How to Jam: Making Music Together for Beginners
I hope that at some point in your musical journey, you’re going to be able to break away from the practice room and get into a place where you can play with other humans. Making music with others is a magical experience and worth the time, effort, and attention to detail that it takes to get to that point!
There’s lots of ways to make music together. Some styles of music call it “practice”, while others have a more open invite and call it a “jam”. Here’s some of my tips for how to make it a great experience for you and for all others!
Before You Arrive at the Jam…
Firstly, there’s some tips here, but most of all… don’t overthink it. Just find a jam in your area, organize a practice with a few friends, or ask some local musicians if they know of one and show up some time!
But as for the details… make sure your instrument is in working order and you have everything you need to make music (strap, capo, picks). You might even bring some extras and make a few friends that way :)
You’ll feel more comfortable if you’re able to hold steady rhythm on a few different songs. It’s definitely helpful if they’re standards in your genre, so that others can jump in easier and play along. Know what key you like to play them in. If you don’t have your songs memorized, be ready with your lyrics and chord sheets! Most beginner jams don’t mind if you’re looking at them while you’re playing.
Try practicing with a drum beat or a metronome to get used to playing in time with another instrument. This will help make it easier once you get going with the band!
When You Arrive at the Jam…
Here’s where you can choose your adventure! I typically like to get to a jam and do some listening before I jump in and play. That way I’ll know if I can keep up in the jam, or if I should look for another session that’s a bit slower or more comfortable for me. For you, either get there right on time, set your case somewhere out of the way, and get in the circle! Or perhaps watch and listen to a few before you jump in.
Sometimes if I want to practice a bit but don’t feel totally comfortable, I’ll sit off to the side with my instrument and strum along without playing too loudly. This is nice cause you get a bit of practice. Sometimes someone in the jam will say, “HEY! Join in!” and invite you in.
Once You’re In…
A gracious jam leader (you’ll be able to tell who is leading the show—much like the conductor of an orchestra!) will “pass the song” around and let others choose their favorites or ask them to lead one. This is where having your songs ready comes in handy! Suggest some that you can play and when someone else knows it, they’ll say LETS DO IT!
Count your song off at a nice tempo that you can keep steady. 1…2…3…4…
And once the song starts, pay attention to what happens. Typically what will happen in a bluegrass jam is someone will sing a verse and a chorus, and then people will take solos. Usually the solos go in a circle, starting at the person to the left of the song leader, and make their way all around the circle for those who want to give it a try.
Get into it, but…
Get into the jam, but be careful not to take over and lead too many songs in a row! There’s probably lots of people patiently waiting their turn to lead a song.
Also, try not to choose a “jam buster” song—one that’s so complicated that it’s hard to follow. Stick to a 3 or 4 chord song that even those who have never heard the song before can jump in on.
Most Importantly…
Have fun and make friends! Most of the people at your jam are going to be there because they’re excited to play music with people like you! So jump in and have some fun! And maybe I’ll see you at a jam some time :)