I won’t lie to you, I got a little carried away today and it’s a long one…
You can have your guitar in your hands if you want, but honestly there’s more here about what to expect and how to approach a jam, and not nearly as much about “play like this.”
So I’d suggest you grab a beverage (depends on the time of day as to which kind) and turn off the phone for the next 40 minutes or so.
If you are new to jam sessions and jamming, in general, this will help you immensely. And if you have been through this process, you’ll find yourself nodding along repeatedly :
Dig this:
13 replies to "How To Jam On Guitar With Others – A Confidence Guide"
What about when the person before you is great? Personally, I run for the door…
Loved every segment of this extremely jam-packed video with invaluable advice. Thank you Griff for taking the time and effort to share your experience and know how. Last year I had my first gig with a band I practiced with on a weekly basis and looking back I could spot some things I encountered back then. Other than that, it was FUN from start to end, and what mostly surprised me was I managed to overcome stage fright. The first few minutes were terrifying, but gradually I started to loosen up and that’s when I just enjoyed the being here moment. Great video !!!
Loved every segment if this extremely jam-packed video with invaluable advice. Thank you Griff for taking the time and effort to share your experience and know how. Last year I had my first gig with a band I practiced with on a weekly basis and looking back I could spot some things I encountered back then. Other than that, it was FUN from start to end, and what mistly surprised me was I managed to overcome stage fright. The first few minutes were terrifying, but gradually I started to loosen up and that’s when I just enjoyed the being here moment. Great video !!!
Great video griff…
I’ve been a bgu member since 2010… I’ve attended BGU live 4 times… BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! Jamming and playing with others, and with Griff, super cool!!
But my BIGGEST mistake , and I hold myself to it, is not joining, or finding a local jam….or getting on the forum! So getting on the forum… and I’m still guilty… is the way, the truth and the light, and loving the music! I am changing my ways!
Griff, Long vidio but I watched it All! I have played in bands for 60years, around the world, a Bass player now geiting back into guitar! I have played in front of thousands! Loved every minute! You just touched on the Hardest thing I have ever done!! Jaming with friends!! Yes, You gave Very good advice and Depending on the skill and experience of those you are jaming with, It’s a Real Challenge!! But,,,,,, FUN, FUN!! Music is The Universal Language We Explore isn’t it!!!!!!! Thanks!
Do you have or go to any jam sessions in DF/W? I’m real close to Mckinney and noticed you moved here to Texas.
My friend Mark Sena runs one in Bartonville (out near Flower Mound) currently that is great. It is on Thursday nights at the Bartonville Store. I don’t get there as often as I used to, but I try to get there when I can.
Men always get invited to jam sessions but not women. I don’t know other women who play. The guys always have buddies to play with but we ladies are left out.
I’m at a great disadvantage here.
I’m with you…I think guys in groups are intimidating to women in general, and jams are intimidating enough for everyone. Maybe you need to post on the music store bulletin board (do they still have those?) for a “ladies’ night” jam, or “looking for other women to jam blues with” and maybe find some like-minded women and a less-scary experience. I guess the sad fact is, most blues guitarists are men, of a certain age, and you might have to just muscle your way into a scene. But I think you’ll make a lot of friends, because most of us are basically friendly and accepting.
Not at all. If you are able, get on the BGU forum and talk to Kathleen or Elizabeth or Jami about their experiences. I have yet to attend a jam where anyone was unwelcome based on their gender. Have you been to a jam and asked to play and been denied?
This is a long video….but it’s great. If you’ve never jammed before or jammed and need advice watch this to the end. There’s just so much valuable advice. I’ll highlight two things:
1. Watch the Preparing section at the end. I would suggest listening to this video in its entirety just before you go to a jam then listen and watch for all the things Griff talks about. I was lucky to have friends that were seasoned vets and they prepared me somewhat for my first jam. But everything Griff talks about happens and I learned a lot the hard way.
2. Gear: I’ve never brought my gear to a jam night. I usually have to plug into what’s there. So, the first thing I do after saying hi to everyone on the stage is glance at the amp I’m plugging into to check the settings and try to QUICKLY guess at what settings will work for my guitar. Usually I put the gain halfway, my guitar volume at around 5 or 6 and then strum a few chords to check the sound.
I’m 72…never jammed till about 4 years ago. Was…and can still get terrified if they play a song I don’t know…so this video has some great survival tips as well as excelling tips.
Thanks Griff
I’ve never jammed before. Thinking about it raises my anxiety level. I have gone to a number of local sessions to listen and watch and am always struck by how casual and comfortable the participants seem to be. Can’t imagine it.
I would recommend you start by jamming with a friend or two. Also, play to jam tracks…Spotify has quite a good selection. Invest in a looper. You learn to record your own tracks and playing those back is very helpful to hear your rhythm.
Finally, record your self playing to background jam tracks. It’s then next best thing to being on stage and you will learn a lot.