It is no secret that singing and playing guitar at the same time is a much-coveted skill. Nonetheless, many guitarists will attest to the fact that much of it remains a mystery. Notably, a good sense of timing and the ability to keep up with the rhythm is essential. That is similar to having the aptitude to synchronize two different actions. However, all this can be mastered just like everything else you learn about playing the guitar. For a beginner, it would be best to learn how to play guitar and before practicing how to play and sing simultaneously. Otherwise, you can use the following tips to obtain proficiency.
Master the guitar part
When learning to play along with a song, get to grips with the guitar part first. This includes listening to the tuned of the song and possibly trying to play along with the original recording. Of course, you can be able to notice the guitar tunes in a song as an instrumentalist. That will give you a good sense of when chord switches and when to strum in harmony with the lyrics. In case you struggle with any particular part, work on it until you get it right.
Start with a simple song
It is vital to start with a simple song regardless of whether or not you are an experienced guitarist. Do not forget that the main aim is building up the ability to multitask and not trying to prove that you are a superhuman. Playing a hard song on guitar while singing along will prove futile at the start. Instead, choose a song with three or four chords. Know the song in terms of where the specific chords appear. In a nutshell, try getting familiar with the melody and inflections. Sing over the record and practice as many times as possible.
Practice with a metronome
To have better timing and rhythm, it will be best to practice using the metronome. Even though it may feel a bit deterring, the metronome will make you a more consistent player. This instrument provides a steady beat that helps a guitar player keep up with the rhythm timings of a song as you play. Spending ten minutes every day practicing a simple strumming pattern with a metronome will be helpful to master the beats. You will notice significant advances in your timing within a few weeks.
Know the syllables when the chords switch
Discover when certain syllables of a word are sung and play the correct notes. This is part of what it takes to learn how to play the guitar and sing at the same time. It mainly includes listening to the song severally and noticing different syllables in each word. Syllables are distinctive sounds that create words phonetically. Knowing the exact syllables in the lyrics helps in playing along with the chords in a song.
Hum the vocal melody while you play guitar
You can ease the process of singing and playing the guitar by humming the melody of a song. It will make you focus more on the notes and individual chords and play along with them more easily. Also, it makes you memorize the melody more so that you can freely and perfectly play along with the tone.