" When it comes to vibrato, a lot of people look at their hands when they do it. Which is pretty much of no use. Because vibrato is one of those things you have to hear. There are some guitar things where the visual is really useful, like seeing chord shapes or scale patterns. But vibrato isn’t one of those things. "
- Paul Gilbert

In simple terms, the quote suggests that when it comes to playing guitar with vibrato—a technique used to add expressiveness to notes by rapidly bending and releasing the string—looking at your hands won’t help much. Instead, listening carefully to how you’re producing the sound is crucial for mastering this skill.

The deeper meaning behind Paul Gilbert’s statement points to the broader concept that some musical techniques require a focus on auditory feedback rather than visual cues. This principle applies not just to vibrato but to various aspects of guitar playing and music in general. It emphasizes the importance of refining your ears as much as your hands when it comes to developing nuanced skills like vibrato. By prioritizing what you hear over what you see, players can better adapt their techniques to achieve a desired musical effect.

Paul Gilbert is an accomplished guitarist known for his technical proficiency and influential work in heavy metal music. As a former member of the band Racer X and renowned as a solo artist, he has made significant contributions to guitar instruction through books, videos, and live performances. His insights into technique, such as those regarding vibrato, come from extensive experience both on stage and in the studio.