Play and sing

[Augustwest2012]

I learned on easy songs, and the thing that helped me the most was to strum just once at the start of each measure. By strumming just the opening beat of each measure I would sing to fill in the blanks. It didn't take long to bring my strumming to normal while singing, and now I sing over lead runs. Keep at it, you'll get it!

[Judson]

Here's my advice ... Pick songs with relatively straight forward chord progressions and lyrics that rhyme, and that have a smooth flow and regular cadence.

[Mr Fixit eh]

Singing and playing together is hard. I've always sung since I started playing, and it has just become natural for me. The degree of difficulty seems to depend on the complexity of the guitar work - for example, I find it much harder to sing smoothly when I'm playing fingerstyle than when I'm strumming. So I would say play the style of guitar that you find most comfortable. And pick songs that are simple - campfire singalong songs. Try googling 2 chord or 3 chord easy guitar songs. Once you develop some confidence, then you can move along to other genres. And yes, if you stick with it and practice, you will improve.

STeve

[aaronl]

Thanks guys, I realize practice can help you improve on virtually everything, the big thing is, somethings just seem like you get it or you don't.

Will take the advice here and venture forth.

[gfsark]

PS. I have to change one of my suggestions since you are in the midst of a divorce. Scratch 'I walk the line' by Johnny Cash and do the 'Cocaine Blues' instead.
"Early one morning while making the rounds
I got a gun and I shot my woman down"
Most Cash songs are pretty simple...

[Dru Edwards]

Aaron - Welcome to the AGF. As far as playing and singing, it's like anything else, it takes practice. I remember having difficulting when I started out but with practice it comes together. Then, as you progress, you're capable to singing with complicated guitar parts.

I like "Wish you were here" by Pink Floyd. "Coward of the County" by Kenny Rogers is one that is simple to play along to (although Kenny didn't write it).

[FranK_S]

Originally Posted by aaronl

Honestly I like all music.
I would love to be able to do a lot of the Avett Brothers stuff but again its not the normal route at least in my opinion.

Bob Dylan's stuff may be something to look at.

Here's one you can consider.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5CMDmxtpbc

[chomper76]

Some simple songs that are popular.. A Horse With No Name.. Free Fallin'.. Times Like These... Wonderwall.

[aaronl]

Been practicing on knockin on heavens door.
Coming along ok.
I seem to do much better with just boring old down strokes

[WmRob]

I was going to say try easy songs to get used to playing a simple rhythm. A lot of Eagles, early Beatles. Try to avoid, for now, playing exactly like on the record; instead, strive for a comfort zone between strumming and singing. Don't worry about what it sounds like at first; it'll come. You'll feel it.

Good luck. It's a worthwhile endeavor.

[DenverSteve]

Simply pick songs you know and enjoy. Learn and play them and enjoy them more.

[aaronl]

Going back a little here.
There was an older gentleman that had made some videos and I swear I found a link to them from here.

These videos were of him singing and the comments actually had the lyrics and chords.

Does anyone by chance know who I am speaking of?

[NitroBobby]

If you know how to pick fingerstyle patterns (Travis picking), Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder is pretty easy.

[glissongs]

Look at 3 chord country songs. Can't get much easier than that.

[Glennwillow]

Hi Aaron,

You may be referring to "Fretkiller". His stuff was removed from You Tube, but he may be back. Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDDZITzrDKo He has a You Tube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/fretkillrlives

I remember back about 48 years ago when I learned to sing and play at the same time. For a week or two I felt pretty uncoordinated, but then it started to fall into place. The more I did it, the better I got. I no longer think about the challenge anymore because I have gotten used to how to do it.

As others have suggested, find songs you like and learn to do them. There is no other way than to work through it until your brain has it figured out. It takes practice and patience with yourself.

Best of luck to you!
- Glenn