So? What's "wrong" with just strumming and singing?

Nimiety · #1 03-30-2021, 05:37 PM

Just curious about perception.

When I started with guitar, my goal was to learn to strum, so I could accompany beginner violin students. Many adults prefer fiddle music, and it's a way to help them keep time and provide a "performance" atmosphere which is a lot of fun - and different than a violin duet.

Then I realized that I can actually sing along with the guitar! After thinking I couldn't sing (maybe because I have a deep voice, likely contralto, and couldn't manage to fit in with the other girls), turns out I can sing (even if not especially well). Regardless, I'm pumped!

Then I read all the derogatory comments about cowboy guitars and 3-chord strummers, posers, etc. Rather discouraging.

So, fine. Maybe it's not a high-level achievement, but it's still an achievement. My current goal is to polish my strumming/singing the best I can.

Yet, I can't seem to find videos of polished "simple" performances. Lessons, yes. Examples during a lesson, yes. But not an actual performance.

Why? Not interesting? Too boring? No place for it? No market?

I find it all a bit amusing too. Way back when (before my time even) people would gather in the parlour and sing and play instruments. Great way to engage and entertain. Now you have kids taking piano lessons (or other lessons) for years who won't play in public because they think they're not good enough, etc. Why can't it be simple?

JMW01 · #2 03-30-2021, 05:44 PM

There is absolutely nothing wrong with strumming and singing. Many talented guitarists struggle when singing.

jdinco · #3 03-30-2021, 05:47 PM

Hey, I can't come close to singing anything while strumming ! So you got me beat. LOL I have a lot of respect and admiration for the fingerstyle players, but I don't enjoy watching fingerstyle songs in the show and tell section (or on youtube) as much as a good singer/strummer. I told my self I can only do what I know and enjoy, and i think that's good for all of us no matter the style of play.

Jim Comeaux · #4 03-30-2021, 05:59 PM

If you had ever heard me trying to sing, you’d know what’s wrong. It’s so bad that my wife bought me a harmonica.

Bob from Brooklyn · #5 03-30-2021, 06:10 PM

I sing and strum because it makes me feel good.

Brucebubs · #6 03-30-2021, 06:12 PM

Strumming and singing - doesn't get much better than this ....

srbell · #7 03-30-2021, 06:13 PM

Nothing at all wrong with strumming and singing! It's about enjoying yourself. That's one of the wonderful things about guitar, and really music overall - it can be as easy or difficult, simple, or complex as anyone could ever want. I've been playing for decades and have found my focus has changed many times over the years, classical, rock, lead, rhythm, jazz, country, Christian, etc. I've come to realize that for most people it's not about being flashy or fast or how expensive your equipment is. It's more about the song and how it makes them feel. I'll take a simple song that moves me emotionally over impressive technique any day! Play what makes YOU happy!

CASD57 · #8 03-30-2021, 06:15 PM

Don't listen to those posers who think you have to copy them.
Have fun playing and singing and everyone around you will have fun.
And here is how I look at it.... Most of those people want to be you singing and playing.

Silvereagles · #9 03-30-2021, 06:27 PM

I agree with others that it’s ok to strum and sing with simple songs. I have several songs like that, but my guitar teacher keeps pushing me to develop more skill.
I’m sure there are plenty of people that are jealous that you can both together.. im feel im lucky also i can play and sing together..

one suggestion from me is polish all your songs your way then find another guitarist who likes to fill or play lead. That way you can strum and sing and the other person can solo along..

Dennis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimiety

Just curious about perception.

When I started with guitar, my goal was to learn to strum, so I could accompany beginner violin students. Many adults prefer fiddle music, and it's a way to help them keep time and provide a "performance" atmosphere which is a lot of fun - and different than a violin duet.

Then I realized that I can actually sing along with the guitar! After thinking I couldn't sing (maybe because I have a deep voice, likely contralto, and couldn't manage to fit in with the other girls), turns out I can sing (even if not especially well). Regardless, I'm pumped!

Then I read all the derogatory comments about cowboy guitars and 3-chord strummers, posers, etc. Rather discouraging.

So, fine. Maybe it's not a high-level achievement, but it's still an achievement. My current goal is to polish my strumming/singing the best I can.

Yet, I can't seem to find videos of polished "simple" performances. Lessons, yes. Examples during a lesson, yes. But not an actual performance.

Why? Not interesting? Too boring? No place for it? No market?

I find it all a bit amusing too. Way back when (before my time even) people would gather in the parlour and sing and play instruments. Great way to engage and entertain. Now you have kids taking piano lessons (or other lessons) for years who won't play in public because they think they're not good enough, etc. Why can't it be simple?

buddyhu · #10 03-30-2021, 06:30 PM

Nothing wrong with goals that are personal. As long as you are getting what you want out of playing your guitar your way, that is all that matters.

Why aren’t there more videos of strummers singing and playing simple songs? I don’t know. I do know that some folks who start as simple strummers pick up more skills as they continue playing...learning some more chords, developing more variations in their strumming, developing their singing, or becoming songwriters. It sounds like you are doing this, OP.

Godfather · #11 03-30-2021, 06:30 PM

Nothing wrong with it at all! I believe as long as you are playing, no matter what genre, no matter what style, be it strumming, flat picking, finger picking, or whatever, no matter how accomplished (or not) you are...it does not matter. If you are enjoying making music thats what matters...nothing more, nothing less.

You will pick up more skills as you continue on your guitar journey. Enjoy the ride!

As a BTW...I fall into the “I am not a very good guitar player and I cannot sing very well”, but I enjoy doing both. If there are folks who think less of me because I do not meet their standards, thats ok, I am still having fun, and after all, thats what is important to me.

Songbook19 · #12 03-30-2021, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srbell

Nothing at all wrong with strumming and singing! It's about enjoying yourself. That's one of the wonderful things about guitar, and really music overall - it can be as easy or difficult, simple, or complex as anyone could ever want. I've been playing for decades and have found my focus has changed many times over the years, classical, rock, lead, rhythm, jazz, country, Christian, etc. I've come to realize that for most people it's not about being flashy or fast or how expensive your equipment is. It's more about the song and how it makes them feel. I'll take a simple song that moves me emotionally over impressive technique any day! Play what makes YOU happy!

Can’t say it any better. Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s all about what makes you happy.

I come from a big family. When we get together, regardless of the reason, we always end up strumming and singing like there’s no tomorrow and the songs we love best are the simple “old-timely” ones. We always end with “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and hope Mother Maybelle is looking down and smiling.

jim1960 · #13 03-30-2021, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimiety

Then I read all the derogatory comments about cowboy guitars and 3-chord strummers, posers, etc. Rather discouraging.

If you want to strum, go strum. As for derogatory remarks about strumming, I haven't seen those here and this forum is pretty strict about it's "be nice" rule so I'm wondering if you're not just taking some remark in a way other than intended.

CoryB · #14 03-30-2021, 06:40 PM

Congratulations on being able to sing while you strum. I’ve met lots of folks who can’t do that, even after they have played for years, so you’re already doing great!

When I started playing, it was to entertain myself and possibly be in a band, so singing while playing was pretty much mandatory.

I’m amazed at people who can play lead or bass and sing at the same time. My brain won’t do that.

jp2558 · #15 03-30-2021, 06:51 PM

Nothing wrong with it at all. Good strumming usually means good rhythm. And if you can tell a story on top if it that's evev better. Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffett are two prime examples.

FWIW, my two cents says that guitarists in general are always critical of other guitarists and if they aren't wowed by a performance they dismiss the player as pedestrian or average/boring. I'm not saying all guitarists are like that but there is a certain male dominance of the guitar world and that also means a lot of 'manly' testosterone fueled competition. Again, just my two pesos.