Stuart @Stuartw , since you are unsure how your wife would react I would suggest to have an open conversation with her about your desire to try singing along to playing guitar. You could explain that this is recommended in a next module of the course, and that her support would mean a lot to you, and then see how she reacts.
I had a similar experience to what Andrea @Helen0609 just pointed out. I myself hadn’t sung for decades. I think the last time was when I was still in school.
I wanted to start singing after some time when I started learning guitar, so I gave it a try a couple of months ago. Even though I wouldn’t say that I sing well (and I sing rather quietly), it brought the whole enjoyment of “making music” (if I can call it that) to a new level. Surprisingly for me, I get a positive comment from my partner once in a while. I can definitely recommend giving it a try!
@franzek This is exactely what I felt too. It feels so much more “musical”. I never thought, singing is so much fun and on top, very relaxing and enjoyable .
That’s unfortunate, but so what if she laughs? Not gonna kill you.
Can she sing? If so, maybe she can give you some tips.
Some other suggestions:
Chris Liepe has a … free … course on how to practice quietly, linked in the description for this video…
(BTW, I’m in the middle of his…paid…course “Discover Your Voice” - it’s excellent!)
Other possibilities - leave your home to practice until you develop some confidence. For example, there’s a wooded area near me where I used to practice. Plus, making music in nature is inspirational!
Or, maybe you could rent some hourly practice space. Local music stores, schools, and recording studios often do this.
Certainly more difficult than singing at home, but it might get you started.
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