Question for the guitar players here...

Is being able to sing and play at the same time something that can be learned or is it just something that some people can do and some can't. I learned a new song tonight and while I'm still not great at the song I feel like I should at least be able to sing somewhat, however singing at all screws up by strumming pattern. Thanks for any insight or tips that you can offer me.

I know when I first started I would practice the singing or guitar part until I could do it in my sleep, then I would add the other part. Over time I learned how to do both at the same time without even realizing it.

With any new piece of music you are learning (even if it is something you have recently written) you will find it difficult to sing and play it simultaneously. The singing part is generally the easiest, and takes little thought to do (like reciting the alphabet). Playing the guitar portion of the song takes time to get down to the point where it is second nature (like driving a manual car, it takes practice before you are doing it while able to think of other things).

Expecting to pick up a new song and sing and play it at the same time as you learn it or after you've just learned it is like expecting a new driver to pay attention to the road and operating a manual vehicle while reciting the alphabet. Chances are they are going to either crash or stall the car.

Aaron has the right idea,
Play it until your hands know what they are doing without thinking about it, and then try adding lyrics.

My test is if I can play the guitar part without issue while having a conversation with someone that flows normally, I know I am ready to start singing it at the same time.


*Edit*
Also worth mentioning,
I personally find it easier to play a few chords and make up lyrics and sing them while I play. If you can do this, it will help you get the feeling down for singing and playing at the same time with little effort. Making it up on the spot prevents brain farts/pauses from missed queues, or from forgetting queues or changes in the song.

I have never been able to do that. I also have never had the free time to do what the others suggest.

It takes me awhile to add words, there are tons and tons of songs that I can play bits and pieces too and some where I can play the full song no words and maybe a handful where I can play full song and add words. I just practice until it starts flowing nicely and the words aren't messing up my strumming pattern.

I made a video hope this will help some. Sorry about the crappy quality and my voice sucks more than usual cause I have an awesome sinus infection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-cay4NTotQ&sns=em

Awesome advice/tips/insight everyone. Chris - the army only unblocks youtube from 2000 - 0600 (or 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) so I will have to wait until tonight to check it out. Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChrisS

I made a video hope this will help some. Sorry about the crappy quality and my voice sucks more than usual cause I have an awesome sinus infection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-cay4NTotQ&sns=em

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I love that song.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

I love that song.

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I'll have to record it all the way through for you then once I get over this crap ;)

Bruce I hope it helps.

Don't worry dude you'll get the hang of it, it just takes time and hard practice, been playing for 4 years