I disagree with Bert. I've been playing guitar (while singing) for over 25 years, and I can never make heads or tails of any of Rick's instructional threads – sorry, Rick, but it's true!

ermintrudeclaire: So far, the people who have posted to this thread have given very sound advice. Here's my two cents' worth: Find a relatively simple song that you can sing from memory AND that you like, and practice strumming along with your singing... then practice some more. For now at least, don't worry about picking out the melody on guitar; just concentrate on singing the words while keeping the rhythm by strumming. If you "mess up", don't stop! Keep singing the song and let your strumming hand find the rhythm again.

When you're at the point where you can sing several of these simple songs all the way through while strumming, THEN think about things like picking out the melody while singing along with it (which has always been more difficult for me!).

If you really think you may be tone deaf, follow the advice given above (especially the suggestion to use a capo on the neck of your guitar to find a key that's comfortable for you), but please don't throw up your hands and say you'll never play in public just because someone who's never heard you sing or play says you MIGHT be tone deaf!!!!!

Above all, have fun with your music, and don't let anything anyone else says spoil your fun.

Sharon