How can I learn to play guitar and sing at the same time?

Question

Ok,so I asked this yesterday but I got 1 answer and it didn't really help :l

Well,I've been playing guitar for 2 years and singing basically my whole life,Im in a band and are guitarist left.We don't really know any guitarist but I can play so I said I'd take it just my only issue is playing and singing at the same time.When I play guitar I have to hear what im playing,like I can't talk when I play cause I need to make sure im playing the chord the right amount of times.Is there any way I can get the hang of playing and singing though?

Answer 1

It may not be what you want to hear. But in my limited experience, the only way forward is to practice the songs you want to sing so that  it is like second nature. You don't have to count or even think about playing it.  However,I have difficulty in singing and playing the guitar too. I tend to sing what I'm playing and not the melody of the song!

Answer 2

Start off with easy strumming.  Like pure down, down, down, down and throw in a couple of ups....try to simplify the strumming yet still figure out a way for it to go for your song.

That is how I started off learning how to sing and play at the same time.  

I would learn how to sing it and then I would strum along and then just build up the proper strumming.  I would always get confused and end up strumming as if I was singing and trying to make it go together, which was wrong.  But now I have the hang of it.

So for now, just practice on your own.  Have your band give you some time to build up that skill of playing and singing at the same time.

Good luck, fellow guitarist