As we begin the process of learning how to play a new instrument, most of us strive to emulate the tones, styles, and approaches of our musical heroes and the master musicians we admire. As we progress along the musical journey, most players begin to evolve and develop their own style and voice on their instrument. For guitarists, vibrato and one’s approach to the technique can act as a sonic fingerprint and plays a critical role in every stage of the learning journey. Whether you’re a beginner chasing the tones of your favorite rock guitar god, or you’re a more advanced player focused on developing your own unique sound, vibrato is an essential technique on which to focus your energy and attention.

In this online guitar lesson, world-renowned guitarist, “Blues Power” titan, and ArtistWorks blues rock guitar instructor, Jared James Nichols, details the variety of vibrato methods and the vast array of tones one can achieve through subtle adjustments to their vibrato technique. He also demonstrates the approaches of some of history’s most iconic guitarists, as well as his own unique vibrato technique that defines his “Blues Power” sound.

“When you hear your favorite players and you can recognize them, oftentimes it’s the player’s vibrato and the way that they grab the string and shake it that allows you to identify them,” Jared explains. “All of these little, subtle shakes of the strings provide a blueprint for what that player sounds like.”

Some of you may be wondering, “what is vibrato?” Vibrato is a technique employed by almost all instrumentalists and vocalists alike in which the pitch of a note is bent slightly either sharp or flat in a repeated pattern to create a subtle, wavering modulation effect. For guitarists, that is achieved by delicately bending one or more strings upward and downward while holding a single note or chord.

“To me, vibrato is singlehandedly the most expressive tool when it comes to my approach to playing the guitar,” explains Jared. “Vibrato has many shades, and, as a guitarist, it’s a personal quest to develop your vibrato. For me, vibrato is the technique that I consistently work on the most. I knew early on that I wanted to have a quality to my notes that listeners could identify the minute they heard me play.”

To learn more about developing your vibrato technique and unique voice on the guitar, dive into this online guitar lesson from Jared James Nichols:

Blues Power Vibrato Techniques with Jared James Nichols:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play guitar? Through our comprehensive guitar lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Jared James Nichols, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Jared’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner guitar to advanced performance techniques and “Blues Power” shred. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as guitarists and musicians.

Try out some free sample music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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