playing an instrument and singing at the same time

[BoldAsLove]

i have the hardest time playing an instrument and singing at the same time...my timing is always off or something...any suggestions from the pros out there?

 

[Rastus]

Start with the right songs. Songs that were written by singer/songwriters are the easiest because they were crafted for that type of performance.

Don't try to sound exacly like the original. Just get the essence of the song down then adapt it to your own style. Don't be a stickler for the same timing the original was. We all can't be James Taylor.

 

[thelanx]

Get the instrument part down solid; learn it so that you can play it without too much concentration. Then you can concentrate on the vocals while playing the instrument.

 

[JSFLY]

Playing one song and singing a different one doesnt help

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: thelanx
Get the instrument part down solid; learn it so that you can play it without too much concentration. Then you can concentrate on the vocals while playing the instrument.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Playing the instrument should come to you like second nature - like you were born with it. I have noticed that a good instrumentalist and a mediocre singer can work at times - but a good singer and mediocre instrumentalist don't have the same recipe for success.