I make no bones about the fact that, for me, playing in a group, with a band, at a jam, or even just with a friend or two – is what it’s all about.
The reason we practice and learn chords, riffs, scales, and soloing patterns is so that we can eventually get to that point where we might actually get up on a stage, or with a group, and play some music together.
For my money, there ain’t nothing better 🙂
But, here’s the rub, when you’re new at it, things are gonna go wrong…
Your nerves are gonna get the best of you and the best laid plans… well, you know how it goes.
So in this live video we’ll talk about some options for when things inevitably go south and you have to punt.
19 replies to "When It All Goes South :("
As someone with little experience, is it possible to have a small picture in the lower corner to show what the chord looks like as you play it? Little chord versions can possibly vary? The camera angle could appear like a bar is in play but the strings outside the little chord might be muted? Just a thought. Thanks for all you do.
Hello Griff, you are by far the best all around blues player and teacher online because you relay real tips, instructions and little gems every time. Thank you!!
Earl from Toronto.
Good ol hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
lovely to have a life raft
Jack in Wilmington NC hears you. Like your style
Pretty sure I’ve seen this one before but it struck a chord (see how I did that?😀) today. Some great tips I hope to use if open mic nights ever start up again post-Covid. Thanks, as always!
I hear you. Wife said where is the melody? She is not a blues enthusist.
Hi Griff, I live on the Big Island Of Hawaii in the remote Kau district. I have a question about jamming etiquette . When a group of folks get together for an informal jam session, how should the leader try to involve all the players who want to try a lead on a chorus? Or should there even be a leader? The group I have been jamming with(not lately due to covid) has several folks who want to play lead every song and all the time. I know there are others who would like to try some lead, but never get a chance.
I don’t mind comping, in fact it is good for me because I sing also and comping is pretty easy to do plus throw in a little vocal harmony. But once in a while I would like to try out some of the things I have learned from you just to see if I can do it in a live setting!!
Anyway, I thought you might like to address the issue in one of your blogs.
Thanks;
Dave
Hi! Mike here, I’ve been in the same boat when there seems to be a dominate player in the room, and my attitude is well, how can I serve the song? By just laying back, helping to build the groove or tossing in the occasional riff, just to say “here I am” you will eventually find your way to the front. You don’t need the extra stress of all of the sudden you have to turn it on like a light switch and hope for the best, I’ve done that and I tend to wind up going (as I’ve been told) “over the top”. It’s much better to start with a little restraint and let it build to a point where you feel you’ve brought everybody along to a high point, then back to comping to the groove….
Ooops! Only ten replies so far. So I might be in with a chance here.
Griff I got four of your courses so far. Electric, accoustic and slide. Love it. So you know where I’m coming from. (UK actually!)
Question : Ragtime? Blues or not Blues?
A lot of the accoustic greats (Blind Lemon, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Blind Willie, Forest City Joe. What about Missisippi John Hurt? And are we allowed to mention Doc Watson?) did great ragtime.
All these guys seem to have one or two ragtime pieces in their back pocket. No doubt for when things weren’t working so well towards the middle of the evening!
Griff. we all know you are a stickler for “timing”. Can you (once and for all) crack synchopation for us?
A guy I knew said that if you get lost or confused go to the tenth fret . That is for lead guitar. He played a lot of led zep stuff.
Hey Griff, great stuff to know what to do if you’re playing lead, rhythm, or figuring out the ending to a song in a jam session. I’ll have to remember those advices. Thanks ,
Alexander
Important stuff! Thanks Griff.
Awesome and so helpful as usual. Thank you
Practical advice as always Griff…Thanks
Griff, you could do a whole course on “CYA”. It is an essential skill for playing live because no matter how much you practice, even practicing with a working band so you know EXACTLY what is going on, when you’re out there in the live world, you are going to make mistakes. Inevitably. You just can’t afford for it to derail you and have you standing there like a deer in the headlights. I have this skill pretty well, from years of playing on the bar circuit. But I have NO IDEA how to approach teaching someone else. Things like how to make a sour note seem like it belongs. Things like licks that will ALWAYS work in any of the three blues chords, to give you time to get your stuff together after screwing up. And so forth. Such a course may be one of the most challenging courses for you to devise, but it would be priceless for many.
That was great lesson. I’ve been asked to get up and jam several times but just haven’t had the nerve. I’ve jamed with guy that are at my level or better in basements and garages but never in a club. I will try and do it soon. Thanks for all your help.
Joe
Cheers Griff
For the advice handy to know
Great Lesson Griff, I kind of did this playing to jam tracks the first time by accident. Sort of a Fake It Until You Make It. I have to remember the small chord concept you’ve laid out for us. Trace
Thanks that’s great i will try all that