When I started this thread, I had no idea where it would go as I left it so open-ended. I was hoping that as everyone contributed, there'd be some new insights to share. I'm starting to believe that there is a whole principal of rhythm that is coming through... moving with the rhythm. There have been some comments made in other threads about musicians (especially some bluegrass musicians) who are playing amazingly lively and intricate musical passages, who remain completely motionless (and seemingly emotionless.) For some, it may be that they can't do two things at once... like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. I have no way of knowing why they remain motionless. For me, I guess I should paraphrase the old hymn and ask "How can I keep from moving when I'm singing?" Or, "Why would I want to remain motionless?" For me, singing and playing is a total experience. It wasn't that way for many years when I started performing, mostly because I was too tense and self-conscious to let myself go. Now, I figure if I'm really loose when I sing and play, I have a better shot at dodging the tomatoes.

As to "when to come in," that's something we've had to work out in my quartet. There are several ways to approach the problem. A nod is the simplest. When one of us is having a problem knowing when to come in, our tenor Derrick will give a slight nod. No one in the audience may notice it, but it works nicely. Another way to avoid the problem, which also makes for tighter harmonies is for the lead singer to sing the first word of the first line of the chorus on his own, and then the harmonies all come in on the second word. Usually, once we're into the chorus, everyone can pick up the rhythm andc stay on beat.

Vixen.. maybe your partner should give you a nod when you are supposed to come in. That would reduce the tension, and help you to gain more confidence in feeling the rhythm. Slapping your thigh with your hand while you're playing guitar would be quite a trick. I'd love to see you do it, if you master it.. :-)

Any other suggestions people have?

Jerry