Anyone else have trouble singing and playing?

[xArcticMonkeyx]

Does anyone else have trouble singing while playing bass? Or does anyone find it easier to play guitar and sing then play bass and sing? Or is it just me...

Also, any tips how to overcome this challenge?

(I know this probably doesn't belong in this forum but w/e.)

[Ampeg SVT]

I just practice, just a lot of practice

[Spector_Ray]

I used to have problems but the more I do it, the easier it becomes. Personally, I like to get comfortable with the music before I attempt the vocals. Once I know the music as second nature, I can work on the vocals.

Practice, practice, practice. When you think you've practiced it enough, practice again.

[pbd]

Keep working on it, eventually your brain will seperate the two functions and you will be fine. Its like playing the drums, you just need to get your body used to doing more than one thing at a time.

It may help to practice alone for a while so nobody teases you!

Todd

[icantaffordawal]

the good thing about learning an instrument is that once you know it, it becomes an automatic task. when i say know it i actually mean know it all by heart, able to play it blindfolded with your ears plugged and not miss a note. for me it's easier to sing when i play bass because i can find the tone of my voice easier. just practice as much as possible. this is where i have the advantage over most of the bassists in my high school. sure i'm not that great but i have a nice voice to balance it out, and chicks dig it. LOL

[Visirale]

I've never tried. No one would want to hear baritone vocals these days anyway, haha.

[poomwah]

the advice everyone has given so far is great. just don't give up, I used to have a BITCH of a time doing it, now its just the way it is. It really does get easier. And this may sound odd, but sometimes I find it easier to sing and play while using a pick rather than using my fingers.

[savit260]

Much esier on guitar for me, but I do a fair amount of backing vocals on bass.

Not gonna lie. Sometimes I'll dumb the bass line down a bit to make it easier.

[Rune Bivrin]

I'll be the one to point this out this time: The bassists guide to singing

[JeffC]

Yup, practice.

I'm getting to the point where I can improvise on a new song and sing (if I know the words well or have them in front of me). When I started trying to sing and play it was a mess, one , the other and both would seriously suffer. What I found worked well for me was to go to the jam space, plug my ipod (music source) into the mixer and play an sing to the songs I knew, after a bit it just got easier.

[Pilgrim]

I think singing in performance is very difficult for a bass player. What we play often does not follow the melody, but instead provides rhythm and a supplement to the melody. I can't do 'er myself. All I can recommend is lots and lots of practice.

[GreyBeard]

Kinda like trying to tell someone how to ride a bike. You just have to practice, practice, practice.

[CanadaMan]

Yes. I do.

[Hella]

Don't you know it's impossible?!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-AfPa1_vOzg

[Jeff K]

It's tough for me. I can do some background vocals, but that's about it. Like somebody else said, we bassists are often playing counter to the melody. I tend to want to sing what I'm playing.

Of course it can be done. Many bassists are outstanding singers as well. But an awful lot just focus on their bassist duties. Those who do sing and play bass normally say that you have to look at it as two separate entities: your bassline and your vocals. That's where the practice comes in. If you're comfortable with your playing, it's easier to add the vocals (ie., the "second entity"). Of course in MY case, that's easier said than done!

[stflbn]

If you're comfortable singing, and comfortable enough playing, then the two just seem to happen on their own if you let them. Relax into each.

[SelenaBassGirl]

I have ADD, so it is hard for me to do anything while concentrating on my playing. I can't even talk! The only song I can sing along to or talk is The Reason by Hoopastank! Weird....

[jinithith2]

I just take it super slow until I can get both parts working separately. I just think of it as playing piano- separating the two hands

[Dirk Diggler]

Just learn the bass part cold, and go into autopilot playing and then just worry about your singing then. You really do need to be able to divide your brain.
And of course practice doesn't hurt.
Dirk

[SpaceYourBass]

Originally Posted by Rune Bivrin

I'll be the one to point this out this time: The bassists guide to singing

wow that was a good link