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Vibrato on a long note
Start straight, after a second let a natural wave in. We measure rate (goal 5–7 Hz) and depth.
Vibrato on a long note is a six-second tone that begins straight and, after about a second, lets a natural wave in. The app measures the wave's rate, with a goal of five to seven cycles per second, and its depth. Three repetitions, each two semitones higher. Good vibrato isn't made; it appears when the larynx is relaxed and the breath is steady. “Ah” gives the freest throat and the clearest readout of the wave.
How to do it
- Hear the cue note and start the “ah” straight and steady, exactly on pitch.
- After about a second, relax the throat and let the tone begin to wave on its own.
- Watch the roll: the line should ripple evenly around the target, not wander off it.
- Check the rate and depth shown. Aim for five to seven cycles per second.
- Repeat two semitones higher.
Coach's tip: Vibrato is not made with the jaw or by forcing the belly – it is a relaxed larynx with good support.
What to watch out for
Forced vibrato is the main problem: a slow wobble from pumping the belly, or a fast shake from the jaw. Both show as an uneven or very wide line; stop, sing straight, and let the wave come from a relaxed throat. A wave centered below the target means the note is drifting flat; keep the core pitch fixed. If no wave arrives, don't manufacture one; practice more Long note 6 s first. Neck tension means stop for today.
Who it's for
A level 3 exercise for singers with a stable straight tone who hear a natural wave trying to appear. Use it late in the main block, after Long note 6 s or Messa di voce (soft → loud → soft). Alternate it with Straight tone without vibrato to switch the wave on and off. Listed in Path: Powerful pop (mix & belt).
Part of programs: Path: Powerful pop (mix & belt)
Opens the app in your browser. Free, no account. Put on headphones first.
Related exercises
- Long note 15 s Fifteen seconds. The level of a big ballad chorus.
- Long phrase on one breath (12 s) Eleven legato notes on one breath. Phrases in pop ballads are sometimes longer.
- Long note 10 s Ten seconds without wavering and without sagging.
- Stability: 3 long notes Three chord tones, 4 seconds each, with a breath between them.
- “Nay” 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 (mix) A nasal, bratty NAY. Sets the voice in mix – the top without shouting and without falsetto.
- “Gee” 1-5-8-5-1 (cord closure) A hard “G” closes the folds, “ee” keeps it thin. High notes without air in the tone.