Any tip or trick to singing and playing at the same time?

Fedorov Express · Post by **Fedorov Express** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 4:53 pm

Can anyone here play a Matthews song and sing to it at the same time?

Is there any tip that someone can give me? Because I get caught up thinking about my playing and I can never sing along with it.

Thanks

grock · Post by **grock** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 5:07 pm

Fedorov Express wrote: I get caught up thinking about my playing and I can never sing along with it.

That's the trick. Play it enough that you don't even have to think about how to play it. Then it's easy to sing along

chosta · Post by **chosta** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 5:59 pm

yeah there isnt much to it....you really have to like "own" a song if you will, and become really comfortable, so you dont even need to think while you play to be able to sing

firedancer86 · Post by **firedancer86** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 6:02 pm

It might sound funny, but in the beginning, I just got to where I could blurt out some noises resembeling the lyrics with the right melody...that, and singing alot withought the guitar will always help to (but that is for when you just want to get better at singing, not to play it at the same time)..if any of that sounds good, then cool...if none of this makes sense, then

lol

gravedigger · Post by **gravedigger** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 6:38 pm

firedancer86 wrote:It might sound funny, but in the beginning, I just got to where I could blurt out some noises resembeling the lyrics with the right melody...that, and singing alot withought the guitar will always help to (but that is for when you just want to get better at singing, not to play it at the same time)..if any of that sounds good, then cool...if none of this makes sense, then lol

yes, good advice. first try humming the melody with the song, cause even that's tough at first. when you can hum the melody and not get your fingers in a knot, than you can try to bring in the lyrics. It takes time. most Dave songs are tough like that. Don't Drink The Water is one of the easier ones, though. so is I'll Back You Up. I still can't sing and play Proudest Monkey

dmbguitar718 · Post by **dmbguitar718** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 7:46 pm

Do it like this:

1. Play the song to where you can play it comfortably.

2. When singing, try to find out what notes or chords you are playing when a certain word or note comes along in the vocals. i.e. The Stone: "I've this creeping" You know that you have to change to the xx31x3 at that moment. Try to match the guitar and the voice.

3. Listen to the song and play along with it. Play the song, and sing a few words every so often. Gradually increase the amount of words you are singing until you can sing the entire song.

Good Luck.

johntherevelator · Post by **johntherevelator** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 8:27 pm

gravedigger wrote:
firedancer86 wrote:It might sound funny, but in the beginning, I just got to where I could blurt out some noises resembeling the lyrics with the right melody...that, and singing alot withought the guitar will always help to (but that is for when you just want to get better at singing, not to play it at the same time)..if any of that sounds good, then cool...if none of this makes sense, then lol
yes, good advice. first try humming the melody with the song, cause even that's tough at first. when you can hum the melody and not get your fingers in a knot, than you can try to bring in the lyrics. It takes time. most Dave songs are tough like that. Don't Drink The Water is one of the easier ones, though. so is I'll Back You Up. I still can't sing and play Proudest Monkey

i can now sing and play so much to say at the same time
you will be hearing this shortly

KevinGTArch · Post by **KevinGTArch** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 1:11 am

There really is no "trick" about playing and singing at the same time. It's just like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time - doing two things at once.

I know we all want a quick easy to to be able to play a DMB song (or any song) and sing it at the same time but there isn't.

PRACTICE!

Play the song and listen to it until you're sick of it (this will happen on songs that are more difficult than others). Just be willing to put a lot of time and effort into it and don't be discouraged if it sounds horrible the first time. It will get easier and easier as you go.

PRACTICE!

Kev

Iceman25 · Post by **Iceman25** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 8:59 am

I've always had a hard time singing and playing and would just kind of give up when it got to frustrating, but to hear the responses on this thread are comforting. The advice you guys have layed out there is great, Thanks (even though i didn't post the question) and this thread is just another prime example of how helpful this site. Thanks guys!!!

sable · Post by **sable** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:49 am

i usually never have problems with this but Loving Wings is giving me a LOT of trouble. don't think i'll ever get it

gravedigger · Post by **gravedigger** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 2:01 pm

sable wrote:i usually never have problems with this but Loving Wings is giving me a LOT of trouble. don't think i'll ever get it

no shit, right? for a simple song, its a fucking bitch to sing to! Its so nice of a song, I wanna learn it. Proudest Monkey is like that too.

Jonny B Good · Post by **Jonny B Good** » Sun Feb 16, 2003 6:47 pm

I've often found that when I'm somewhat comfortable playing a song...I'll almost "talk" out the lyrics as I go - not really concentrating on tone or pitch or anything. This helps me get the timing down and keep a steady rhythm...after this..just practice and practice

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Any tip or trick to singing and playing at the same time?

Any tip or trick to singing and playing at the same time?

Re: Any tip or trick to singing and playing at the same time