Singing and playing

[thetroy]

Anyone have some good tips to practice singing while playing? I can play and I can sing but when I try to do both I end up sucking at both

[Endrik]

Re: Singing and playing

Marty Friedman was amazed to see Dave Mustain who could play very complex guitar parts and sing at the same time, Marty said he has a problem with chewing a bubble gum and walking at the same time [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Top Jimmy B]

Re: Singing and playing

You just have to work it out. I remember trying to learn this with King's X songs and pulling out my hair in frustration. It's especially difficult when the two parts are completely dissimilar.

My advice is to have the guitar parts down cold, so when it's time to step up to the mic you only need to worry about the lyrics. And looking cool.

[Tashtego]

Re: Singing and playing

I've just started trying to do both and have a hard time as well. The approach I took is to work with songs that I really like but have simple guitar parts (at least while singing). Blues, punk, and & reggae songs. I'm just trying to get my mind used to doing the two things at once with simple stuff and then I'll move on to stuff with more complicated guitar parts. I've been pleased with my progress .

[Hollywood]

Re: Singing and playing

Just like everything, it takes lots of practice. There have been songs I didn't think I could get the guitar and vocal part down, but it was easier than expected. Back up vocals that is. I've made good progress in the last few years, mainly from just jumping in and doing it. Just keep working on it, and one day you'll think back, and realize how far you've come.

[markD]

Re: Singing and playing

i just had to practice it. EVERYDAY. it took a couple of months to REALLY get it down, and i even wrote all the songs!! now it's a no-brainer.

[Brick]

Re: Singing and playing

hahahahhahh i guess its like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time.

Mustaine is nuts listen to poison was the cure that is some serious multitasking.

[Dolan]

Re: Singing and playing

Try to find easy songs (3 chord wonders) that you probably hate that have a few chords and work your way up. One of the first songs I actually sung and played was Money by Pink Floyd. It sounds hard to do both on Money but its actually really easy. Just think of the wimpiest song you know guitar wise, a song you know all the words to and go for it.

[paulbag]

Re: Singing and playing

A good one to practice this is "Aerials" by SOAD. Very simple to get the feel of doing both.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Singing and playing

just learn each part by itself then put the 2 together.
once you know both it is just a matter of practice.

[gkelly]

Re: Singing and playing

I have to disconnet my guitar hand and let it go on auto pilot while i sing,, make sure you know the guitar part first [img]/images/graemlins/poke.gif[/img]

[meenahgamtn]

Re: Singing and playing

practice,practice,practice. Geddy Lee plays some awesome riffs while singing.

[Brick]

Re: Singing and playing

yeah Geddy Lee is nuts i for got about him.

[nor]

Re: Singing and playing

B R E A T H E !!

I found I breathe along with whatever I'm playing - made singing tough. Practice playing while concentrating on breathing, you'll be suprised at how much you hold your breath without realizing it.

[horns666]

Re: Singing and playing

It was a bitch to learn and sing at the same time..for me!!

I couldn't do it in my VH tribute at first..not at all..just back up vocals would fuck me up..

So the guitarist did it horribly with a harmonizer..

I could "sing" better than him...so I eventualy learned how..the more we played the more it became "natural"..

The guitar player got mad at that time ..but I was supposed be the "back up singer" in that "tribute"..right?? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I have a home video of that time I couldn't sing..it just didn't look right to see Eddie singing all those lines..The singer insisted that I'd do it..well now I can see why. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

It's something I had to get used to..but if you never did it before it can be hard for some folks.. and VERY natural for others.