singing while playing

Okay I'm trying to learn Horse With No Name. I am a BEGINNER. So far I can make the chords sound okay, but it is a complete train wreck when I try to sing and strum the chords at the same time. I know it will take some time, no a lot of time. I just want to hear from other players about how long they struggled with this before they could play and sing.

Thanks for any response in advance
Mitch

For most people the ability to sing and play comes faster than they expect. It will just take some time not a lot. As a beginner your brain is already on over load trying to do many new things at one time.

As you practice scales or any thing, talk or sing while doing it. You may be surprised how much can happen in just 5 days if you do it while you practice.

Not saying you will be good at it in 5 days, just that you will advance faster than you seem to be thinking now.

I think it took me somewhere around 3-4 years before I could do this. It gets to the point where basic strumming and rhythm get to be second nature.

Keep pushing through. One day it'll click for you, then you'll be off to the races.

Try playing along to the song and listen for a certain word that happens with the chord change. Then continue playing along and just try to match that one word or lyric. It was tough for me in the beginning but I focused on getting the chords memorized to the point where I didn't have to think about them so much then tried to nail the easy lyrics of the song first.

I was a singer before picking up the guitar. But I'm also kind of a rhythm junkie. I love tapping my hands and feet to the rhythm while I sing. So as soon as I picked up the guitar, singing and playing at the same time came pretty easy. Some songs are tricky depending on the chord changes or syncopation. But yea, I highly recommend just always grooving and tapping along anytime you listen, play, or sing music. It's all about the groove baby!