a different subject I know.
BB King *and* Buddy Guy. The first time I say Buddy in a televised live show playing that wild fast vibrato he does totally blew me away. So fast vibrato on slow tempos can work when done intentionally for effect.
B.B. had one of the best vibratos of all time. It's not the nervous type.
Personally, I think what separates mediocre players from good/great players is their bending....and vibrato.....and both at the same time. Get it wrong and you sound amateur
Google Clapton demonstrates woman tone, he demonstrates the vibrato for all to see.
Hmm interesting. Is this the reason Welsh guitar players tend to have that fast vibrato?
Fast vibrato is not equal to nervous vibrato. Nervous vibrato is uncontrolled and will certainly go out of tune.
@@jm7859 Ah!