Mostly it's a matter of practice. But always, whether you're just starting or you've been playing and singing for fifty years, learn the song first. Unless you just want to be an instrumentalist, the song is what it's all about. You can't really say you know a song unless you can sing it without accompaniment. Once you have that down nice and solid, then work out an accompaniment. You'll find the whole process is a lot easier and more enjoyable that way.

There are a number of advantages to this, one of which is that you can sing the song whether you have your instrument with you or not. And as Donal says, don't underestimate singing unaccompanied. Many of the finest traditional ballad-singers sing without accompaniment, and it can be very powerful.

Good luck and keep sluggin'.

Don Firth