Singing while playing syncopated lines?

[RobTheRiot]

A lot of good advice here - slowing it down (and writing it down if you learn visually) to the point where each note from the vocal line fits into a neat slot with each note from the bass line. Observe how they fit together. As you play & sing it note by note observe how it feels.
It's actually the same method I used to teach myself drums years ago, and before long I was was gigging often with the band I had decided to learn for. Breaking each motion down, and observing how they fit together - this hand goes up, as this foot goes down, etc etc etc....doing it everywhere, no drums needed - and no bass or mic needed for this.
Very effective, and once you start to internalize the feeling (both physical & mental), it gets easier & easier. Eventually you'll only have to go back to this method for particularly syncopated or challenging parts.
And has been said, it is a very cool feeling when you nail it; your brain being able to split itself and do two unrelated tasks well, while you're not really stressing about either. Kind of an out of body/cruise control thing.
Good luck, and have fun with it!!

 

[Rockin John]

For some years I was bassist, frontman, singer. The two songs I had most trouble with - but sorted them in the end - was Mustang Sally and the old slow blues, Red House.

The only way I found worked was play and sing over and over again. I think either the bass line or the vocals has to be 2nd nature so that the other can receive a bit of concentration when on stage: as bassists it's probably the bass line that should be 2nd nature. Then 'layer' the vocals on the top during private practice until it all works together.

There are exercises somewhere on the web giving help doing two different things at the same time. Maybe that would help?

I don't think there are any rules for this. As individuals we all have to sus out what works best for us.

Best.

J

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

Singing lead while playing bass is all I do.... for the last 40 years. It starts out being two things but it ends up being one thing. When I learn a song I start by learning or writing the bass part. I use a drum machine to practice it until I have it down. Then (& this is the important part) I figure out where in the bass pattern the vocal starts. The exact note that I'm playing when the vocal begins. Yes it's difficult but every time you do it, it comes easier. After a while it becomes ONE THING. Not two things. At that point it becomes hard to separate them again. Like when I'm in the studio I must record in the control room because I screw up the bass part if I'm not singing.... lol!

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

Here ya go!