Singing in vibrato is actually a slight variation of pitch caused by the free oscillation of the vocal cords from an open pharynx or open throat as well as with the healthy closure of the vocal cords with good singing core muscle support.The sound produced by singing in good vibrato can be very pleasing to the ear.



Unfortunately, there are many singers who sing with wrong vibratos resulting in terrible pitching and tones. When the vibrato oscillation is too slow, it is called a wobble and when it is too fast, it is called a tremolo. The former will sound very strange and the latter can sound downright awful.

We often hear singers who sing with wide and slow vibrato which is actually a wobble. This effect is often caused by a lack of proper resistance of the breath pressure or a lack of focus in the singing tone. A wobble can also be caused by a lack of correct adduction of the vocal cords.

Some singers developed an overly fast vibrato that sound as awful as the wobble. This overly fast vibrato is called a tremolo and neither the wobble nor the tremolo is the desired vocal tone for good singing.

On the other hand, a tremolo can be caused by a pressure built up at the root of the tongue. This pressure can have its origin at inhalation or beginning of sound production. It can also be caused by a lack of vocal cord approximation.

Many singers do not know that the vocal folds must close after inhalation. This lack of proper adduction of the vocal cords can result in a faster vibrato speed and therefore, the creation of tremolo. The lack of the singing muscle support may be another reason for producing a tremolo in the singing voice.

A good vibrato is when the singing voice is vibrating at an even pleasant rate. An uneven vibrato may be the result of sudden air pressure changes in the sub-glottis. These sudden changes are caused by the lack of even "body resistance" from the singing support system. The vocal cords may then begin to move apart and vibrate unnaturally.

Many singers started off singing with a straight tone (meaning no vibrato) before developing the vibrato through proper voice exercises. Some beginners are even aware of a vibrato is or how it can be developed in the singing voice.

Many straight tone singers have even sung in choirs where the choir conductors demanded that they sing in straight tone. By doing so often can be damaging to the vocal cords as it put a lot of stress on the vocal cords and nodules on the vocal folds can form from singing in a straight tone over a period of time. Good choral vocal blend can be developed through vowel and acoustical alignment but not by forcing the singer to sing in a straight tone.

A good vibrato will be developed into the voice when the singer achieves proper balance in the support muscles.

A diaphragmatic vibrato is the when the diaphragm pulsates during a sustained tone to create a fake vibrato voice. Many theatre singers develop this incorrect vocal habit so that they can somewhat of a vibrato in their singing voice when none is there.

A diaphragmatic vibrato is difficult to correct because the abdominal muscles memorize the pulsating sensation and develop a muscle memory. However, it can be corrected through time and with the correct vocal exercises.

A healthy vibrato can be developed in a rather short period of time with the right vocal exercises. How long does it take for a singer to develop a good vibrato voice is usually dependent on the singer's mind and body coordination.

If you want to develop a good vibrato singing voice, then go and look for a good singing teacher or get the right vocal exercises and start practicing. By doing so, you will be able to sing with vibrato beautifully and your singing voice will soar.