How to Use a Vibrator: 11 Beginner Tips and Tricks (+7 bucket list things to try!)

For many sex toy owners, the humble vibrator would have been their first sex toy and, for some, their first orgasm.

Yes, vibrators are magical things that can unlock a pleasure unlike any other, but are you really making the most of yours?

Once you figure out your go-to vibrator technique that can get you off in a matter of minutes, you feel like you’ve cracked the code, and you soon have your routine down.

But what if I told you there’s so much more you could be doing to get even more pleasure and even better orgasms out of your trusty vibrator. 

11 Tips to Become a Vibrator Virtuoso

How to use a vibrator
  1. Lubrication is your vibrator’s best friend! Use all the lube! I cannot say this enough. The sweet slippery sensations elevate any vibrator experience from ooh to wow! Just make sure you use a water-based lube with any silicone toys. Lube doesn’t have to be boring either, there are plenty of flavored, tingling or heating lubes out to add a little more variety.
  2. Start low and slow on the settings and see how long you can make yourself last. Building up like this can make for some explosive orgasms.
  3. Switch up the movement. As well as holding it on your sweet spots, move your vibrator around. Longer strokes around the labia or circling the clitoris can give you a whole new sensation. 
  4. Vary the pressure. Experiment with more or less pressure to vary the intensity.
  5. Add in some other sex toys. Sure your vibrator can do a lot, but the more the merrier when it comes to sex toys I say! Ok, I’m sure there are some limits, but adding in some hands-free sex toys like a pair of nipple suckers, nipple clamps, or a butt plug can give you a real pleasure boost. 
  6. Watch yourself in the mirror, because you are HOT! Seriously, this may sound awkward, but you might surprise yourself. Wearing something sexy can spice it up even more. You won’t be able to keep your hands off yourself. 
  7. Explore all of the settings. We all have a favorite setting that we know will have us stifling moans of pleasure in no time, but, when given the chance, the other settings can give you a whole new experience. 
  8. Practice deep breathing and relaxing your pelvic floor when you use your vibrator to help you experience all the sensations fully.
  9. Explore different types of orgasms. Who knows, maybe you can have a nipple orgasm or anal orgasm.
  10. Don’t focus only on clit and internal stimulation. Your labia, area around your clitoris, and the opening of your vagina are all packed with sensitive nerve endings and crying out for attention.
  11. Use your vibrator at different times of the day. If you usually masturbate at night, try a morning session to start your day, or quickie before you head out of the house.

Vibrator Bucket List: 7 things you need to try!

Now you know all the tips and tricks to maximize your pleasure, it’s time to get creative with your vibrator.

Variety is the spice of life and we sure do like a bit of spice in the bedroom!

Switching things up every now and then is a great way to get to know your body better and teach your trusty old vibrator some new tricks.

#1 Fancy Foreplay with a Vibrator

Vibrations can deliver shivers of pleasure all over the body, so before you dive right in at the deep end (sorry), spend some time tantalizing the rest of your body.

As well as feeling fantastic, taking the time to get yourself aroused will increase the blood flow to your vulva, making it extra sensitive. It will increase your natural lubrication, getting you wet and ready for your vibrator. 

  1. Tease yourself through your clothes.
  2. Use that Hitachi for its original purpose and give yourself a relaxing massage.
  3. Use your vibrator on areas of your body that aren’t your genitals. Your inner arms, stomach, and inner thighs are all highly sensitive areas that love to be teased.
  4. Use your vibrator on your breasts and nipples. A clitoral suction vibrator with some lube can mimic the sensation of having your nipples sucked.

#2 Get Wet and Wild with Your Vibrator

It goes without saying that this only applies to waterproof vibrators!

The combination of warm, relaxing water and tingling vibrations makes for some luxurious, sensual masturbation. If you’re having a bath, give yourself the royal treatment, candles, a nice drink, relaxing music, and of course, some underwater vibes.

That post-orgasmic bliss just hits different when you’re relaxing in the bath. The shower is also perfect for a pre-work quickie. Trust me, a good orgasm and a cup of coffee before work make the world seem like a much better place.

#3 Ride Your Vibrator

Prop your vibrator up on a pillow — a bolster style pillow works great for this, or treat yourself to a sex toy wedge from liberator. Having the vibrator grind against your clitoris will feel incredible, and rocking your hips can actually help you orgasm.

C-shaped vibrators, like We-Vibe Chorus, are great for this, as they provide internal and external stimulation and stay in place.

#4 Vibe in Lingerie

Lingerie is most definitely not only for your partner’s eyes. Slip into your favorite lingerie and check yourself out, you hottie!

As well as feeling incredibly sexy, using a vibrator on your vulva and nipples over your lingerie can create thrilling sensations, especially if it’s lace. Combine this with a full-length mirror, and you are in for one hot show.

#5 Edge Your Way to Buzzy Bliss

Edging builds sexual excitement, resulting in intense orgasmic releases. To practice this, use your vibrator to get you to the edge of an orgasm.

Remember to take it slowly, as the aim of the game is to really build arousal and excitement.

As you feel an orgasm approaching, stop and take a few deep breaths to let the orgasm subside and then start up with your vibrator again. You’ll probably want to use the low to mid settings on your vibrator for this to stop yourself from accidentally going over the edge too soon.

You can repeat this as many times as you want before letting yourself go and enjoying your hard-earned orgasm.

#6 Multitask with Your Vibrator

Ever thought there must be some way to make those boring jobs more fun?

Well, there is!

An egg vibrator or panty vibrator can add a little excitement to even the most mundane of tasks.

You could slip it in before you pop to the supermarket, while you do the laundry, or tidy the house.

The Lovense Lush 3 is perfect for discreet play. The vibrate to music function can add a little fun to getting ready for a night out! You can read our review of the Lovense Lush 2 until we get our hands on the upgrade (supposedly very very similar).

#7 Have multiple orgasms with your vibrator

Orgasms are amazing, and you don’t have to stop after one.

After your first orgasm, you want to keep yourself aroused but might find that your clitoris is too sensitive.

Take a few deep breaths and switch to another type of stimulation. Using your vibrator to stroke your labia, around the clitoris or vaginal opening can help you stay aroused without overwhelming your clitoris.

When the sensitivity has decreased, you can go back to clitoral stimulation and go for orgasm number 2.

Remember to experiment with different settings on your vibrator — you might need a different strength for your second round.

What is a Vibrator?

What’s that faint buzzing? You’ve guessed it, the all-powerful pleasure tool – a vibrator! But what is a vibrator really? That’s what we’re here to talk about today. The basics, the origins, the pleasure, the diversity, you name it! And, we can also help you find the best vibrator for your needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned toy aficionado or just a curious beginner looking to spice things up, this guide will walk you through the ins, the outs, and the shaking all abouts of the ever-mystifying vibrator.

Alright, let’s break it down.

A vibrator is a device used for sexual stimulation, designed to provide vibrating motions at different speeds and intensities.

From the classic rabbit vibrator to the sleek bullet vibrator, there’s a lot more variety than you might think! But before we dive into the fun part, I think we should demystify the mechanical aspects of this rumbly wonder.

A Closer Look at the Mechanics of a Vibrator

Lets’ dive deeper into the mechanics of these buzzy buddies. The inner workings of these fantastic little devices are a marvel of engineering, using simple principles to achieve quite impressive results, in my humble opinion.

The Motor: The Beating Heart

The heart of any vibrator, regardless of its shape, size, or specific functionality, is its motor.

In many vibrators, this will be a simple DC motor that uses electrical energy to create movement.

Passing an electrical current through a coil in a magnetic field will generate a force that causes the coil itself — and, by extension, the motor’s shaft—to spin.

The power for the motor is usually supplied by batteries or a rechargeable unit within the vibrator.

The Eccentric Weight: The Shake Maker

Now, this spinning motion might be all well and good for a fan or a drill, but a vibrator needs to…well, vibrate. That’s where the eccentric weight comes in.

An eccentric weight is essentially a weight that is not balanced—its center of mass is “off-center”.

When attached to the spinning shaft of the motor, this unbalanced weight causes the motor (and therefore, the vibrator itself) to vibrate.

You can alter the type of vibration by changing the size and shape of the eccentric weight. This is why some vibrators feel rumbly while others feel buzzy.

The intensity of the vibrations change by manipulating the speed at which the motor spins the eccentric weight.

This is why some products offer different vibration patterns and intensities; by offering different settings on the control circuit (don’t worry, I’l get to that), manufacturers can create a wide variety of sensations.

The Control Circuit: Driving the Experience

Most vibrators have multiple settings, allowing the user to adjust the vibration pattern and intensity. The control circuit let’s you adjust the current flowing to the motor.

Lower currents will result in slower speeds and softer vibrations, while higher currents will produce faster speeds and more intense vibrations.

In most vibrators, the control circuit also provides a range of different vibration patterns for a more varied experience.

The Casing: More than Just Looks

Finally, the casing of the vibrator. It’s not just about aesthetics and a smooth and comfortable surface.

The casing significantly affects how the vibrations are transferred and felt.

Different materials can dampen or amplify vibrations, and the shape of the product can focus those vibrations on specific areas.

The casing also helps determine whether a vibrator is merely water-resistant or fully waterproof!

In conclusion, while the basic principles behind a vibrator might seem simple, a lot of thought goes into designing a device that is both effective and pleasurable to use.

The Storied History of the Vibrator

Victorian Times and Medical Uses

Ready for a trip down memory lane?

The vibrator, in its earliest form, was actually developed in the Victorian era.

You might be surprised to learn it was used as a medical device for treating a condition called “hysteria”. What is hysteria, you ask? Well, it was a catch-all diagnosis for a range of symptoms in women, from anxiety to “a tendency to cause trouble.” Yikes!

And so, the vibrator was born – not as a fun little play thing, but as a clinical tool.

Victorian doctors used vibrators to perform “pelvic massages” until the patient reached “hysterical paroxysm” – what we now know as an orgasm.

The Rise of Personal Vibrators

By the early 20th century, with the advent of electricity and modern manufacturing, vibrators began to be marketed for personal use. The advertisements claimed they cured everything from wrinkles to migraines, but women knew the score.

Fast forward to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, vibrators truly came into their own. Feminist retailers began selling them explicitly for sexual pleasure, and they have been a beloved staple of sexual wellbeing ever since. Thank goodness for that!

Why Do Vibrators Feel Good?

The pleasure provided by vibrators might seem magical, but it’s actually based on biology and physics. Here’s a quick look at why the rumbles feel so good.

Nerve Stimulation: The Body’s Pleasure Highway

Our bodies are loaded with nerve endings, right? Well, they’re especially concentrated in our genitals and other erogenous zones. Vibrators work by providing concentrated, consistent stimulation to these nerve endings. The buzzing or throbbing sensations created by the motor excite these nerves in a unique way, sending pleasure signals to the brain.

Increased Blood Flow: Revving Up the Engines

Vibrators also increase blood flow to the stimulated area. This increase in blood flow can heighten sensitivity, making the area even more receptive to pleasure. This is especially important for people with vaginas, as increased blood flow can enhance arousal and cause the clitoris to swell and the vagina to naturally lubricate.

Consistency and Variation: The Perfect Balance

Human hands and mouths can provide wonderful pleasure. But we’re only human, and sometimes we just get tired, right? Basically, hands and mouths can’t match the sheer consistency of a vibrator. The constant vibration can often provide the sustained stimulation many people need to reach orgasm. On the other hand, most vibrators also offer a variety of settings, allowing for changes in intensity and pattern that can add exciting variety to your pleasure.

Diving Into the Diverse Universe of Vibrators

Just like the people who use them, these products come in a delightful array of shapes and sizes, each with its unique characteristics and pleasures.

Let’s dive a little deeper into this diverse universe and explore the most common types of vibrators.

Bullet and Egg Vibrators: Small But Mighty

Bullet vibrators and egg vibrators, named for their sleek and compact shapes, are all about precision. These babies offer direct, targeted stimulation. This pin-point stimulation primarily pampers the external and internal structure of the clitoris. Although, they’re also great for stimulating other erogenous zones, such as the nipples, labia, the anus (externally), the frenulum, or the perineum.

These toys are excellent for beginners because they’re non-intimidating, simple to use, and incredibly versatile. For couples, this type of product is a fantastic addition to foreplay or sex, providing extra stimulation where it’s needed.

G-Spot Vibrators: Targeted Pleasure

G-spot vibrators feature a uniquely curved insertable shaft and often a pronounced tip. The shape is perfect for firmly stimulating the g-spot at a comfortable angle. This area, located on the front wall of the vagina, can produce powerful orgasms when stimulated correctly.

Using a g-spot sex toy can make finding and pleasing this elusive spot a lot easier. Some vagina-owners also find that g-spot stimulation can lead to squirting or a more intense orgasm.

Rabbit Vibrators: Dual Sensations

Rabbit vibrators are like the Swiss Army knives of the vibrator world; they can do it all. Named for their distinctive shape, they have a shaft for internal stimulation and a separate “rabbit arm” for clitoral stimulation. The original design msotly featured two rabbit ears vibrating around the clitoris. This dual action provides both internal and external pleasure at the same time.

Especially beloved by vulva-owners who enjoy dual stimulation and want the best of both worlds… at the same time! This two-in-one style sex toy is ideal for achieving those beautiful blended orgasms.

Choosing a Vibrator

We live in a wonderful world, replete with different vibrators that can cater to our every desire, so finding the right one can be confusing. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help figure out which type of vibrator to buy.

What type of stimulation do I like?

External vibrators are mostly designed to stimulate the clitoris and labia but can also be used on other sensitive areas like the nipples. They are a great option for a first vibrator. Common types include bullet vibrators, magic wand vibrators, panty vibrators, and clitoral suction stimulators

Internal vibrators are designed to stimulate inside the vagina, including the g-spot and a-spot. Internal vibrators include dildo vibrators, g-spot vibrators, and egg vibrators. Some internal vibrators can be used anally, but they must have a flared base. You can also use internal vibrators to stimulate sensitive areas like the clitoris, nipples, and other external erogenous zones 

Dual stimulation vibrators combine internal and external stimulation. The most common type is rabbit vibrators that have an internal shaft and external clitoral stimulator. Dual stimulation vibrators allow you to experience blended g-spot and clitoral orgasms. They are perfect for people who enjoy internal stimulation but also need clitoral stimulation to orgasm.

How strong do I want my vibrator to be?

Vibration strength

Whether you have a sensitive clit or one that demands intense power, your vibrator should deliver the right power for you.

Always do your research before buying to find out how strong the vibrations are, as there really is something for everyone out there! 

The Tenga Iroha Zen is great if you are looking for softer vibrations, and the squishy tip makes it feel even gentler. At the other end of the scale, you’ve got the likes of the Hitachi Wand that our sex toy expert, Edwina, compared to a 5 Richter scale earthquake.

Make friends with your vibrator

After giving your vibrator a good clean and making sure it’s fully charged, figure out how to change the settings.

Depending on the vibrator, they can be pretty complicated, and you can’t always see the buttons while you’re using it, so it’s good to figure them out before.

At the very least, you definitely want to know how to turn it off in a hurry, you know, in case you get any surprise visitors!

Different Types of Vibrators and How to Use Them

Here I will go through each type of vibrator, and a provide some actionable tips and tricks to that specific type.

How to Use a Rabbit Vibrator

Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

Rabbit vibrators do all the work for you! Use the vibrator to tease your body to get you fully aroused. Apply some lube to the insertable shaft and your clitoris, and then slowly slide the shaft into your vagina. Once it’s fully inserted, place the clitoral stimulator or rabbit ears over your clitoris.

You can now explore the different settings. Most rabbit vibrators let you control the ears and shaft independently. If you know clitoral stimulation will make you orgasm quickly, try using the internal vibrations alone to build the anticipation.

The Greedy Girl from the Fifty Shades of Grey Range is a firm favorite, with silky smooth silicone and vibrations that will leave you speechless, or as Edwina put it, the Greedy Girl is “a modern-day version of a classic sex toy that every woman should own.”

How to Use a Bullet Vibrator

Strongest Vibrator

Bullet vibrators are great for target stimulation and are easy to maneuver.

They are perfect for tracing circles around your nipples or clitoris or stroking the inside of your labia and the opening of your vagina.

You can also lie the bullet flat over your vulva to stimulate the whole area or to stimulate other parts of your body.

These small but mighty vibrators are great for using with other sex toys, like a suction cup dildo, and they are travel-friendly for masturbation on the go!

The Mantric Bullet Vibrator is covered in velvety silicone that warms to your body’s temperature and it’s rechargeable and waterproof. Not to mention, it packs some powerful vibrations.

How to Use a Magic Wand Vibrator

magic wand vibrator rechargable review

Wand vibrators are for external stimulation and often have strong and rumbly vibrations. As well as broad clitoral stimulation, they are great for stimulating other areas of your body, like your inner thighs. At higher levels, they can also be for a relaxing massage on tired muscles.

Their magic doesn’t stop there. There are so many great attachments that can transform your wand into a g-spot vibrator, rabbit vibrator, or even vibrating anal beads.

You can now get the Orginal Magic Wand in a cordless, rechargeable version for even more freedom.

How to Use a Clit Vibrator

Clitoral vibrators come in so many different forms with different types of stimulation. As the name implies, they are here to lavish your clit with attention.

To use one on your clitoris, first, apply some lube to the toy and then place it wherever feels good. Some people like direct clitoral stimulation and others find it too intense. Use your vibrator on the whole area around your clitoris to figure out what feels best for you. These vibrators are often great for nipple stimulation too!

The Touch X from We-Vibe is perfectly shaped to caress your clit and deliver 8 modes of pleasing vibrations.

How to Use a Finger Vibrator

Lovehoney Ignite Featured image

Finger vibrators are pretty intuitive to use as they attach to your fingers. You can then use your newly vibrating finger to stimulate wherever feels good!

They are great for massaging your body, nipple play, and stimulating your vulva. You have a lot of control over the movement and pressure with a finger vibrator, so it’s easy to experiment with different types of touch.

You can use the vibrator over your clitoris while using your other fingers inside your vagina for some dual stimulation.

The Ignite rechargeable finger vibrator gives you 20 vibrating functions at your fingertips, giving you plenty of options to explore.

How to Use a G-spot Vibrator

The g-spot is a powerful pleasure center for vulva owners and stimulating it in the right way can lead to intense g-spot orgasm. As your g-spot is on the front wall of your vagina, you want to angle your g-spot vibrator slightly forward. Most g-spot vibrators are curved to make this easier. You can experiment with rubbing the vibrator back and forth over your g-spot while the vibrations work their magic.

The curved shaft of the Gigi 2 from Lelo makes it easy to stroke the flat tip back and forth over your g-spot while enjoying the 8 different vibration patterns.

With all these new things to explore, I hope you’ll fall in love with your vibrator all over again. What’s your favorite way to use your vibrator? Share your tips and techniques with us in the comments.