Any advice for learning how to play and sing at the same time?

[Twenty2AcaciaAv]

I'm currently in two projects: One rock band and one that's an acoustic trio. I do back-u vocals for both. However, for the acoustic trio my vocals will be used more then I expected. I have no problem with this as it'll help me evne more (I think) as a musician. However, I have a helluva time trying to sing (on key) and play at the same time. I can't seem to do both unless I'm just riding one or two notes while singing. Any advice on how to learn to do both?

[monkeyking]

I hate to say that there's no trick to it, because I'm lazy as hell and I don't like to practice, but for me it's all about time.

Been a singing bassist for 30 years a lot of that time spent on lead. I spend a lot of time playing the songs over and over and over until I just don't have to think at all about the bass. Then I can think about the singing and practice the two together. If I'm going to lose something when playing, it's the rhythm of the bass when it's at odds with the rhythm of the vocal. But then, I'm a really natural singer and that part is effortless. You may well find it's the other way around for you.

In case you're despondent over your results so far here's something to make you feel better. Last night we pulled out Saw Her Standing There. I've been playing and singing that song for 3 solid decades (off and on). I managed to mangle the bass line and then jack up the lyrics while trying to reign my hands in. It happens.

You'll get there.

(By the way, nice handle. One of the first Maiden songs I learned on bass a long time ago.)

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by monkeyking

You'll get there.

Every one has problems with this at first, you'll get there. To sing and play at the same time you have to sing and play a lot - at the same time. Practice every chance you get.

Good luck. .

[bigben379]

practice , practice , practice.....

I sing and play at the same time, ive found getting the bass line down first really helps. Then, like when learning anything, break it down into smaller sections bringing the vocals in until you nail it!!!

good luck

[TomB]

Good advice. I've learned to unconsciously "poll" back and forth between bass & vocal. It becomes sub-conscious after enough time & much practice, and today I can play and sing and play anything as needed.

[chessrocks]

It really isn't fair.

It's so much easier to sing and play the 6-string, because the rhythms are very seldom at odds, and God only knows whatever reason. It's just a natural thing to move your wrist when singing, and not not natural at all to work the tips of your fingers.

Your bandmates look at you like ... "What the heck? Geddy Lee does it -- why can't you?" They just don't get it.

[Double E]

Memorize the lyrics so they are second nature to you...especially if you're singing the lead.

Nothin' throws me off worse than trying to remember the next line in the middle of the song.

[Twenty2AcaciaAv]

Originally Posted by chessrocks

Your bandmates look at you like ... "What the heck? Geddy Lee does it -- why can't you?" They just don't get it.

LOL!

[Stumbo]

+1 on learning the bass line and vocals as second nature.

I suggest you then practice very slowly. If you have to go slowly note by note for the bass and vocals to get the timing that's okay. Repeat as needed until you get up to speed.

Maybe record yourself to make sure you have everything down properly.

Good luck.