Singing and playing the guitar at the same time might be difficult for a novice, but it's not impossible. A good sense of timing, rhythm and the ability to combine the two together will come with time, practice and commitment.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using a Metronome
Step 1. Learn to play the guitar
You can start with some basic chords, or find a song and search for its score. Look for a song that you can sing about.
Step 2. Learn the lyrics of the song
Practice your singing technique.
Step 3. Learn to play, tapping your little finger in 4/4
If you are new to solfeggio, you can try counting 1 2 3 4 regularly. A metronome could help you keep time: it is a useful item, easily available at an affordable price in almost any specialty store (you can also try searching free metronomes on the Internet).
Step 4. Start counting "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and" aloud as you play (remember the "e" between each number to keep time better)
Step 5. As soon as you feel ready with the rhythm, stop counting and start tapping the beat with your fingers following the song
Step 6. Start adding a few words
Step 7. Don't be discouraged
Remember that many guitarists take months or years to keep a steady beat - using a metronome would help tremendously.
Method 2 of 6: Playing along with a Recording
Step 1. Choose a song you like, learn to play and sing it separately
Step 2. Play the song with the backing track and at least try to intone the words
Step 3. Keep practicing until you are able to play it without background and with confidence
Your brain uses alpha and beta (conscious / sub-conscious) waves. You use alpha waves when you focus on something, while you use betas when you do something without having to think about it. Once you have mastery over the song, you can move up to the final step
Step 4. Play the song without worrying about being perfectly in time or the shape of each chord
Try playing the chord progression while focusing on something else to develop muscle memory in your mind. Now shift your attention to the singing, leaving the playing in the background. Your conscious level will be focused on singing, but your subconscious will "worry" about playing the song.
- Eventually, you will be able, with practice, to switch between roles. You will become able to effortlessly switch between focusing on what you are playing and what you are singing.
- Situations in which a guitar solo and the sung parts occur at the same time are quite rare. Always keep this in mind when trying to write a song.
Step 5. Keep practicing this way and have fun
Method 3 of 6: Train Your Brain to Do More Things Simultaneously
Step 1. Once you've mastered the basics, move on to practicing more complex chord progressions (or just try out those from other songs in case you're just playing covers)
Step 2. Keep practicing until you are comfortable playing them
Step 3. Now sit in front of the TV and try to watch it while continuing to play (it is important not to stop playing)
Step 4. After some time you should be able to play and follow what's happening on the TV at the same time
This is the first step in developing independence.
Step 5. Then try to read something while you are playing
Try reading on your computer screen if you can't keep a book open. This will make your mind more active than playing while watching television.
Step 6. Try reading aloud in an impersonal tone
A common problem is being able to only sing the notes you are playing.
Step 7. Keep practicing and eventually you should be able to sing and play independently
Method 4 of 6: Learning the Words first
Step 1. Choose a song you would like to play and learn the lyrics
Step 2. Try singing over the song recording
You could try intoning it or singing it in your head, as long as it helps you memorize the song. Keep repeating until you have learned the song by heart.
Step 3. Take the guitar and play on the recording
Step 4. When you have learned to play the song with your eyes closed, start intoning or singing out loud while you are playing
Method 5 of 6: Associating the Chords to the Words
Step 1. Try playing the chords of a simple progression (eg E, D, G)
Step 2. Then imagine a word to use as proof
Choose a word for each chord.
Step 3. For example, if the word associated with E major was "game", when playing the chord of E major you should say "game" at the same time
Try to form rhymes between words, to train yourself to distinguish them while you are playing.
Step 4. Use this method with a real song
This method is useful because it is able to train you to associate a word for each note, slowly bringing you to the sync between voice and guitar.
Method 6 of 6: Read While You Play
Step 1. Once you are able to play a song, try playing it while reading a book
Step 2. Keep practicing until you are able to read the book
Once you reach this level, read aloud at any rhythm of your choice.
Step 3. When you are able to do this, singing the songs will be a breeze
Advice
- This technique takes time - don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on the first try.
- Practice on acoustic songs, especially those with repetitive chords.
- Keep practicing.
- Try to improvise, always play the same string, a random string and start talking: this will allow you to develop your ability to sing and play at the same time.
- Many guitarists are unable to speak while playing, much less to sing. You will find over time that the brain cramps caused by trying to do two things at the same time will disappear in a short time. The bulk of the work in developing independence (the ability to do 2 things at the same time) is to accept that it is possible and keep trying.
- Having a simple background drumming during the song will help you keep the beat and sing more easily.
Some song ideas
There are tons of songs that can help you learn this technique.
Nirvana
The band's lead guitarist, Kurt Cobain, used some recurring notes in certain songs, allowing him to sing and entertain his viewers. Try using "Smells Like Teen Spirit" to test this method.
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl, the guitarist of the band, is a great example of how to sing and play at the same time. Songs like "Ever long" will help you play and sing at the same time.
The experience of Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is probably the most famous guitarist of all time. If you are an experienced guitarist, "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Chile" are great songs to learn, as they use very elaborate riffs and licks which can be a good improvement method for guitar veterans.
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is very good at singing and playing at the same time. His song "Rodeo Clowns" might be a good alternative to learn when you get good at it.
Black Sabbath
This group has made many great songs to learn this technique, such as "Paranoid" and "Iron Man". The riffs are relatively simple in the sung parts.
