8 Tips For Singing & Playing Guitar - Guitar Lesson

In this guitar lesson, we're joined by Chelsea Amber to talk about one of the most asked questions from guitarists. Singing while playing your guitar can be extremely challenging and seem nearly impossible at first. However, there are a few key things you can do to make singing while playing guitar a lot easier.
Try implementing some of these tips into your practice time. Be patient, and with some consistency and hard work you'll find yourself singing and playing in no time.
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:42 SEPARATE THE CHALLENGES
1:05 KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL PARTS WELL
1:57 KEEP IT SIMPLE
3:40 KEEP THE STRUMMING PATTERN SEPARATED
6:52 LOOK FOR QUEUES
9:25 SIMPLE EXERCISE
10:21 BE AWARE OF THE BEAT
11:17 RECORD YOURSELF
Chelsea's KZbin, Facebook and Website:
► / chelseaambermusic
► / chelseaambermusic
►www.chelseaamber.com/
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#guitarlesson #guitarplayer #guitareo

[@MusoraMedia]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Guitareo! ► guitareo.com/trial

[@frankjames6771]

I've been playing and singing solo quite a few years now. It is difficult, way more difficult than people give it credit for. So for those of you that are just learning don't let anybody discourage your process.

[@MusoraMedia]

I hear you. I'm terrible at it but I really don't work on it. It's a great skill.

[@vibonacci]

When the strumming pattern isn't 'really simple', like full quarters or full 8ths, and the pattern doesn't really match the vocal rhythm, then it becomes difficult.

[@hallofshame6112]

Agree your style is unique

[@dennismercer44]

As A 72 year old beginner, this site is great. it has helped me deal with the fear of starting to learn.

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

I'm so glad we got to share these tips! Let us know if you have any more questions about singing and playing guitar. Happy music making!

[@sagarmrao6861]

You've got a beautiful voice

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

Aw thanks so much!

[@houdoozie]

Chelsea Amber thank you so much I'm only 11 and had been trying to form a band and this helped me so much because I only have 3 other members who don't really sing and I love to sing but I also love to play guitar, and admire your playing you helped me a lot

[@neilxify]

One comment on the 1/8 notes strum you used. It wasn’t simple. You added stress on notes the imaginary drummer in your head was playing on his bass and snare drums. And yes, it sounded really good👍.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@ChelseaAmberMusic So you have to do the Singing & Strumming separately a Capella just before they come together. The most interesting thing is that singing and playing an instrument at the same time is the easiest with very simple songs such as this one:kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZylop-LqbiDbqc but as we go to rock songs it'll get harder but you're right it does get easier w/ practice & alot more fun.

[@mattb4576]

My advice, just keep going. I started 4 years ago, i had never sung or played an instrument. My first song was knocking on heavens door thought it impossible. Now i can finger pick and sing most songs.

[@DavidLaFerney]

That's the best tip - don't give up. It might take many tries, but eventually you'll do it and think "that wasn't too embarrassing at all." First song that I learned to sing and play - Marguritaville.

[@lindathompson195]

Thank you. I'm 70 and just started singing in public. Solo. My voice is always been week but I kept practicing and it has become stronger. I play and sing at the same time. I am also really just learning how to play the guitar also.I try to play Carolina in my mind. Jolene. Applejack. And some older songs. By the Forrester sisters. I keep trying different things. Thank you for your tips. Very helpful.

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

Linda, that's great that you're starting to play in public! You're right that practice makes your voice stronger. There's a great channel called Verba Vocal that has a ton of singing exercises and warm-ups to help strengthen your voice even more. Great song selection, by the way!

[@houdoozie]

God bless you! I hope you do great and do your best

[@jameslester3800]

Great advice! It is so important to practice with a metronome and to record yourself so that you can listen back and check for timing and pitch errors. A couple of songs that I am struggling to play and sing at the same time are All of Me and It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).

[@egbun]

Chelsea has a great voice and is an excellent explainer, too. Lucky Nate! I’m learning to play/sing Landslide now (Fleetwood Mac). Other recent favs are Try and Catch the Wind, and Starry Starry Night. I’m not even close to Chelsea's league in terms of vocal gifts, though. If I can just stay on pitch throughout, it’s a big victory.

[@krishnamahadev4208]

Thank you so much for those tips...one thing i love about you guys is that you share your skills and tips...which is not very forthcoming from where i come...most singers musicians never like to share their knowledge....also music teachers drag the lessons and students start getting bored quickly for someone who is self taught watching youtube i am so thankful for people like you....Keith Urban being no1...who said just play

[@ethantanatsiwasesedza8305]

Thank you Nate and Chelsea for this tutorial. I thought that the hardest part was learning how to play the guitar and somehow you just blend it with singing. But I have come to learn that it is a skill that needs to be worked on and developed intentionally 😅 So the lesson really helped tons 🙌🏿

[@jonesey65244]

Nate. I have a tendency to read more into things, but I think I have it right this time. When Chelsea sings, plays, and speaks, your admiration and love for her just shines right out. Thanks to both of you for another great video.

[@PocariRamune]

Priceless tips. Thank you so much.

[@Jaahysquashy]

Ive been wandering back to this video alot recently, its one of the best interpretations of this song I've seen. Only just realized it's got just over 400 views, crazy. Keep doing you man you're doing great Also thanks for the tuning in your other comment!

[@robertseabrooke]

Yep learning to play and sing at the same time is really difficult. I feel like doing 2 things at the same time feels impossible. However I am still working on playing and singing Brown Eye Girl. Thanks for the tips!

[@alienlipstickfire4348]

You can do it!! Are you able to sing Brown Eyed Girl while playing guitar now?

[@kordellcurl7559]

One more tip that I can think of is to try to play with a radio or your recording of singing and try playing to the music

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@mr.mayhem3655]

That was very helpful ! Thank you very much

[@elizabethgil4135]

Yes! I’ve been doing that and I believe it helps

[@libertyfighter1]

awesome tips i been through all tips and still working and getting better your video help me stay on track

[@sharonschober414]

This was such a helpful video thank you so much

[@heatherlynn5887]

Thank y'all!🎉

[@JonesJr876]

The tip to play at a bpm faster, so that you have the skillset to play it faster, so it's more relaxed at normal tempo - it's really good. It's really good & smart tip. I was expecting her to say because nerves on stage will affect our tempo. lol.

[@jo287]

Scale from 1 to 10 for Chelsea Amber's guitar skills, result is over 10 known as 20 out of 10. By the way, that's the best blue nail polish from Chelsea Amber I ever seen since blue is my favorite color.

[@jo287]

This just in. Chelsea Amber & her acoustic guitar make a great rhythm team.

[@44scoots]

Fantastic video, thanks!!! (Nate you are one lucky man!)

[@theseeker6097]

Fantastic lesson guys!

[@mihaiscarlatescu6597]

GREAT LESSON. THANK YOU.

[@ChacoOutdoorsman]

I played a little in highshool. Stated again a month ago and am practicing some classic songs like knocking on heavens door, creep, sound of silence, hotel California. Right know i started with knocking on heavens door and concentrating on that. Thanks for the tips

[@avk91]

A rare one this! Super tips! God bless you both. Thanks a life!

[@MusoraMedia]

Sultans!

[@victoriadathan2675]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful for me to learn how to sing and play at the same time! I'm learning to play guitar and sing "He Wants It All" by Forever Jones.

[@TsewangDiki]

love how Nate is so proud of Mrs Savage. super cute both of ya.

[@charlesdowens]

Thank you!!

[@emmanuelgalvez7782]

Your are awesome, and the tips was very useful

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

One of the best videos out there on the subject. I’d say get the music KZbinr Justin’s 8 steps and then these steps as well and as long as you practice you’ll be just fine. Thanks!

[@stephenwhite9534]

Thanks for this have been putting off trying,but want to be able to perform colours by Donovan at my local acoustic club, these tips have encouraged me to start trying. Thanks great lesson as usual.

[@ghromm1]

Nice vid! I'm learning to sing and play Knocking on Heavens Door at the moment!

[@sujayanarula3913]

Wonderful, I have not tried much on this, it seems bit more of a challenge. Since I have started both together. Fantastic tips, thanks to both of you😃👏. I really like Chelsea Amber's Guitar a lot, pls give me more details on it as am looking for a finger style Guitar.

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

Glad you like the guitar! It is a Canadian-made Simon and Patrick guitar. You can have a look at their website www.simonandpatrick.com/guitars.htm to see their selection. I wish you all the best in your search for a guitar!

[@erdogan330]

great video thank you

[@3335pooh]

great tips

[@mrhartley85]

This is excellent

[@michellesamia4831]

Ang Huling El Bimbo and Passenger Seat is my First Beginner music.. You’re both cool in giving advices through singing while playing guitar especially the girl with natural curly like me very inspirational it seems she is loving her groove with guitar. Very passionate! I do really aspire to learn this technique. Send me blessings! Hihihihi 💛✌🏻😉

[@nikrock7087]

Thank you! 🙏🙌

[@elizabethgil4135]

Thank you! Ok, I was trying to learn to do both. Play and sing...I feel less pressure 😂 thank you...I’m a beginner and I love love to spend time practicing now! I appreciate your tips🙏🦋I’m learning “house of the rising sun” at the moment but there are so many songs ! is it harder to learn. Multiple songs at once?

[@richievdang]

Fantastic video ❤

[@richievdang]

Playing and singing “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie

[@breehaskell45]

You can tell they adore each other ❤️

[@samlelowitch]

Very helpful.

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

I'm so glad!

[@amalsatheesh2952]

😊

[@leroyyoakam]

great job

[@ranbummerz729]

you're both so talented

[@momouwu1937]

This video should be more noticed and get more likes.

[@VINuraka]

I just chanced up on this video. Of yours and it's very helpful... I've recorded myself singing arms of Love, come ye sinners and let it be by caedmons call

[@runplatypus]

Yes! A few weeks more and i can sing and play Wonderwall at the same time. 🤟🏼

[@samtony611]

Lol. I learnt to play guitar for the exact same reason as you Chelsea. Thought I was the only one...silly me.

[@donlittlejones3925]

Great info guys. I am " attempting " A Simple Twist of Fate " on my 12 string in Open D. Yikes!!

[@paulrossouw5722]

Yeah, THANK you both for this video. Got some things to try out now and work on. I now know how to practice and get bootie and the blow fish, let her cry to sound a bit better😁

[@paulrossouw5722]

Lol Hootie 🤣

[@ChelseaAmberMusic]

LOL!

[@freakturner6757]

What can i say, good lesson!

[@yudipitre5720]

Love this lesson. I am a beginner and that is the song I am practicing now. So this was so helpful. Thank you Your wife sings beautiful you guys are a cute couple. 😍 Excellent lesson. Hope we see you again on his channel. Your husband is an great teacher.

[@angelangel-li9yd]

You guys amazing thank you for the tips. Easy thumbs up and subscribe on my end. Im learning to play heading south by Zach bryan. This video helps alot.

[@becooldontfreez]

Love that CANADIAN made S&P guitar... I have one too, its the only one I have and I love it..

[@shalenigma]

Thank u! This is soo helpful! Im trying the sing and play the song “ rewrite the stars” from the movie The greatest showman.

[@linerobidas5420]

I am working on "black bird" from the Beattles... maybe too hard for a first sing and play?

[@nickmoore4880]

Number 4 is for real!

[@manuelplanchart306]

I am learning Here Comes the Sun. For me it is very difficult to play and sing at the same time.

[@steveg43uk]

My granddaughter sings in pubs on there open mic nights. My goal is to play guitar with her. I'm learning hallelujah. Would love a jess9n on this tune ty

[@dylanizer100]

Hi Nate, are you playing a Taylor 314ce? thx

[@the360strategist8]

you guys are great!! what a couple... :)

[@MusoraMedia]

Thanks Cj.

[@paulcrooks7612]

You have good taste Nate

[@chuckHart70]

HAHHAAHHAA "Thats super annoying... " Wife looks over "you are super annoying!"

[@mdsamimusic8593]

please make the tutorial for how to find singing voice key for beginners

[@MrsJan1967]

What is the strumming pattern for Star Man by David Bowie, I play quite a few songs but this one for me is a problem drives me nuts.

[@michaelflagulant]

learning a rendition of Nightshift by the commodores.

[@stevenprince9907]

Thank you that was 8 very useful tips. Im trying to learn about 10 songs at the moment. Maybe i should just concentrate on 2 or 3 but im very impatient.

[@stevenprince9907]

In fact one of them is Stand By Me. I would like to put in the base line too. When the night has come ...... 3 base notes... etc

[@MusoraMedia]

Those 2 or 3 will build a lot of skills you need to learn the others quicker.

[@Kevinschart]

the most important this is to not give up. if you keep trying you will get it 100% of the time.

[@PhilosTheCat]

I'm trying to learn how to play earth angle by marvin berry & the starlighters

[@Larrymh07]

Good lesson. "To teach is to learn twice." Chinese proverb

[@clxuddymusic3658]

i am new to both singing and playing but i want to play black honey by thrice

[@peterdenis8098]

Pick a song that tells a story begining middle and ending. Get into the story or messge. Not, hot for teacher by van Halen but a good Dylan tune like tangled up in blue. Paints a picture in your mind.helps you feel and believe in what your singing.

[@ryanbright7496]

I'm trying to learn to play and sing "The Old Rugged Cross."

[@ryanbright7496]

I've gotten it down!

[@jasper_north]

Also consider playing without a pick and flick your pointy finger..also a good way of strumming.Like this your thumb can do the bass.

[@krazykatanaa]

I'm trying out perfect by Ed Wish me luck bros

[@amalsatheesh2952]

Your couple is really adorable

[@kkdeveauxgue2784]

If your a live player,learn how to play live chords,simplify your chords,and forcus on the singing

[@leniasmr__]

Okay you're telling me this is not Liza Koshy in eight years

[@Subhabrata]

Only the persistent ones are rewarded.

[@solomonemergokiggundu21]

❤

[@bobbymcgee5636]

Hi I’m Bobby and I am currently learning to play and sing ‘On The Beach’ by Chris Rea. Any advice?

[@singandplaytoday]

There's a great bit of syncopation in "On the Beach", which would make it fairly intermediate. Is this one of the first songs you're learning to sing and play?

[@Red-sh8wl]

Hi Mrs. Savage 🙂

[@gregoryhaik535]

Super cool lesson thank you so much ! Now next step is how to apply proper vocal technique (breath support, open throat etc) while playing guitare... How to avoid my vocal technique to simply move from a intermediate level singer with band/backing track down to a total beginner with instrument in hand... Up for a lesson about this ? 🙂

[@singandplaytoday]

Still working on this, Gregory?

[@gregoryhaik535]

@@singandplaytoday absolutely!

[@singandplaytoday]

​ @Gregory Haik Would love to know what you would like to learn from the singing perspective. Shoot me a message and we'll chat. I specialize in this stuff!

[@liamdahal3527]

How do you know when to change chords while playing and singing? Do we have memorize every word of an entire song where chord shifting takes place? Sometimes I also have problem with when to start singing while I'm strumming? It's effing confusing 😞 Please help.

[@DavidLaFerney]

After a while (not all that long) you can hear when you need to change chords. Whatever song you are working on try staying on the same chord too long while you sing - you'll hear it. With a little practice you "hear" it in your mind even when you aren't singing.

[@daponygang]

3rd video, it's past midnight, so far im getting "Just do it ya bum" so ig i will lol

[@fardinrakin9468]

When I start to play song and guitar together....my singing dies I mean instantly it shuts but the guitar playing holds its place.... I am having very rough time with this issue...

[@singandplaytoday]

Are you still struggling with adding in the singing?

[@liamdahal1734]

Is it possible that I become a master of rhythm guitar but cannot sing while playing, just because I never worked on it? Do I really need to work on it seperately? Or will it happen itself one day as I keep playing?

[@MusoraMedia]

I'd say that you need to intentionally work on it.

[@davkenrem]

You are blessed to have such a wonderfully talented a beautiful wife. Great information!!

[@MusoraMedia]

Yes indeed!

[@jeff7764]

I’ve always been baffled how Chris Hannah of Propagandhi plays the intricate riffs and sings their clever and intricate arrangements. It’s hard to even sing along to some of their stuff. I can’t comprehend that? I can barely strum and hold a tune on my guitar. The second I go to sing everything turns to shit 😂🤣😂

[@jonwasagrrl]

Take on me

[@aryann9673]

currently trying the kill acoustic version 30stm. also I'm a horrible singer :p

[@EatGardenEat]

Knockin on heaven's door

[@naota888]

#666 to like the vid. That's neat. Good vid too.

[@JustRockIt141]

I am pretty confused on should I buy the guitareo subscribe or the guitar system

[@nickmoore4880]

I got the Guitar System a couple years ago and it's a really good value. It's helped me out a few times when I'm sick of everything I've been playing and I need to learn a new concept.

[@nickmoore4880]

Just keep in mind that the Guitar System doesn't get updated - at least it hasn't since I bought it. But there is a ton of stuff in there as it is.

[@donfreeman686]

You are a lucky man.

[@zoenandal2327]

Revelation song

[@bballer7583]

Lol thank god im not the only one who cant multitask like this😅

[@wilfredvicens3730]

the rivers of babylon

[@nicola.terraroli]

oreo when?😂

[@titzit4754]

Down,down up !down up -down up....down down up..up down up. Down....down...up up down updown...I give up.