Approached with care, the standard vibrato is easy to play on the guitar. To practice this type of vibrato, sit with the guitar in the classical position. Since it is easiest to get results with the standard vibrato using the notes between the fifth and ninth frets, choose a note in that range. Now try the following exercise with each left-hand finger, starting with the first.

Do not press your thumb down hard against the neck of your guitar. In fact, many players find it better not to touch the neck at all. With only a little thumb pressure, arm and hand movements become easier. Next, press on your fingertip using the weight of your arm, making sure that the tip stays in one spot close to the fret, not allowing it to slide up and down the string. Hold your wrist straight and firm. To produce the vibrato, make tiny movements from side to side using your hand and arm together so that your finger moves back and forth, like a miniature rocking chair. Your arm should be loose so that it can move freely. Keep your upper arm fairly still; but feel free to move your forearm slightly more.

Since keeping the rhythm of the vibrato even is a key component of a well-executed vibrato, use a metronome for your practice sessions, especially at the start. Begin in the range of 70-110. Each "back" movement and each "forth" movement should equal one tick of the metronome. When you have a regular vibrato at a slow speed, set the metronome faster by several ticks and repeat the exercise. Increase the tempo until you can vibrate evenly at a high tempo. It is also possible to do the "back and forth" twice on each tick if you start at a slower speed. When you are comfortable doing the vibrato on one note with each finger in this exercise, expand your study by practicing scales with a vibrato on each note.

The standard vibrato as described here is useful for a large portion of the fingerboard. However, the standard vibrato is difficult to execute on the first four frets, mainly because it is difficult to move your hand and arm freely. In the lower positions, the pull-release types of vibrato works better. The pull-release vibrato is executed by placing your finger firmly on a note and then alternately pulling the string to the side and letting it returns to its normal position. Furthermore, pull-release vibrato is the only practical way to vibrate a single note in a chord being held by the left hand. The pull-release vibrato can naturally be applied to any note on the fingerboard. Many players, however, prefer to use the standard variety, because it can be more easily controlled and gives a wider range of pitch fluctuations, both above and below the note.

As you expand your arsenal of interpretative skills, you will hone your skill of sound perception, widening your ability to use elements such as vibrato with greater skill. As you experiment with new techniques such as the vibrato, you will find yourself enjoying the many different sounds your instrument can produce.