Playing and singing at the same time!

[Al M]

Ok, i've been playing guitar for 9 years. I also sing pretty well, but i've never been able to do the seemingly simple task of both at the same time. This skill seems to come so easily to some but I just cant do it. I either just stop playing or stop singing.

Has anyone got any advice on how I can develope this skill?

Cheers

Al M

[Wis Redz of Silvanost]

well, i can sing at the same time. first things first, you should know the song really well. it should be as if your soul is playing the song. then everything comes on its own accord. and generally when you sing, that part of the song isn't complex at all.

despite doing all these, you may not be able to as well. for example bb king can't sing while he plays it's no big deal if you ask me...

[Artist]

You need to know the song as a whole, as both parts together. This is easier if it's a song you have a recording of, listen to it a lot and try to play a long.
Otherwise you could try recording each part seperately.

I find reproducing from your ears is easier than from what's in your head.

[bpd111]

I just did it. I would think that if you just started doing it, you'd get the hang of it.

[zEr0]

A very natural thing. No metronomes or discipline involved, at least for me. I just learn the guitar until I can play it with my eyes shut and sooner or later I can start singing at the same time.

Lately, I've been getting a lot into this kind of playing and is giving me a lot more satisfaction than my usual rock soloing playing.

HOpe it helps.

[Al M]

Thanks for the help guys. Going by what has been said, I suspect i was right in saying I just have to work at it.

Cheers

Al M

[Shakma!!]

yeah, just throwin in my 2 cents,
it was kinda hard for me to do, doing thrash & death metal... basically, what i do is learn the songs lyrics till i can just recite them without thinking and then learn my guitar parts till i can play them without ever thinking 'can i do this without mistakes or anything?'. then i try doing them at the same time till i get to the point where i can do them.