Multitasking. For some people, doing more than one thing on an expert level is nothing more than a myth. However, multitasking does exist, although you need hours and hours of practice to become good at it. And as it turns out, studies have shown that guitar players are great multitaskers.
But if they are, why do so many guitarists struggle with playing guitar and singing at the same time?
In most cases, the player knows the song. They can play the song and sing the song separately. However, it all goes wrong when they try to sing it and play it at the same time. Like everything else, this is a skill that can actually be learned.
That’s why today, we have a few tips for singing and playing guitar at the same time.
1. Start With Simple Tunes and Rhythms
First off, try not to complicate things further by starting with overly complicated and long songs. Don’t try the song that has 6 verses, 12 choruses, and 3 guitar solos. Instead, start with something that you could learn in a matter of days. For instance, try “Smoke on the Water” or something similar. The song has fairly simple chords, strum patterns, and lyrics you’re already familiar with.
2. Practice Strumming On a Daily Basis
Strumming with a metronome daily will help you improve your singing and playing skills at a quicker pace. While a metronome may make you feel like a beginner, keep in mind that you should stick to it if you want to become a competent, consistent singer and player. You should spend at least half an hour a day doing this.
3. Pick Songs You Already Know
This goes hand in hand with the first tip. You should only pick songs you already know if you want to learn quickly. Trying to learn a new song can take some time if you’re only trying to sing or play. However, when you’re trying to do both, you’re doomed from the start. Select a song you know and like, practice it as much as possible, sing it while you’re not practicing, and memorize it by heart.
4. Slow Down the Song You’re Playing
You probably know that slowing down the tempo of a song can help you learn it quickly if you ever had an inexperienced band. It allows you to understand every part of the song and learn it correctly. When you’re trying to sing and play at the same time, it’s important to learn to play every song correctly from beginning to end. After you become better, speed will come.
In Conclusion: Practice, Practice, Practice
By following the tips for singing and playing guitar at the same time, you’ll be able to learn the art sooner than you think. Lastly, we have this tip for you: practice as much as you can, as often as you can. Record your practice sessions, listen to them afterward, and see what can be improved.
Some songs have awkward rhythms and may give you problems. Break these songs down into separate parts and work on the parts that trouble you. After a while, start singing and playing for your friends to loosen up and prepare yourself for crowds. Just remember: patience is the key.
We hope you found our article interesting and helpful. Don’t hesitate to share your guitar playing experience and practice tips with the rest of us in the comment section below.
