Jamming Etiquette Slideshow

INTRODUCTIONS

If you don’t know anyone at a particular jam, try to find out who the leader is and introduce yourself. Also, introduce yourself to the regulars. I showed up at a local blues jam a couple of times and hung out, met folks, and socialized before finally bringing my axe to play.

PATIENCE

Don’t expect to show up and immediately play. Sit back, have a beer (not too many though, save that for afterwards), and be a patient, supportive audience member while all of the regulars play first. Be prepared to sit through about an hour of other people jamming before you get your turn.

WATCH YOUR VOLUME

Nobody likes obnoxious musicians, even if they’re good. Really listen and get a sense of the overall group dynamic. Jamming is all about listening to each other, and if you’re only listening to yourself, you’re missing the art of the jam. So make sure you can hear everyone else.

KNOW WHEN TO SOLO

Really watch, listen, and learn about the protocol for soloing. Usually the band or jam leader will cue you when it’s your turn to solo. And by all means, don’t noodle while someone else is soloing or singing. Be a good, sensitive, supportive accompanist as well.

DON'T NOODLE BETWEEN SONGS

The bandleader may be calling out a progression or talking to the audience. Or the other musicians might be trying to check their tuning and your thoughtless noodling only annoys everyone.

USE THE GEAR ON HAND

Bring your guitar, bass, sax, sticks, whatever, but don’t bring amps or drums; all of that cumbersome (and necessary) gear is generally provided. Turning over the stage from one group of jammers to another often has to happen quickly. No one wants to sit around waiting for you to set up and get your tone. You’ll learn a lot about your own playing when you have to adapt on the fly, in less than ideal conditions.

MAKE EYE CONTACT

Make sure you’re communicating with fellow jammers. If your face is buried in the fingerboard of your instrument, you’re going to miss your cue for a solo, turnaround, or ending.

BRING A STRAP

If it’s a blues jam in a club or bar, chances are you’ll be standing on stage. If it’s a drum circle or acoustic bluegrass/folk jam, bring a chair and be prepared to sit for a while.

BRING A TUNER

Make sure your instrument is in tune when you hit the stage.

HAVE A GAME PLAN

Even if you don’t know what you’ll be playing at a jam, do some homework the days and weeks before so that you can find things to work on in the context of the jam. Work on turnarounds, different feels, etc. Use your home practice as preparation for playing live; the opportunity to implement this stuff on your feet will send you home with plenty to think about.

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