Tips to Help you SING & STRUM at the Same Time!

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In this video I’ll answer what’s probably the most common question folks send in - how to sing and strum at the same time! This can be enormously difficult, especially as you’re learning new strumming patterns. I’ll share with you the 4-5 most important tips on this topic, each of which I consider essential to include in your practice toolkit.
Video timestamps:
0:52 Examples of this Question
3:02 Isolate
5:50 Simplify
7:22 Slow Down
8:48 Repetition & Consistency
10:10 Playing Along
13:03 Final Advice
🎸 Examples of This Question
Here’s a few example of this question, as sent in by members of the Song Notes community. I’m sharing these because I think it’s helpful for you all to see the exact way people word this question.
The most recent submission was sent in by Bill:
"I really struggle with strumming patterns and keeping time. For example, in your recent song "Don't Think Twice", I have a very difficult time keeping a steady beat tapping my left foot and playing that rather simple strum pattern. I would like to take advantage of the many different strum patterns to enhance the music. But when it comes to singing, changing chords and tapping my foot for the timing. I always seem to end up with a boom chuck or just straight up down strumming with the beat. Can you recommend any exercises to separate my tapping left foot from my right [strumming] hand?"
And another example from Marc:
"I was wondering if you've ever made any lessons about learning how to sing while playing guitar. I didn't find any on your site. I can usually play the more advanced versions of the guitar patterns for your various song lessons. But I'm trying to experiment with singing some of these songs. I have no singing experience whatsoever. When I try to sing and play at the same time, I find it very hard to stop my strumming hand from abandoning the strum pattern and following the rhythm of the words. It's a bit easier with the most simple strum patterns, but still challenging. Anyway, I don't know if this is an issue other people have raised. Maybe you might consider doing a video lesson about it at some point."
And one more, this coming in from Jim:
"I have got the strum pattern and chord changes and lyrics memorized. My current challenge is to actually sing the lyrics while “automatically” strumming and making chord changes. I am struggling a bit with this. I think it is kind of like rubbing your tummy and the top of your head at the same time. I couldn’t find any hints on your website. Anyway any help would be appreciated."
🎸 My Previous Video On This Topic
A few years back, I answered this very same question! There’s definitely a lot of overlap in this older video vs. my new one - but are definitely some unique nuggets in this older clip. So, I’m sharing it here! Check it out if you’re interested. And wow, my beard used to be long! • Q&A: How to sing & str...

[@WahrheitMachtFrei.]

I remember being quite proficient at finger-picking, then tried to sing at the same time... and being surprised that my hands would just stop working as soon as I made a sound with my mouth 😅🤷‍♂️

[@Rain-yh9ws]

Chimp..me 2 except i can't finger pick and wish i could.

[@MichaelJamesGallagherAuthor]

Thank you. I have been noodling for decades and have never been able to get away from it. I will try the tips.

[@MrNimboloojak]

Great tips! Some of which, as a self-educated player, had to hit the wall over and over to finally coming up with a way like simplifying to get things going! Thanks, David! Love your content.

[@DJBartlett66]

Davis, you’re the best. Sometimes singing and playing come easy, sometimes it seems impossible. Thanks for the continued solid advice and guidance!

[@Paul-ei8qt]

Wow, I think this is going to be very helpful. Thank you

[@user-iw3mr2lv6f]

Thanks David some good tips❤

[@StacyAnn456]

I’m a beginner and I struggle with singing while playing. I can’t wait to try these tips! Thanks for the easy to follow video.

[@vickramlalljee4153]

Great teacher thank you Sir

[@Michael777Simmons]

You are always helpful. Thanks

[@loulauer5853]

Great lesson! Thanks.

[@soozshooz]

You’re right, it IS difficult to do all of those things at once. That’s why it kills me when bar owners don’t want to pay & are still doing “Door Deals” or worse, when they cut the pay at the end of the night saying “ Well we had a slow night & you didn’t draw so….” It’s so wrong!

[@adeliaemailnelson136]

super helpful tips. thank you

[@its4yourowngood_yvfw]

You teach in the style i learn. I went to subscribe and i was already....i been missing out for some reason. I came for the " sleeping on the blacktop " lesson. Ty

[@markwhitby9320]

Two thumbs up! Yes, step away and let your brain process the movements until the next day. Works for me.

[@aspenx1304]

This is a great post. I have the same problems 👍

[@barryemerson3526]

Some songs are definitely going to be easier to sing along with than others. Songs that have the lyrics line up with the chord changing will be easier. Bob Dylan songs don’t always do this, so that can make them more challenging. Definitely make sure that you can play the song without having to think about it. Or make sure you have listened to the song enough times that you know the lyrics off by heart, so you can focus on the chord progression. Pretty tough to be able to expect to be able to do both if you haven’t mastered either one.

[@rusty728]

Great advice

[@EatGardenEat]

Thanks!

[@goodknight37]

Great video👍 You have some very useful tips. Thank you

[@songnotes]

You're very welcome!

[@rishirajphookan]

Can yo do a tutorial for "No more cloudy days" by Eagles🙏🙏🙏

[@joachimschoormann4540]

😊

[@freesk8]

Great lesson! Thanks! "Drive" by Incubus is a really hard song to both play and sing. Also "How's it Going to Be" by Third Eye Blind.

[@tedosullivan7888]

Hi David.ihave a real problem using a pick.i listen to strumming so softly and when I try it comes out loud a tinny so I don't use one.any tips. Ted

[@marcoliver625]

Use a really soft pick. Try palm-muting the strings on passages you want subdued and quiet. Try playing the bottom 3 or 4 strings of the chord.

[@krisdaporaristakessian8588]

When ur on G chord 1St measure, at the second measure, second beat i C chords , do you play G to the end and play C on second beat 4/4 time signature , Please help.

[@krisdaporaristakessian8588]

Thanks David, You covered very well.