Fake Vibrato vs. Natural Vibrato

Can you tell me the difference between natural vibrato and fake vibrato? I feel like when I'm singing I'm trying to use a straight tone. And in order to hear vibrato in my voice I have to try to make it happen. In order to have natural vibrato do you have to try for it to happen? or is it just something that develops in a straight tone voice over time? Because in the introduction to vibrato part 2, you have to use straight tone and vibrato in some exercises, but all I can do is straight tone. Am I supposed to be able to control my vibrato? or would this make it fake? Can you explain to me this whole thing about developing vibrato?

Hey, Isaac! I'm doing an hour-long live lesson on vibrato for beginners tomorrow - hope you can join! If not, it will be viewable at this link later, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEBtXJNiR_c. 

Natural vibrato is something you "let" happen or "let go" rather than putting on; it does appear naturally over time, when you've got a foundation of healthy technique. 

And yes, singers do control their vibrato for stylistic effect, depending on the genre they're singing in. Most contemporary styles require straight tone and vibrato, so we want to have control over both!

A few more notes for you: 

I recommend you look into our "Foundations of Vibrato" tutorial, if you haven't yet: https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/foundations-of-vibrato/1. 

Relaxation is (in my experience) the most important thing! Other technical "requirements" are good breath support, cord compression, and resonant space (which are covered in the above tutorial). But none of that will lead to a healthy, free vibrato if you're tense (in your throat or abdomen). 

Imitate the vibrato of singers you love; that can also help you learn to "let go" and create vibrato. It takes times, but I do think it comes quicker if you focus on mimicking singers with vibrato than just focusing on the technical side. 

If you feel vibrato come naturally, notice how it feels and sounds! See if you can go from vibrato to straight tone and back again, to learn what it feels like to "release" your vibrato. 

Best of luck!