What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tremolo
Example
The guitar solo featured a lot of tremolo picking. [tremolo: noun]
Example
The violinist played the passage with a beautiful tremolo. [tremolo: adjective]
vibrato
Example
The singer added a subtle vibrato to the end of the phrase. [vibrato: noun]
Example
The cellist's vibrato was smooth and expressive. [vibrato: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vibrato is more commonly used than tremolo in everyday language and music. Vibrato is a versatile technique that can be used in various contexts, while tremolo is less common and is typically associated with specific instruments and genres.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tremolo and vibrato?
Both tremolo and vibrato are formal terms used in music theory and performance. They are not commonly used in everyday conversation.