Different Types of Tremolo and Vibrato - Part 6, Vibrato (Relaxed Tongue)
Item three of our three elements needed to produce a vibrato on the harmonica was, "Tongue and pharynx are relaxed enough to be influenced by the throat tremolo."
When your mouth is tuned to the note you're playing, the next step is to make sure your tongue and pharynx are relaxed. The pops of the throat tremolo (the opening and closing of the vocal folds) needs to influence the tongue. The tongue moves back and up slightly when the vocal folds open (bending the note) and the tongue moves down and relaxes when the vocal folds close (releasing the bend). The tremolo also influences the pharynx... the tongue and pharynx move in concert.
If your mouth is not tuned to the note you're playing the vibrato will not happen. If your tongue and throat (pharynx) are tense (not relaxed) the vibrato will not happen. Both elements need to be in place to make the vibrato.
Tomorrow I'll give you a tip to achieve your first vibrato.