Want to start singing while playing guitar. How did you guys get started ? What are some methods that worked for you ?

I can play guitar - but want to add the singing part.

Thanks

Homespun Tapes has a number of very helpful vocal technique instructional videos. When I started, there were no videos; there was barely TV. We just sang along with the radio, the stereo, with each other, and somehow got gigs and kept going. it helps me to realize how many truly crappy singers have record deals.

I suggest knowing each part of the song really well. In other words, nail the singing part on its own and the guitar part on its own. Then put 'em together and play the tune a million times, 'til it sounds good. Repeat with lots of songs.

Singing and playing anything more complicated than strummy chords completely eludes me. But I heard some advice once that sounds likely. Start by humming while playing, before you complicate things with lyrics.

It still eludes me, but it I probably need to work more on the playing half some more.

David

IMHO, the singing should be the priority when singing and playing at the same time. Deliver the melody and the lyrics, keep the guitar simple if you have to, and sell the song!. Believe me, I love great guitar playing, but, as a general rule, it's the singers who hire the great guitar players.

There are three secrets to singing and playing at the same time.

1. Practice
2. Practice some more
3. When you're done practice some more.

Oh, and keep the guitar part you're singing over as simple as possible.

David

Randy, how strong of a rhythm player are you in the style of music you play? Point being, singing and playing at the same time most of the time involves two opposing processes that can swap rolls between your two instruments, voice and guitar, at anytime: straight time and syncopation. That can be a real mind blower until you have practiced a lot.

I would suggest you pick out some simple songs that you are familiar with that have a basic straight time vocal and rhythm groove. You can decide if you can sing or just hum depending on how comfortable you feel about it. Humming is a good way to start for some.

For instance, I've been teaching my daughter the standard rhythm Boom-Chick using a simple song "You are My Sunshine". She is singing the song as she works on a smooth transition between the chords. It's working great for her. She is able to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak: The vocals are helping her keep the rhythm on track and the rhythm is grooving into her singing subconsciously. Which brings up an old argument, should you sing to your rhythm or rhythm to your singing?

Anyway, all the best in your efforts; I'm sure you can do it!
Lyn