How To Sing and Play Guitar At The Same Time

[@hershellumiere]

She’s doing the thing guys. The hypnosis with the guitar and talking bit.

[@wfhaselbarg]

Wow!! the combination of you explaining "talking" and singing your song is really brilliant! You should keep them combined this way

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

Great video. Your so talented. I try to think of it as one. Muscle memory helps me fumble along as well. What blows me away is when I'm watching Geddy Lee playing three lines at once, singing, bass line on his foot pedal's and a keyboard. Crazy!

[@seanbaines]

There's a reason people call him one of the best.

[@biffmalibu666]

As a bassist, I struggle with this immensely. BTW, that Fender sounds great!

[@PhillipAlcock]

That’s my problem too. Singing when playing guitar is usually no problem, but when playing bass…!

[@jamesstonehouse3448]

Same, I think it has something to do with the bass being so far outside the vocal register

[@scottkidwell3601]

I have issues playing bass and singing lead vocals, yet I have few issues with backing vocals. I think it's partly the difference in rhythm and timing of playing and singing. No issues with guitar and singing for almost 40 years. That seems pretty natural

[@biffmalibu666]

My issues come with thinking melodically while singing, and then thinking rhythmically on bass. Kinda like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time.

[@jed1166]

Yep… I am a decent singer with the guitar, but tragic with the bass. Don’t know how Geddy and Ben Orr did it?

[@robertgoyette5863]

GREAT video and topic mary! my tips from 10 years of playing+singing (after 13 years of trying and giving up) -understand youll sound terrible for the first 2 years. if you can commit to that youll make progress with way less pressure on yourself. -start SIMPLE. even if youve been playing or singing separately for years, start learning with as simple songs as possible-songs with only 2 (horse w/ no name etc) or 3 chords max. -IMO playing and singing at the same time is the equivalent of learning a whole new instrument and thats how you should expect to progress. just because you could sing and play guitar separately you wouldnt automatically assume you could learn piano or drums from scratch in a few weeks and thats the same kind of expectation you need for learning to play and sing simultaneously. -start SLOWWWWWWWW dont try and jump in at the record tempo. if your using a metronome dont go above 100 bpm and its fine if you have to go as slow as 50 or 25. similarly pick slow songs its much easier to learn to play and sing something like moon river than ace of spades. -Learn songs by singer/guitarists first. These have the natural advantage that theyre already designed to do both simultaneously and youll learn/notice little tricks others have put in their songs to make them easier. -Learn from the simplest version of the song as possible. learn songs that already have solo accoustic covers online that way youre not sabotaging yourself by trying to bring in complex lead lines -FINALLY TRANSCRIBE the songs yourself. once youve got tabs videos recordings etc. write down the lyrics+chords together yourself like you would an original song. this will help you learn from your own interpretation of the song instead of trying to translate someone elses.

[@exquisiteoath]

I watch a lot of music education conent, several hours every day. This is easily one of the best lessons I have seen. That whole idea of thinking about the audience experience is so important and so often missed. Thank you Mary.

[@ellenfoley3271]

You have the most beautiful voice! I love the acoustic guitar and wish I could play. Don’t ever quit, you have such a gift.

[@Six3rdy]

Mad props for giving props. But don't act like ya can't do it too. Lol. All ya need to get as far as you want to go on acoustic guitar (or any instrument......or any _thing_ , really, now that I think of it 🤔) is three things: 1) An interest (it doesn't matter how big it is, just that it's genuine) 2) A willingness to work hard and/or consistently (I say "and/or" because sometimes you gotta work smarter, not harder; you don't need Fretboard Logic so you can play the songs you enjoy) 3) A path (this is where I think you might be tripped up; you got the other two, but you can't see how to get there) A good budget acoustic guitar, a Hal Leonard Guitar Method Complete Edition book, a tuner, a music stand, and a passion for what you want will take you farther than you'd think possible. If you want it, consider it got. Lol. 👍

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I was asked to lead Praise and Worship at church and needed an electric acoustic and played many and ended up buying the Highway Mahogany Dreadnought guitar and I am so impressed.

[@giovannipepe5945]

Great vid thank you👍. I'm an amateur keyboard player. During a piano lesson a couple of weeks ago my teacher made me have a conversation with him whilst I was trying to master a walking bass on my left hand. It was making my little bird sized brain work at full pelt but I found it was an excellent method for absorbing the musical information. 🙂

[@MDG509_]

I also try to internalise the rhythm and find where the chord changes/hand position changes line up with the vocals. Great video!

[@TheAxeman2112]

I commend you for this video. I would recommend this to anyone who is ready to make that transition to add singing to playing and even playing to singing. The tips are spot on and your presentation is genius with ur song behind it. You have a voice that is as beautiful as you are. I wish you continued success and thanks again for such an informative video.

[@chrisscharenbroch5961]

Love the sound that you're getting from this acoustic and the Fender Tone Master Pro, you really have it dialed in nicely, love the chord progression as well. You're brilliant Mary, always love listening too you !

[@taylormedia1000]

I love the talk/play.

[@tomisham9900]

I love Fender Highway Series and the Acoustasonic Telecaster & Stratocasters.

[@drewsacks]

Great video Mary, Perfect example for me is learning to play Friday I'im In Love by the Cure. The verses feel quite comfortable. Then you get to the bridge "Dressed up to the eyes, it's aa wonderful surprise, to see your shoes and your spirits rise." Several long verses in a row like that. When I get to that point it sort of falls apart. Phoebe Bridgers covered it (slow), David Gray and a few others as well. That's a perfect example of where I'd need to break the parts down..... especially with so many words plus the chord changes. Good example of a place to apply that. Thanks for the video.

[@cbinckley]

Hi Mary! I generally prefer much noisier music - prog, grunge, punk, classic rock - but your guitar playing is quite relaxing, and your voice is SO beautiful! Thanks for this video. Singing while playing has always been very hard for me, and you provided some great guidance for my practice. ❤

[@rkoblues24]

I like your honest remark about the Acoustasonic not soundbite an acoustic guitar but the new Highway series is close. Thanks for another good one.

[@brucelittle3958]

Love the guitar tone, Mary!

[@scottkidwell3601]

Thank you, Mary Seems like that new Fender would make a good traveling/ jam guitar when packing a full-size acoustic would be cumbersome. As far as singing and playing, I grew up listening to folk and solo artists in the early 70s. I just thought that was how it was done. I learned to sing by singing along with my mom singing along with vinyl records. I picked up the guitar around 15 years old, and knew it was the right thing for me. I struggle a lot singing lead and playing bass, yet backing vocals are rarely an issue.

[@priitriisman5381]

This topic could not have come at a better time. I'm gonna be singing and playing by myself at a concert all right before christmas. Thank you!

[@Paulie8K]

Awesome! Ive been singing and playing for years and knowing how to play and sing a song separately is key so that way combining both parts is more seamless. Playing songs with simpler progressions help a ton too so thay way you're aren't wrapped up trying work through a super complicated pattern as a beginner.

[@InventorZahran]

This is all great advice! I've found that songs which have more time between chord changes are easier to get started singing and playing, since you can keep the rhythm going without having to worry about switching chords every measure.

[@garyhalllive]

Started listening because of curiosity about the guitar, but enjoyed the light and airy vocal parts. Thanks!

[@johnkruton9708]

Darn it Mary! Now I have to buy another guitar and work on my “Mary had a little lamb” . 😂🎉😊 Your comment about playing to a click and being in time is spot on. All of us prior junior high through high school players that did all the styles, stage, jazz, marching band remember the importance of being in time and on time. Nothing like being told you had to play the 2nd harmony counter part because you could read music better and stay in time with rests and not be having to stay with the major parts. Thanks for all you put on YT for us to enjoy.

[@albertlopez2237]

This helps me appreciate what I am able to do as an ok guitar player bassing that on growing up in the 80s . Singing and playing guitar just came natural I never had to think about it. I get frustrated cause I never obtained the flashiness of a guitar player I wanted to be.

[@AndyCopps]

Lovely way to demonstrate playing and singing by playing and talking. Very cool. Thanks.

[@cfusilier2]

I’ve been mostly a full-time drummer for quite a while, but started as a wind player, then became a guitarist and pseudo-singer. I view the voice not unlike another limb, and in the realm of building limb independence as with drumming. You nailed it with taking it slow, being confident that each limb can work on it’s own, and gradually bringing it together.

[@michaellaverty1844]

Very cool I must say. Great video, such soulful playing and singing. Well done Mary👍🏻

[@MrXyzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

For those of you who don't play and sing at the same time... the natural talking while playing that riff is super hard. It is much ,uch harder than singing a song which fits with the guitar playing. Yeah so some songs you need to parctice hard to get the singing and guitar to match up, but the talking is totally independent of any rhythm and any melody. I'm really impressed.

[@Ripperx121]

Ya know... I have been looking at these for a month now. I have not played out since the late 90's / early 2000's. I played out 2 times a week just open mic nights I am in my mid 50's. I met so many people and they used to come to my house and jam. I have been looking at this guitar for a while now. Mary, I respect you the most as independent "KZbin" sensation. It was "Sultans of Swing" that made me say "WHOI IS THIS?" No one really says these are bad guitars on reviews (Exlucding mean comments that Fender sucks). Then Mary pops on my feed with it. And honestly the Mexico vs USA doesn't even faze me anymore. I think you have convinced me. They are only 999.00 in the US. That's nothing! I am going to use this guitar to play some open mics again. If I buy it I have to go and do it. That's the rules! 😀My best friend died a few years ago now. We where brothers not friends and I miss the old days sooooooo much. I met him in the lunch room in 10th grade. I'm doing this! There is no HIGH in the world that beats rocking a song and watching the crowd love it! None and I have tried a few I grew up in the 80's. 😛

[@TribalGuitars]

Great video as always, Mary. "Happy Birthday" is a great song for people to start with because pretty much everyone knows it. "The Alphabet Song" is great too because they can play the matching chord through G and then start the chords over or do the minor versions, and then repeat til you run out of letters and chords, or just keep going til your fingers bleed and your voice goes horse. Ok, don't do that last part. But there are tons of 3 & 4 chord songs that they can sing in a drunken sleep.

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

That's a great tip. -Sing a song you know in your sleep. And playing the matching chords to the alphabet song is kind of genious. Thanks!

[@8Phoenix8]

Thanks for this video 👍🏾 I’m getting ready for a show singing and playing my Cello :)

[@davedavem]

Loving your album! 🙌

[@DafyddBrooks]

This video is the reason I'm subscribed :)

[@TheTMontgomery]

Fender should really give you an artist model.I watched the reviews and was not impressed until you gave your approval.I hope fender appreciates your influence.

[@garydavis9294]

It is good to see someone playing a fender. I'm a beginner of three yr. And I have fender Redondo no one knows anything about them or ever seen one

[@jvblhc]

I remember when I was "so much young than today", I surprised one of my best friends by singing and playing The Beatles "Day Tripper" at the same time. Years later, I still have a little trouble with "Here Comes The Sun" but I am almost there!

[@FreddyJ120]

Love the bit about making videos of yourself, Mary - I’ve begun doing that to check how I’m doing. The presentation bit is often neglected, and I’m as guilty as the next person. Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@foobadooz]

This is a really cool tutorial by example!! Super impressive💪🔥

[@umbertoyltp]

Very useful training! I outsourced the singing part 😂

[@terrysbookandbiblereviews]

I feel like what you are saying could apply to playing Bass and other instruments too. For me it’s easier to play Guitar and sing but playing Bass and singing is difficult when playing finger style. This is one of my favorite videos that you have made! Please make more videos like this? That guitar looks and sounds amazing!

[@jakejudy5455]

It can definitely be challenging to be abel to play more difficult songs and have full control of the voice at the same time. John Mayer is also my biggest influence and singing and playing songs such as no such thing and why georgia have proved to be challenging. Im currentley working on playing the chorus of stop this train. So far the verse has been the trickiest part to play. To anyone struggling keep working away and you will eventually get to where you want to be.

[@leonardallen7380]

You play absolutely Brilliant you sing absolutely Brilliant loved it 🎵 🎶 💜 absolutely beautiful 🎶 🎵 💜

[@2na-phish]

Roy Clark was a monster player and singer but admitted in an interview he could never do both at the same time. he would turn his volume down on his guitar when singing and kind of move his hands around then roll the volume up and make crazy faces when he was soloing and roll it off and start singing again. i am in that group of players (without the great singing ability).

[@Priest___]

Holy. Your voice is incredible.

[@DanielLDavis-df3uy]

well done, thank you. I have only one bit of advice. A wise person once told me that, "practice makes permanent." If you practice incorrectly, then it will always be incorrect. Therefore, practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent. Love your videos, thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.

[@Dthraco]

That jam! Soooooo good

[@christopherkahn6522]

This guitar really sounds great and so does your voice.

[@johndelong7795]

I've never had a problem with it but I'm glad you could help some people do it!

[@martinthompson2425]

So….the very first time you tried singing and playing at the same time, you were immediately great at it? I’ll have what you’re having. No, never mind. I’ve practiced a lot and have become pretty good at it over time. I’m aware that some folks catch on to new stuff more quickly than others, but…

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Absolutely great video! Glad I found you…you are a complete inspiration and tremendous artist…thanks for sharing. Be safe.. Cheers..

[@Tim.R.McDonald]

I rented the telecaster version of that guitar style. The things I liked about it were that it still produced a decent amount of sound (not as much as a full acoustic) while not plugged in. It allowed me to play longer than on my acoustic because the strings were lighter. Having not played in about 5 years, it really ramped up my ability to play again. I think it is all personal preference. If the guitar was $500 less I would have bought myself one.

[@georgep6694]

Love your videos

[@johnnyfreedom4117]

For myself, easily the most important thing was being able to either sing the song effortlessly, or play the song effortlessly. Then it was much easier to add one or the other. And after a few songs, you're off and running. The odd song can still be a challenge. Took me forever to figure out 'You'll Accompany Me' - Bob Seger. Something about the rhythm was maddening while trying to sing it. There are a few others as well can't recall top of my head....

[@tommygreer9921]

Hi Mary thanks for the video on Fenders new build and your accompanying Beautifull voice cheers

[@jasonmarchant1607]

Talent!

[@TomBaddley]

Great video with excellent tips. I've been working on this very thing for 2.5 years now, and only now feel remotely comfortable singing and playing at the same time. I love this new Highway Series, and can't wait to see how it compares to my Acoustasonic Tele. I've got plans for this years' bonus!

[@jrjazz]

Lovely voice and useful information.

[@benjaminprietop]

that rhythm was so cool, I'll probably have it stuck in my head for the rest of the day xd

[@martymcbride3234]

Thanxs Mary... guitar 🎸 good advice takes awhile to figure out what you just taught 👍

[@kevin45c]

Hi Mary! I learned a lot from this video. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@albloodworth9137]

Great voice!!

[@carolmartin4413]

Great video.

[@Blue.Lightning4]

Truly an excellent video! Well done. And very useful advice.

[@petercurrie3098]

Love ypur videos, thank you 🙏🏼

[@bettyangwenyi1797]

We love you, Mary, no lie.

[@juanarocha8629]

Good advice. Thanks Mary!

[@MrKelly-xv6ot]

You're awesome thank you

[@jaktheknife]

Very enjoyable video Miss Splender I found it very soothing and informative. You have quite a beautiful voice. Thank you. ✌

[@stevanrose7439]

Oh how I wish I could have one of those guitars 🎸 it is so kool. Just like you are Mary.

[@karlcountry2363]

I really enjoy your higher register.

[@jacobfrantzmonster]

Great video really helpful. I struggle to play and sing

[@jacobfrantzmonster]

Great sounding guitar too thanks

[@Soundwrecker]

It's about practicing until it is largely committed to muscle memory. Then you can sing while playing because it doesn't demand your attention. Think of how driving is automatic and you could have a conversation or sing along with the radio while doing it. Same.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Thanks Mary

[@andrus108]

I saw you yesterday in Berlin at Rick's show, in the entrance!

[@mukeshpathak7302]

Notes from the video: 1. Take easy songs in the beginning. Songs with easy chord progressions. Songs that you love. 2. Master each thing seperately. Learn the lyrics by heart. And learn your chord and chord changes till a point, you can switch chords without looking. 3. Timing is super important. It will take time but worth putting the efforts as a musician. Learn to groove. Train the internal body clock 4. Concentrate on each part equally. Don't start the song from the beginning each time. Learn each verse, chorus well. 5. Balance your vocals and guitar. Don't have one too loud. 6. Film yourself. Improve your presence. As a performer it's important for you to make your audience feel comfortable and you can achieve that by only making yourself comfortable and confident first. Film yourself and make sure you're presenting yourself well. (if you see this comment. Can you please leave a reply and ask me if I'm practicing everyday on not 😅 pls)

[@Terry3Gs]

Great video & thanks for the tips Mary !!

[@RonBaker456]

Love the phrasing.

[@aqualung1466]

Excellent tips

[@GiftsofMusicNW]

Beautiful song, and guitar. You said you weren't going to get to the chorus, yet. Did you finish the tune? Would love to hear the full thing.

[@ophremmarophremmar9631]

Yesssss Someone finally to the rescue My fingers are doing well till I open my mouth! My voice is okay till I strum..

[@tonylee9040]

Great video Mary, can I ask if you use standard tuning or alternative tunings?

[@Dave138fb]

that was awesome .......

[@G-Mac-3]

Hello Mary, You Rock

[@keithsmith7229]

I think this is incredible. I have a hard time with this.

[@sgholt]

I struggle with singing, but generally do ok, I work on songs for a long time, trying to get the meter...but a lot of it is the verses, some simple phrases just tie my tongue ..smh ....Thanks Mary, for all you do...everyone should have an acoustic, I lost count of mine....still like electrics :)

[@SurrendertheEctypeofficial]

Impressive work. Keep it up.

[@PanzerAce760]

I'm interested in the parlor highway. Curious what it sounds like in open G and a metal slide.

[@benbadenhorst2423]

Great video!

[@tbatrics]

I took up guitar specifically to have accompaniment for singing. My big issue currently is being heard over the guitar when singing in person.

[@Fourby]

You are a siren! ❤

[@spacemissing]

For some reason I never thought about how to do it --- I just did it. Haven't for so many years now that I'd be hard pressed to play at all, though.

[@MostorAstrakan]

I think the most complicated thing I do is Suzanne Vega's "The Queen and the Soldier". Couldn't say how I do it, I just do. It's a sad story with finger motions at certain syllables. What I absolutely cannot do is talk over even the simplest couple of chords. If you want to be completely humbled, look up James Hill's version of "Billie Jean". He does chords, melody, and percussion on a ukulele, and EXPLAINS what he is doing before singing the part. Yes it's a uke.

[@Aries_Alpha]

Been playing for over 20 years and I can do both over simple chords, fingerpicking and arpeggios but some advanced lead parts get me all mixed up, I lose the melody and the timeing goes out the window, I guess practise makes perfect as long as it's good practice.

[@newearthengineer]

Damn you Mary Spender selling more crack! I already have a Tele-style Acoustasonic and now I *need* whatever that is. BAH! 🤣

[@magnuspahlsson3531]

Have you found Mia Morris music?! She sings, play gitarr, play base and doing some drums with a loop-padel!

[@GuitarNGrillnDad]

I still can’t figure out what this guitar does better than an actual traditional acoustic with a built-in pickup (acoustic-electric). You said it’s “getting close” to sounding like an acoustic - so if that’s the sacrifice (not sounding as good as an acoustic when play acoustically) what’s the upside to it vs an acoustic-electric? I want to like it - I just don’t get it yet.

[@AriaMusicVibe]

Thank you!

[@creativityspeaksmusic]

Gorgeous vocals. What mic are you using??? It captures the warmth of your voice so beautifully.

[@arthurzatarain8062]

That was fun, thanks. But I’m suspecting green screen trick. Is that the same very cool guitar hanging on the wall?

[@mukeshpathak7302]

I struggle in transition of sections like when going from Verse to chorus or vice-versa, how to improve that? Can you pls recommend anything

[@cheribarkman1784]

You are very good.