Singing while playing, and singing in general.

[Coldchillin]

The only suggestion I have is to play and sing along with a recording over and over and over.

[ut4ever8]

Ok, I'm really sick of this. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now, and I'm confident in my playing abilities. From the time I started playing I've had trouble (to say the least) singing and playing at the same time. I've tried to develop my voice and confidence a little through practice and matching notes, but for the life of me I cannot sing on key and play in time. It's like a mental block. I can read or talk while playing the guitar, but as soon as I try to sing I lose time/rhythm. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to be posting this after 6 or so years of playing, but I'm frustrated. Did anyone have similar problems? How did you get over it (aside from simple practice)? Any good drills, techniques or tips? Anything is greatly appreciated.

This may or may not be helpful so I appologize if it sounds rediculous. But I think what helped me most with singing and playing at the same time was simply hearing songs in my head when Im not playing. I got lucky in the fact that playing and singing (not neccessarily singing well) at the same time came fairly easily to me because I always have songs stuck in my head, and whenever I have songs stuck in my head I make myself aware of the different melodies going on. Its kind of hard to explain but really simple at the same time. I get to the point where I could hear a song or just think of it and kind of disect it in my head, and be able to mentally focus on all of the different aspects of the song and actually visualize what both of my hands are doing while still focusing on the lyrics. Once I can do that with a song, the playing and singing part of it becomes pretty easy. Again, Ive been told by some people that it makes alot of sense and Ive been told by others that Im full of shit or crazy for always hearing music in my head. Like the untalented version of August Rush. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

[Klondog]

Ok, I'm really sick of this. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now, and I'm confident in my playing abilities. From the time I started playing I've had trouble (to say the least) singing and playing at the same time. I've tried to develop my voice and confidence a little through practice and matching notes, but for the life of me I cannot sing on key and play in time. It's like a mental block. I can read or talk while playing the guitar, but as soon as I try to sing I lose time/rhythm. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to be posting this after 6 or so years of playing, but I'm frustrated. Did anyone have similar problems? How did you get over it (aside from simple practice)? Any good drills, techniques or tips? Anything is greatly appreciated.

This may or may not be helpful so I appologize if it sounds rediculous. But I think what helped me most with singing and playing at the same time was simply hearing songs in my head when Im not playing. I got lucky in the fact that playing and singing (not neccessarily singing well) at the same time came fairly easily to me because I always have songs stuck in my head, and whenever I have songs stuck in my head I make myself aware of the different melodies going on. Its kind of hard to explain but really simple at the same time. I get to the point where I could hear a song or just think of it and kind of disect it in my head, and be able to mentally focus on all of the different aspects of the song and actually visualize what both of my hands are doing while still focusing on the lyrics. Once I can do that with a song, the playing and singing part of it becomes pretty easy. Again, Ive been told by some people that it makes alot of sense and Ive been told by others that Im full of shit or crazy for always hearing music in my head. Like the untalented version of August Rush. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

In a really weird way, that actually makes a lot of sense. I'm definitely going to try this "method".

[Grachi]

Ok, I'm really sick of this. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now, and I'm confident in my playing abilities. From the time I started playing I've had trouble (to say the least) singing and playing at the same time. I've tried to develop my voice and confidence a little through practice and matching notes, but for the life of me I cannot sing on key and play in time. It's like a mental block. I can read or talk while playing the guitar, but as soon as I try to sing I lose time/rhythm. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to be posting this after 6 or so years of playing, but I'm frustrated. Did anyone have similar problems? How did you get over it (aside from simple practice)? Any good drills, techniques or tips? Anything is greatly appreciated.

This may or may not be helpful so I appologize if it sounds rediculous. But I think what helped me most with singing and playing at the same time was simply hearing songs in my head when Im not playing. I got lucky in the fact that playing and singing (not neccessarily singing well) at the same time came fairly easily to me because I always have songs stuck in my head, and whenever I have songs stuck in my head I make myself aware of the different melodies going on. Its kind of hard to explain but really simple at the same time. I get to the point where I could hear a song or just think of it and kind of disect it in my head, and be able to mentally focus on all of the different aspects of the song and actually visualize what both of my hands are doing while still focusing on the lyrics. Once I can do that with a song, the playing and singing part of it becomes pretty easy. Again, Ive been told by some people that it makes alot of sense and Ive been told by others that Im full of shit or crazy for always hearing music in my head. Like the untalented version of August Rush. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

wow... can we meet?

this is EXACTLY what i do/how i would describe it

[Easy E]

so homo

[Grachi]

no homo!

[Easy E]

more than 24 hours passed, officially homo

[fede]

more than 24 hours passed, officially homo

jajaja

Fede

[Klondog]

Ok, I'm really sick of this. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now, and I'm confident in my playing abilities. From the time I started playing I've had trouble (to say the least) singing and playing at the same time. I've tried to develop my voice and confidence a little through practice and matching notes, but for the life of me I cannot sing on key and play in time. It's like a mental block. I can read or talk while playing the guitar, but as soon as I try to sing I lose time/rhythm. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to be posting this after 6 or so years of playing, but I'm frustrated. Did anyone have similar problems? How did you get over it (aside from simple practice)? Any good drills, techniques or tips? Anything is greatly appreciated.

This may or may not be helpful so I appologize if it sounds rediculous. But I think what helped me most with singing and playing at the same time was simply hearing songs in my head when Im not playing. I got lucky in the fact that playing and singing (not neccessarily singing well) at the same time came fairly easily to me because I always have songs stuck in my head, and whenever I have songs stuck in my head I make myself aware of the different melodies going on. Its kind of hard to explain but really simple at the same time. I get to the point where I could hear a song or just think of it and kind of disect it in my head, and be able to mentally focus on all of the different aspects of the song and actually visualize what both of my hands are doing while still focusing on the lyrics. Once I can do that with a song, the playing and singing part of it becomes pretty easy. Again, Ive been told by some people that it makes alot of sense and Ive been told by others that Im full of shit or crazy for always hearing music in my head. Like the untalented version of August Rush. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

wow... can we meet?

this is EXACTLY what i do/how i would describe it

I'm fucking shocked. I was messing with this train of thought over the weekend when I was playing and just matching notes. I found a song which I absolutely love that's in a good key for my voice (don't ask me what key, idk) with a fairly easy rhythm... I sat down with the lyrics, chord progression, and a recording of the song and after like five minutes of doing this it just CLICKED. I was singing and playing in time, on key thinking "HOLY SHIT DON'T FUCK THIS UP THIS IS UNREAL!" I got really bold and ditched the recording and did the whole song, albeit not the best but nevertheless successfully. God, I feel awesome... it just totally clicked. Thanks for you help, guys. These tips were invaluable- couldn't have done it without them.

[jsgksu]

Wish I knew what the hell you two were talking about (and didnt sound god awful) I'd love to be able to sing and play.

[Klondog]

Wish I knew what the hell you two were talking about (and didnt sound god awful) I'd love to be able to sing and play.

If it's any help, what I did was simply find a song I really liked and could get into. I learned the lyrics and started to sing (on key). I did this like 5 times earlier this week so I felt comfortable. Today I sat down with my guitar and the music, sang the song and strummed each chord once as per the music. Once I was "feeling it" I just let the playing come naturally but maintaining my voice. If you just break it down into steps it's really simple... I just couldn't tackle the rhythm, singing, and playing all at the same time without working up to it. Hope that helps.

[jsgksu]

Eh, I think I need voice lessons or something before I even give singing while playing that much effort. I sound pretty bad, my uncle and mother both play open mic nights and sound good so I think I have a voice somewhere, I can sing and play some songs that Ive known for years, but its not just natural on any given song. I'd be more inclined to get better at it if my voice didnt sound like total garbage to begin with.

[Easy E]

wish i could help you guys, i'm just naturally talented at doing both at the same time ldo

[Grachi]

it's all about the emotion, too. you gotta care what your singing about!

[ut4ever8]

Ok, I'm really sick of this. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now, and I'm confident in my playing abilities. From the time I started playing I've had trouble (to say the least) singing and playing at the same time. I've tried to develop my voice and confidence a little through practice and matching notes, but for the life of me I cannot sing on key and play in time. It's like a mental block. I can read or talk while playing the guitar, but as soon as I try to sing I lose time/rhythm. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to be posting this after 6 or so years of playing, but I'm frustrated. Did anyone have similar problems? How did you get over it (aside from simple practice)? Any good drills, techniques or tips? Anything is greatly appreciated.

This may or may not be helpful so I appologize if it sounds rediculous. But I think what helped me most with singing and playing at the same time was simply hearing songs in my head when Im not playing. I got lucky in the fact that playing and singing (not neccessarily singing well) at the same time came fairly easily to me because I always have songs stuck in my head, and whenever I have songs stuck in my head I make myself aware of the different melodies going on. Its kind of hard to explain but really simple at the same time. I get to the point where I could hear a song or just think of it and kind of disect it in my head, and be able to mentally focus on all of the different aspects of the song and actually visualize what both of my hands are doing while still focusing on the lyrics. Once I can do that with a song, the playing and singing part of it becomes pretty easy. Again, Ive been told by some people that it makes alot of sense and Ive been told by others that Im full of shit or crazy for always hearing music in my head. Like the untalented version of August Rush. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

wow... can we meet?

this is EXACTLY what i do/how i would describe it

I'm fucking shocked. I was messing with this train of thought over the weekend when I was playing and just matching notes. I found a song which I absolutely love that's in a good key for my voice (don't ask me what key, idk) with a fairly easy rhythm... I sat down with the lyrics, chord progression, and a recording of the song and after like five minutes of doing this it just CLICKED. I was singing and playing in time, on key thinking "HOLY SHIT DON'T FUCK THIS UP THIS IS UNREAL!" I got really bold and ditched the recording and did the whole song, albeit not the best but nevertheless successfully. God, I feel awesome... it just totally clicked. Thanks for you help, guys. These tips were invaluable- couldn't have done it without them.

I missed this a few weeks ago when you originally posted. Congratulations. I'm glad that worked out for you. For those of us that weren't as blessed as Eric, taking the time to focus on all the details of a song like that can really go a long way.