I go to a local jam night most weeks. I normally hang about in the background but had resolved that for 2017 I'd actually get up and sing a song or two.
Easy enough in my own bedroom but, blimey!, standing up in front of a group of people is quite intimidating isn't it? I guess though that like most things it gets easier the more you do it.
Anyway I (sensibly I think) chose two very easy songs - Tom Petty's Learning to Fly and The Band's The Weight so not too much risk of getting the chords wrong and things went reasonably well (I think).
What I hadn't realised is just how directional mike's are - if I moved my head even slightly to look at my fretting hand then the vocal all but disappeared.
So, new-found respect to all of you who sing and play in front of people. And, if anyone has any useful tips to share it would be appreciated.
I play guitar because I enjoy it rather than because I’m any good at it
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I guess you have to assume that most people in the audience wish they had the talent / nerve to do the same thing,
Good luck with your quest !
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It's very much like rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time. It's all about practice.
Its difficult and props robs to anyone who gets up and sings, I always found bigger crowds easier if that helps!
Which means that i've been doing neither very well and it's always plagued me. Either i forget lyrics or fluff the guitar parts.
I'm not singing anymore, i've had enough of it. Our band will have a singer and this time, it's not going to be me.
I'll have a Mic and i'll sing backing but that's it.
Anyway our other guitarist is better than me at playing and singing so really it should be him anyway.
(It's fucking well going to be this time !)
As people have said, it just takes practice. The same old boring, hard work answer I'm afraid.
Also, what @Bidley said - the better you know the guitar part, the better. You basically practice the guitar bit until you've relegated it to the automatic part of your brain - then sing the song.
This also, and when you are standing up practicing make sure you keep staring straight ahead and not constantly glancing down to check your chord changes. As you've already found - that's when your voice disappears off mic
Lots of good advice from the fellas above. It takes time, practice and determination but it will pay off. Oh, and songs like Learning To Fly and The Weight are a great choice because the audience can identify with them and even join in.
Good luck.