[ForeverDecember]

Did anyone else have trouble stumming different patterns and singing at the same time when they first started out? My playing goes to a very simple strum when i sing, I just can't seem to make my hand do one thing and my mouth do another when I'm playing! If I take the singing out I can do many different strumming patterns, but as soon as I start to sing I will lose the rhythm...is this a normal beginner thing?

[krissovo]

I found the same until I went busking and found out the hard way how the pattern changed. I now learn a song right from start by sing and strumming along at the same time and I find that it takes longer to get the rhythm but once I have it I can maintain my singing and strum.

[cshude]

A lot depends on the song as well. Some songs (something like "Margaritaville") can be very easy, but others that seem to defy all practice! For a difficult (for me, at least) song, I will typically play it without singing until I have it down pat, then I'll work on adding the singing. Sometimes I can hum the melody with no problem and it's only when I try to sing the words that I goof up. I think krissovo's suggestion is a very good one, though.

[vee]

I think it's natural to encounter that imbalance when singing and trying to play rhythm. Instead of singing, try humming the melody while strumming the pattern you want and build from that.

Have fun,

Vee

[RichM]

Originally Posted by ForeverDecember

Did anyone else have trouble stumming different patterns and singing at the same time when they first started out? My playing goes to a very simple strum when i sing, I just can't seem to make my hand do one thing and my mouth do another when I'm playing! If I take the singing out I can do many different strumming patterns, but as soon as I start to sing I will lose the rhythm...is this a normal beginner thing?

Yes, every beginner goes through this. Have patience, it all comes together...