As a guitar instructor of many years I have seen that some guitar students have a natural ability to sing and play songs at the same time. Others struggle to get their singing and playing to match.

Here are a few tips to help you sing and play at the same time.

• Learn the guitar part first. If you are struggling to change the chords, it will be impossible to match the singing and playing. You might invest in a metronome to help you learn to change the chords in an even tempo.

• Learn the song. Get someone to help you sing the melody. A teacher can be very helpful here. I suggest starting with a simple song with easy to play chords. When you can get the hang of playing with easy song, then move on the ones with more elaborate chords and strumming patterns.

• Combine the singing and playing. It helps to try the song at a slow tempo. In our Christian guitar lessons, there is an actual practice session for each guitar lesson so students can follow along like being in a private lesson. You may want to hum the song first, and then try the words.

• Prayer. The last tip should actually be the first step. Expect to learn this skill. As a Christian, I always suggest starting with your practice times with prayer.

Not used to praying? Open your eyes to the incredible beauty in this planet. I highly doubt that these beautiful flowers were accidentally created by some molecules randomly banging together.

All of creation speaks of an intelligent Creator. Could prayer actually be a means to communicate with Him?  Yes! It may even be a means to help with paying and singing with your guitar.

Remember to start with an easy song. Learn to play it fluidly on the guitar. Learn to sing it in tune with good rhythm. Then combine playing with humming the tune and finally playing and singing it at the same time.

One of the sweet testimonies we received was from a gentleman who was pleased that he was able to sing and play the guitar at the same time with our course and God’s help.