Singing and playing bass at the same time

[BradT]

I have played bass for awhile, and am pretty good at it. Me and some friends are getting together to play Weezer's "Only in Dreams" for a school talent show. I would see myself as the leader of the band, and I want to sing. I tried playing the simple bassline while playing, and either I would mess up the bass line or struggle singing. I simply cannot sing and play bass right at the same time. I really need help on this.
For those of you who are actually musicians, how did you learn? Was it just natural, or is there a good technique to practice?

All suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

 

[MiniDoom]

agreed, playing drums and singing, much harder though.
mad respect to Don Henley.

 

[BradT]

Anyone here?

 

[SmoochyTX]

I always wanted to play bass.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: rdubbz420
agreed, playing drums and singing, much harder though.
mad respect to Don Henley.

I always thought playing drums and singing was pretty easy. It's easier for my to sing while jamming on drums than to sing while finger picking a song on an acoustic. I guess it's just me though.. :\

 

[BradT]

This has given me even more respect for Paul Mccartney

 

[Poulsonator]

Practice, practice, practice. When I first started to learn the guitar, I didn't think it would be possible for me to sing and play at the same time. It really didn't take long, though, before I was able to bang out some simple three chord songs with vocals. I suggest you find some easy songs and just play and sing along. A lot.

 

[nakedfrog]

Yeah, I'd recommend practice.

 

[MiniDoom]

Originally posted by: CraKaJaX

Originally posted by: rdubbz420
agreed, playing drums and singing, much harder though.
mad respect to Don Henley.

I always thought playing drums and singing was pretty easy. It's easier for my to sing while jamming on drums than to sing while finger picking a song on an acoustic. I guess it's just me though.. :\

Playing drums to me is a lot more aerobic, since you are using all four limbs in doing so. Multitasking seems more difficult.

 

[BradT]

Originally posted by: rdubbz420

Originally posted by: CraKaJaX

Originally posted by: rdubbz420
agreed, playing drums and singing, much harder though.
mad respect to Don Henley.

I always thought playing drums and singing was pretty easy. It's easier for my to sing while jamming on drums than to sing while finger picking a song on an acoustic. I guess it's just me though.. :\

Playing drums to me is a lot more aerobic, since you are using all four limbs in doing so. Multitasking seems more difficult.

Yeah, when I used to play a drums, learning it was very similar to this situation. Once you add a second rhythm on, say, the tophat, you want to play the same rhythm on both parts of the drum set. When I try to sing, I need to sing to the exact same rhythm of the bassline. Practice will be the answer, as I knew. I was just wondering if there were any helpful techniques or drills that would help.

 

[aplefka]

Practice man. I've only played bass for 4-5 years so I'm no expert but I know that it wasn't until I started practicing a lot more about 2-3 years into the deal that I was able to sing well and play at the same time.

Interestingly enough, I now find it easier to play guitar and sing than to play bass and sing. Not really sure how that works.

There's no special technique or anything, just good old-fashioned practice. Shouldn't be too hard, Weezer is relatively easy to sing and play. Say It Ain't So is a little rough for me sometimes since the bass doesn't always fall on the downstroke.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: BradT

Originally posted by: rdubbz420

Originally posted by: CraKaJaX

Originally posted by: rdubbz420
agreed, playing drums and singing, much harder though.
mad respect to Don Henley.

I always thought playing drums and singing was pretty easy. It's easier for my to sing while jamming on drums than to sing while finger picking a song on an acoustic. I guess it's just me though.. :\

Playing drums to me is a lot more aerobic, since you are using all four limbs in doing so. Multitasking seems more difficult.

Yeah, when I used to play a drums, learning it was very similar to this situation. Once you add a second rhythm on, say, the tophat, you want to play the same rhythm on both parts of the drum set. When I try to sing, I need to sing to the exact same rhythm of the bassline. Practice will be the answer, as I knew. I was just wondering if there were any helpful techniques or drills that would help.

Well I guess playing for 10+ years helps