help singing whilst playing

[TD3691]

hey guys,
am having a little trouble singing and playing lately (mainly being I cant hear my self over my amp and everyone else's) also I tend to have gaps in my vocals where i move away from my mic to look at the fretboard for a millisecond (its still noticeable in the sound).

do you guys have any tips, techniques or exercise i could do to erase this fault.

[humphreym]

Originally Posted by TD3691

hey guys,
am having a little trouble singing and playing lately (mainly being I cant hear my self over my amp and everyone else's) also I tend to have gaps in my vocals where i move away from my mic to look at the fretboard for a millisecond (its still noticeable in the sound).

do you guys have any tips, techniques or exercise i could do to erase this fault.

Can you get a monitor beside you? That should help with hearing yourself, or else tell the rest to turn down! I found that since I got my moulded earplugs I can hear myself perfectly, maybe a bit too much!

As for looking at the fretboard I just shift my eyes, but it took a while because, like you, I used to move away from the mic. Also, I now tend to learn the bass part inside out so I don't have to look, but I still do out of habit. Hope this helps!

[dougjwray]

For about a year, I've been using custom made earplugs, the kind you get from an audiologist after being measured for them. Not only do they preserve my hearing, but they really help me hear my voice. In fact, that was a huge, unexpected benefit. You can do a search in this forum and find more info. Mine lower the sound level by 15 decibels-- enough to save your ears, but not enough to muffle what you need to hear to perform with other people.
As far as looking at the fretboard, I'd only tell you to wean yourself away from it, or else figure out how to keep your mouth in the same position, while turning your head.

[Moe Monsarrat]

First learn the bass part so you can play it in your sleep. With modern technology you don't have to turn the amp up so loud. Let the pa do the work. Everybody looks at the neck for reference somethimes so just do it when you arent singing, or turn your head so you're still singing into the mic.