singing while playing - easier at bedroom volume

[Wasnex]

I don't find this surprising.

1. I have a pretty weak voice that varies from day to day. I have a wider range and more control when singing quietly.
2. I generally feel a lot more connected to my voice and instrument when singing/playing acoustically.

 

[pcake]

some interesting thoughts. i've always learned songs i play and sing by learning the bass parts and singing parts separately. once i have both down, i have no issues playing while singing. i have no problems with memorization, but if i take a split second to think "what's the next lyric?" or "what's the next note?", i get lost.

Interesting that you mention singing quietly. That's usually how I start out when I'm just putting together a bass part and a vocal.
Singing and playing is something I've always done in the bands I've been in, and even after years of doing so it feels like I have to relearn how to do it every time. I've found I have to take thinking out of the equation as much as possible-- one of the two activities has to be automatic.

for me, both of the two activities should be automatic. that's served me well for decades.

Lack of self induced pressure probably a factor as well.

possibly true, although i am under no pressure at other times. no one is here - i can do it at my own pace. still, something to consider.

When learning to sing a song while playing, first I listen to it many times, unless I am already familiar with it.
Listen in the car, sing along, even if someone sees you singing who cares.! Then while practicing at home, I just sort of, like you did, try to just see if I can say the lyrics or sing them quietly. It works for me too. Then at a band rehearsal you have to deal with correct Mic settings, volume, etc. if you can't do it then, repeat.

i do this, too, but i also read the lyrics 4x or 5x times per day, hours apart. i never try to learn songs with other people around.

Could be you are eliminating or at least reducing the effort to remain on pitch.

Singing requires that you follow the melody and sing each word at a specific pitch and volume in the key matching the notes you are playing on the bass and in the rhythm of the Singing in “almost a whisper” possibly drops pitch as a focus, allowing you to focus on bass, lyrics, & timing.

i stayed on pitch, but with the breathier voice, it felt easier for some reason. i think that could be it - it feels right.

 

[DaveParker39]

Makes sense. Ultimately you are doing less thinking about things like breathing, dynamics, proximity to microphone, etc. etc.

 

[Beagle Bass]

I find that my range is different when singing at performance volume vs. quiet bedroom volume. Often learn a song in a particular key and have to change the key when I bring it out in public.

Me too! Got me into performance trouble a few times in my younger, less self-aware days.

 

[KenSmithFan]

Yup. The quieter I sing, the better I sound!