Playing guitar and singing, WTH?..........

I have never felt so uncoordinated and without a projecting voice than when I am trying to play and sing at the same time. I know it'll come with practice, but does anyone have any tips how to expedite the skill or how to avoid common pitfalls when doing this?

I'm trying to learn a version of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRu-YnpCYGM&feature=related

Just focus first on the rhythm of the vocal and when it coordinates to what your playing on the guitar. I used to just do this in my head. I would play the guitar piece while thinking about the lyrics and its melody.

Then as you find that becomes easier or more intuitive try humming the melody over your playing.

Then try singing.

After a while you not have to do that as your playing rhythm and singing rhythm will naturally separate from each other and become sort of independent. Both voices(guitar and vocals) will be able to work in harmony in your brain.

my vocal melody starts following the bassline too closely. Irritating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rnq_PrFpqo

{NigelTufnel}]Simple lines...intertwining[{NigelTufnel}

in some ways because it requires more vocal control.

make sure you are standing - or if sitting that you are able to breath properly.

make sure you know the guitar part in and out "without looking" - know it really well.
that will enable you to relax when singing.
if you are not relaxed, you won't sing well.

after you know the guitar part in and out, then focus on the lyric/melody.
you can hum/think along if you want, while learning the guitar part, as someone else suggested somewhere up thread.

be really relaxed. and learn each part well. once you know each part well, you CAN relax because you won't have to "think" about the notes.
you can then focus on your performance, phrasing, where to breath, etc....

basically I don't think about my guitar playing at all. All the different approaches to the rhythm are there but I don't think about them unless I'm not singing. It's as if my hands are off doing something else while I sing and that allows me to concentrate and work the vocal intonation into the lyrics. I must say that I started out as a singer and the guitar was just to accompany myself so I don't know if that made a difference. Now as I am getting older my voice isn't what it used to be so I am working more on leads and that sort of thing. Sometimes you have to go with the flow.

It cost me a pretty penny, so the rent isn't low. But, it is worth it!

:evilgrin:
GAC