Playing & singing at the same time. Tips?

[Spudmurphy]

Know both bits inside out - practice chunks at a time.

It's a bitch at first but practice practice practice (to a metronome too may help?)

[GoKart_MoZart]

...practice practice practice...

Amen, brother Spud.

[andynpeters]

Not many of the greats try to play complicated guitar parts & sing at the same time......unless you know different?????? I had the same kind of problem during my bass playing days, the instrument stuff has to be automatic

[Volt]

I remember advice given to me by a VERY talented guitarist friend of mine (Frank Dunch RIP ) many years ago that helped considerably. I was having difficulty singing and playing the "do do do do" syncopated pattern in "Work To Do" by the Average White Band. The "trick" is to NOT think about either your singing or playing. You have to think about them equally and kinda just let it happen.
$0.02.

[Dmanlamius]

I find it pretty easy now. I have a few vids on youtube, if you want to have a look.

To be perfectly honest, it can only be made easy by lots and lots of practise, just as the guys above me said. At first it wasn't easy. Neither was walking. But after time, we can make small breakthroughs...

Start simple and slow at first. Do a basic four note riff, and hum along to what you are playing. Do it really slow, and then slowly build up your speed...

Good luck!

[Stoo]

No particular advice, but...I've found that at the times where I've tried to play and sing--especially in composing bass lines-- singing while playing has forced me to be a better "bass" player, playing a more simple, supportive line, rather than putting more focus on the bass than it really needs.

Good luck and good practice