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The sad part, is that when I watch a lot of guitar players up there, I have to sit on my hands so I don’t jump up and try to fix it all (turns out that if people don’t know you, they don’t like “constructive comments.”)<\/p>\nWhile it doesn’t happen often due to my own playing schedule and other commitments, I love to go to open blues jams when I get the chance.<\/p>\n
It’s always fun to meet new people and it’s always inspiring for me as a teacher to watch what other guitar players are doing.<\/p>\n
The sad part, is that when I watch a lot of guitar players up there, I have to sit on my hands so I don’t jump up and try to fix it all (turns out that if people don’t know you, they don’t like “constructive comments.”)<\/p>\n
2 things REALLY jumped out at me this time – more so that any time I’ve done this before:<\/p>\n
1. Don’t play<\/strong>. Most jams when they are busy will have keys, drums, bass, 2 guitars, and harp or sax. That’s like 6 people on stage and guess what it sounds like when the keyboard player is trying to take a solo and the 2 guitars and harp decide to “comp” behind him?<\/p>\n The soloist doesn’t\u00a0need<\/em> any help from the rest of the band to play a solo. The comping is cool, but one person needs to do it. And it really can’t be a monophonic (one note at a time) like a harp or sax unless they really know what they’re doing.<\/p>\n 1 guitar, playing very little, is\u00a0more than enough<\/em> to fill the space.<\/p>\n Now at the jam I was at last night, one of the harmonica players understood this and did his best to shush the band down when the keyboard player tried to take a solo. But since no one looked up (hint, hint) they never saw the signal to be quiet and let that solo come through.<\/p>\n And when I was up and it was the keyboard players turn to solo he turned around and looked at me expecting to have to do the same thing… except I’d already rolled off my volume to nothing and wasn’t playing a note. I stood there quiet as a mouse for 12 bars. The harmonica player was so happy… and since he’s a regular, I’ll probably get to play a little more next time (wink, wink.)<\/p>\n 2. Use\u00a0dynamics.<\/strong> There is nothing more aggravating for the listener than to try and listen through you. Your rhythm part during the vocal or solo may be super cool, but if no one can hear the vocal or the soloist because of “that darn guitar player,” no one cares how cool your part is but you.<\/p>\n Even with your amp on 10 you can still roll off your volume on the guitar, and more importantly you can simply play quieter. Don’t hit the strings so hard. You’d be amazed what a difference that can make. Or ditch the pick and just pluck a little with your fingers instead to soften the sound.<\/p>\n Also, turn off the extra overdrives and effects while someone else has got the spotlight. If someone else is doing a solo or singing, and you get noticed, consider that bad.<\/p>\n And one last thing if the jam is really busy and the guy who is running it is clearly a little stressed out – be patient and wait your turn. Yes, other people will go before you. I was the LAST guy to play after sitting there for 4 1\/2 hours. I waited, had some food and drinks with my wife, and simply waited until my name was called.<\/p>\n No one there knew me (as it turned out the bass player did but he didn’t recognize me until I strapped a guitar on) so I was just another guy off the street. But I do my best to be patient, friendly, and encouraging to everyone else. I’m pretty sure I won’t have to wait so long next time.<\/p>\n\r\n
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<\/a>Free Video - The 3 Rules Of Blues Soloing...<\/h3>\n