Singing While Playing: suggestions on success?

[clearmute]

Been in a few bands as singer, a few as rythem, and a few as bass. None of the times was I able to sing and play @ the same time, effectively. I lose track of one or the other too easily!
I'd be willing to dig on some practice routines if I could figure out any that would greatly help. Seems a lot similar to trying to learn how to keep a double bass off-beat in drums.
So, what do I do?

[lalimacefolle]

I learned by improving my technique on the instrument, when it has become a second nature, you can sing more easily...
Try playing a part you know really well, and try to sing along any tune... Then start again with another part....

[threetoone]

Definitely play songs you know well, then sing over them. This is one of those things where you just have to do it over and over until your mind says, "OK, OK, I get it!" That's how it worked for me anyway...

[guitargod420]

what i did was just tried talking while i was playing and moved on from there but now that ive been playing a while its like my hand can just do what it wants and i dont even have to think about so i suggest just keep playing and practicing as much as possible

[Willdridge]

There are several things I would suggest you do:-
Like a lot of things involving guitar - take it slow to start with. Also, try learning realitively simple songs and move on from there, no sense in trying to run before you can walk, right?
Another thing that helped (or rather still is helping me) is the play along with records and sing. Personally, I found that by doing this things became a lot more natural to do.
Like others have mentioned, know your parts. Play them until they're second nature or even like a reflex. When you don't have to concentrate on what you're playing on guitar, it suddenly becomes a lot easier to sing at the same time.
Good luck, as always the key is practise, practise and more practise! (Pain, innit?!)

[Incidents Happen]

the best advice i give people who struggle with singing is KEEP SINGING EVEN IF YOU **** UP! My first song i learned to sing while playing, ( ripple ), I screwed up a few times with the words ( when i screwed up on the guitar ) but after a few times i said "hey if i get the guitar part wrong, well **** that im tryin to learn how to sing while playing, not play while playing. so i kept singing, ignoring mistakes ( as all professionals do ) and i learned to sing and play guitar rather quickly. actually, in 3 days.

[lalimacefolle]

good advice, the show must go on!!