Re: [Harp-L] Vibrato Technique

["lil Buddha" <ltlbuddha@xxxxxxxxx>]

I must start this reply by stating that it is not intended to school players
much more advanced than I, but to assist if I can.

Richard Hunter writes
"Back to the main topic, I don't know how one uses a very large muscle
like the diaphragm to make the small, precise, rapid movements that are
necessary to do a vibrato, while using the same muscle for the much
larger, longer movements that are necessary in order to control airflow."

You can create small movements in the diaphragm while simultaneously using
it to control the large flows. However, it is a different sound than true
vibrato. Vibrato is the changing of the pitch, correct? When use your
diaphragm, you are changing the volume, interrupting the flow. It is more a
cessation of sound or reduction of volume than a change of pitch. The same
can be said for some player's "throat vibrato." Think of the vibrato one
uses while singing vs the "vibrato" one achieves by cutting off airflow.

As to how, breathe in, focusing on how your diaphragm pulls in the air.
While taking a long slow breath, make a series of stops or changes in
inhale/exhale speed, using only your diaphragm. Practice until you can
achieve this at any speed of inhale and with little thought. This is what
works for me, I make no claim to be an instructor in harmonica methods.