I’ve seen a few posts recently about jams, so I thought I’d comment on my first jam experience today.
First off, I think I’m quite lucky and our local jam is VERY accommodating to newbies. Everyone made me feel very welcome and was kind and warm.
The jam split into two groups, the smaller of which had the most experienced players who were all in active bands. The second group had a wide range of players, from relative beginners to experienced guys that seemed to enjoy mentoring the less experienced. I was the youngest by at least two decades, so everyone noticed that I was new. They asked me if there was anything I knew how to play. I mentioned Cripple Creek, so we played Cripple Creek and I played a break (which I did not anticipate doing on day 1). Outside of that, I tried rolling/vamping over chords as I was able. I know enough guitar that I was able to cheat chords from the guitar players when I wasn’t catching it by ear.
Overall, the experience was incredibly encouraging and I’ll go back every chance I get. After the dozen or so tunes that I was a part of, I already felt like I was having an easier time finding chords and keeping up. I could tell that many of the things I’m struggling with are just difficult to figure out without actually playing in a group (hearing chord changes, timing, confidence, etc.). Playing with others was also just plain FUN.
In summary, I was terrified to go to a jam, but it was awesome.
Onwards & Upwards! Nice going.
Oh man, there is just nothing better than a good jam!
Sometimes it's Magic! Sometimes it's tragic. But the Magic moments is what keeps me coming back.
Good ‘Once Upon a Time’ now get out there for the ‘Happily Ever After’
Not my first jam, but my first festival.
I went to a festival in amelia va. Got there Sat. afternoon. Jammed until
sunrise. I was hooked
Thomas Point all-nighters sold me on jams.
Nothing like encouragement to keep you going back.
You seem to have found a good jam. Hope it stays that way.
quote:
Originally posted by Frazier49961 - I know enough guitar that I was able to cheat chords from the guitar players when I wasn’t catching it by ear.
2 - I could tell that many of the things I’m struggling with are just difficult to figure out without actually playing in a group (hearing chord changes, timing, confidence, etc.). Playing with others was also just plain FUN.
In summary, I was terrified to go to a jam, but it was awesome.
Congratulations on attending your first jam and living to tell!
1: 54 years in I still watch guitar players for chords on tricky or unfamiliar tunes. It's not cheating. It's how it's done.
2: Yes! Until you get more experienced playing and learn to "hear" accompaniment that's not really there while you're practicing, it can challenging to play bluegrass banjo solo and have your mind's ear fill in the missing context. Hearing other live instruments while you're playing helps it all make sense.
Treat those new to jamming with respect and tolerance.
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