A category of deep vibratos that are pressed so strongly the string reaches the next highest note. They are played by pressing and releasing the strings to the left of the movable bridges, typically by the index, middle, and ring fingers held together. Two other possible terms for this are da zhanyin 大颤音 and rou xian yin. Ferguson’s Sources E and F say it is a slow rhythm, only pressing the string 2 or 3 times in the space of a quarter note.

Also note: some sources say rouyin is a light vibrato whereas Ferguson cites a strong vibrato played with more strength or power and that goes to a higher pitch than any of the other yín/yīn vibratos.

A type of Róuyīn 揉音.

Same as jirou but twice as long. Pluck a string then press it quickly several times with the left hand raising its pitch to the next note on each press. Kwok writes that huanrou is generally used on a note of two beat's duration, usually at a relatively slow tempo, and contains about three presses. Rhythm and number of presses vary according to personal taste.

A type of Róuyīn 揉音.

Add a vibrato to a string that is already pressed. Press a string to a higher pitch, pluck it, then perform a vibrato, allowing the string to go both higher and lower than its initial pressed pitch.

A type of Róuyīn 揉音.

Combining a downward slide with vibrato. Press a string to the desired pitch. Pluck it. Relax the left hand to create a downward slide. As the left hand, relaxes, play a vibrato. There are two additional techniques: 1) The right hand may also play yaozhi (tremolo) at the same time, combining vibrato, portamento, and tremolo in one technique. 2) the left hand may move to the left while playing, modifying the sound of the vibrato and downward slide (portamento).

A type of Róuyīn 揉音.

Pluck a string then press it quickly several times with the left hand raising its pitch to the next note on each press. Kwok writes that Jirou is generally used on a note of one beat's duration, usually at a relatively slow tempo, and contains about three presses. Rhythm and number of presses vary according to personal taste.

A Shandong and Henan technique of heavy vibrato that is pressed strongly enough to produce audible pitch changes. This traces back to the vocal styles of operas and narrative singing from northern China.This character is the same as the one for “chàn” in the “chànyīn” technique of light vibrattos found in the south. It appears to be a regional difference. We’ll use Chàn for light vibrattos and Zhàn for heavy vibrattos.

Note: some linguistic sources say zhàn is a taiwanese pronunciation, which would make more sense applied to southern styles. Unfortunately I don’t have clear guidance on this.

A gentle and rapid vibrato, closer to Chanyin.