Vibrato is an effect that subtly varies the pitch of a note, creating a natural, wobbling sound that mimics the pitch modulation commonly produced by the human voice or stringed instruments. It is achieved by modulating the pitch up and down around the note’s fundamental frequency at a consistent rate, adding depth and expressiveness to a sound.

Vibrato pedals are commonly used by guitarists to add a lush, musical quality to their playing, with popular models like the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail or MXR M68 providing a smooth, controllable vibrato effect. Unlike tremolo, which modulates volume, vibrato focuses on pitch, and it’s often used in combination with other effects to create richer, more immersive tones. The depth and speed of the vibrato can be adjusted to suit the musician’s style, from subtle nuances to more pronounced modulations.