Is there a trick to singing while playing the piano or guitar at the same time? Seems like so much is going on

Answer 1

The best advice I ever heard on this was at a guitar workshop held by an Australian guitarist called Tommy Emmanuel. He said: 'you are not holding or playing an instrument, you are holding another voice and harmonising with it.' Wow. It helped me get so much more out of playing the guitar, because treating it like a 'person' means you're more comfortable about adding bits and pieces and little nuances while you sing. It was great advice.

I don't play the piano, but I guess his principle might apply generally - the keys are a miniature choir at your fingertips.

Try and see this guy live if he ever comes to your part of the world, his skills are dazzling, and he's funny as hell.

Answer 2

Practice.

I find if I know the words dead on without having to read them, I can play piano or guitar and sing. But if I'm learning the words as I go along, while playing...not so easy.

Answer 3

Practice is key. It's not as hard when you know your instrument well

Answer 4

It just takes practice.