Cant play the guitar and sing at the same time?

i recently started playin the guitar, i know a couple tunes but i cant sing along with them. now im trying to do Otherside, by RHCP. i can do the introduction very well but i cant sing to it, and the intro is very easy. i mess up if i try to sing. lol. i believe that song is pretty easy to do. anyone can five me any suggestions on how to do both better? or/and any other song that may be easy for beginners so i can practice?

Just keep practicing, that's all I can say.

I've been playing guitar for about 18 years, and I can only barely play and sing at the same time.

Practice and more practice.

i used to be like that - i thought i woiuld never be able to sing and play at the same time
but then i just kept doing it and eventually i got to where i could do it
now every new song i learn its easier and easier to play and sing
just get in a rhythm and dont worry if the play is correct eventually it will come together
sweet home alabama was the first song i learned to sing and play its pretty simple

Thats why bands have a vocalist AND a guitar player. Find a friend.
Or try stamping your foot really loud to cover up the bits where you go wrong.
Or make a tape of the guitar part and sing over that
Or just strum simple chords while you sing then play fancy bits when you arent singing
Or just practice.

I had the same problem as a beginner, Start with doing back-up vocals and work your way up to leads using easy songs. Green Day is a good source. Their music is singer friendly.

It's just going to take practice. Try just doing a few lines at a time. Eventually you will get there and it will be second nature like walking and talking at the same time. Good luck!

At this time you are probably concentrating on playing. You must practice and practice and practice. After the guitar becomes second nature you will be able to sing along.
Sounds like you play by ear if so you can hum along as you play. I suggest getting a DVD or Co and instruction book, then you can play along with the instructor.
Try Jeannette Davis music. Mel Bay. Guitar hangout. Or just type in Guitar lessons and scroll down to one of the websites.

well, if you really like that song, then here's a good practice method:

play your song really slowly- don't even try strumming. just play the chord once, and sing the melody that goes over that chord. then place your fingers for the next chord. make sure
they're right by looking if you have to. then strum once, sounding that chord and sing the next part of the melody. do this til you get to the end of the song.

usually, popular songs from bands like the chilli pepper have chords that repeat themselves in a pattern, which makes them easier to learn.

it just takes time and constant practice... practice the chords separately and then put them together with hesitation.
good luck
p.s.- you're fingers should be raw, by the time your done practicing. if you're new to playing, you need to develop calluses... so it hurts a little at first.