A closer look at the vibraphone.
Guide updated
Play a free virtual vibraphone with 25 chromatic 3D bars from C4 to C6. Shape your touch, sustain ringing notes, and record a shimmering melody.
Let a few notes linger. Both 3D rows play 25 chromatic notes from C4 to C6. Classic view retains 15 diatonic bars, with a rounded metallic tone that gives patterns a different color from the marimba.
Play your next noteHow do I play the online vibraphone?
In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Tap a bar or its labeled note control, or glide across the bars for a run. Leave space between strikes to hear the decay. Multiple touches or keyboard shortcuts can sound notes together.
What sounds does the virtual vibraphone use?
Vibraphone samples from FluidR3 GM supply the metallic attack and ringing decay. Sustain is an on-screen sound control; the modeled pedal and resonator vanes are visual fittings, with no controllable tremolo motor.
Audio & tune creditsCompare the same phrase with sustain off and on
Use a short rising figure to hear how the on-screen Sustain control changes released notes. The virtual motor and physical pedal are not separate playable controls.
Starting tempo: 60 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.
- 1C4 (A)
- 2E4 (D)
- 3G4 (G)
- 4No new note
- 5C5 (K)
- 6G4 (G)
- 7E4 (D)
- 8No new note
- Start with Sustain Off
Locate C4, E4, G4 and C5 in the labeled controls, mapped to A, D, G and K. Set Keep the beat to 60 BPM.
- Play and release
Play one new note on each labeled beat, releasing the control after the attack. Add no new note on beats 4 and 8. Listen to what remains between strikes.
- Repeat with Sustain On
Switch Sustain On and repeat with the same timing and finger releases. Turn it Off when you finish so the comparison has a clear ending.
Try next: Use All 25 pitches in 3D to replace E4 with E-flat4, shown as D-sharp4. Compare the changed harmony with the same sustain setting.
How do I record the vibraphone in Resonant?
- Choose your playing controls
Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.
- Record your idea
Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.
- Listen and keep a copy
Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.
A few useful notes about the vibraphone
How do I play every vibraphone pitch?
In 3D, both rows play 25 chromatic notes from C4 to C6. Open All 25 pitches below the instrument for labeled controls, including the accidentals. Classic view keeps 15 diatonic notes across C4 to C6. Tap individual bars, glide across neighbors, or play several labeled note controls together.
Can I control the vibraphone motor or damper pedal?
Use the on-screen Sustain control to keep sampled notes ringing after release. The modeled pedal and resonator vanes are visual fittings, with no controllable tremolo motor or physical damper-pedal simulation. Press Escape to stop instrument playback.