Help with Vibrato

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Frank James Pracher
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Help with Vibrato

Post by Frank James Pracher »

I am having trouble getting a nice smooth vibrato. When I listen to good players their vibrato sounds nice, fluid, and even. Mine sounds uneven, and forced. I have fine vibrato on standard guitar and slide, but its not translating to lap steel. Any sugestions? If it matters, I am using a bullet bar.
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one"
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CrowBear Schmitt
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Post by CrowBear Schmitt »

how bout' rollin' yer bar between yer fingers instead of rockin' it ?
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Ron Anderson
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Post by Ron Anderson »

My teacher told me to move the bar in small oval circles.

I'm still tryin. :?
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John Burton
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Post by John Burton »

Ron Anderson wrote:My teacher told me to move the bar in small oval circles.

I'm still tryin. :?
That's what I find works for me, especially/mainly on slow stuff, little circular moves.
The "rolling" the bar slightly method is good, and I try to do that a lot. Either one will keep you from moving/shaking the bar too much, which is usually the problem I have.
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George Piburn
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Bar Control YouTube Steelguitarcamp

Post by George Piburn »

This is a Bar Control Movie << CLICK<< :)

MR.Boards is using the type of vibrato you are asking about through out the movie. You will want to watch closely as there are no specific explanations.

The main content of the movie is how to have more bar control which has everything to do with your vibrato sounding good.
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Eldon Cangas
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Post by Eldon Cangas »

Thank You! The small oval is exactly what I've been looking for - now to practice.

Eldon
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Ron Anderson
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Re: Bar Control YouTube Steelguitarcamp

Post by Ron Anderson »

George Piburn wrote:This is a Bar Control Movie << CLICK<< :)

MR.Boards is using the type of vibrato you are asking about through out the movie. You will want to watch closely as there are no specific explanations.

The main content of the movie is how to have more bar control which has everything to do with your vibrato sounding good.
Bingo!

My instructor always told me to slide the bar back and forth so that the tip area of the bar points to the highest string. And also to not lay my index finger flat on the bar. I guess I didn't ask the right questions as I while I saw everybody else play that way, I didn't know the bar had a sweet spot there and that is why on both points.

Now I see. Thank you.
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Frank James Pracher
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Post by Frank James Pracher »

Thanks for the advice everybody. :D
George, your videos are always great! I have your video on right hand technique, and it really helped me.
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one"
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