Blues Guitar Jamming And How To Improvise By Listening

Picture of Muddy Water's Guitarist Bob Margolin (Left)and Blues Guitarist Motor City Josh Just Jammin'Away


By Mark Grove


We've had a lot of good comments on this article on the art of the blues jam. Basically, how to get started jamming locally and how it can help your playing ability, and became the player you always wanted to be.


So I thought I would bring this short little how to article back.


Okay, you’ve been honing your blues rock chops on your Fender Strat or Gibson Les Paul at home, or with your garage band. And for the last number of years you said you would always hit the blues jams in your city.



But, you’re afraid of looking foolish on stage if you make mistakes. We all go through that. Before you do go on stage, go to a jam and listen to other players, really listen and write down the name of the band or musician hosting the jam. Take notes of songs being played, especially the best blues guitarist in town who’s up there.


If your blues chops aren’t up to his level, don’t worry, and go with the songs you know how to play and ask if he would be willing jam on your requested tune. I know, you’re scared up there, but if you don’t take that step you’ll never do it, it’s that simple. Chances are they’ll ask you to lead the song so practice the song until you kill it. I know it fly’s in the face of blues improvising on the fly. But you at least have to know the material, even if it’s just one song.



You’ll learn how to jam in a pressure situation that way. Then the best players will want you up on stage consistently.


Blues players will also help you more than most rock players. Even though it’s your song, listen to the other players and their techniques which will give you some in sight, into how to use little new variances in your chording technique.



Don’t try and play above everyone else or in your own little virtuoso world either.



Even if you or someone else makes a mistake, play through it and in sync with every one else. Even if it is your first jam try and pick out someone in the crowd to play to and connect with. Don’t worry about being a shred king, Blues is about simplicity.



You’ll get fans you never knew you had playing that way. So play tunes you know, and Save improvising for later, until you’ve started playing jams regularly with other musicians.



You’ll know the right time to fly on the frets if you do that. Don’t just listen to and copy guitarist’s, get your own style and include just little snippets of the Blues Masters, or top players in your town.



Listen to drummers, Bass players, singers and harp men. Apply their techniques to yours so you can get beyond your own chording and improvisation techniques. It’s not about being the baddest and best blues guitar cat on the planet.


Jamming and playing with others better than yourself is key, to glom some chording tips and even a wild blues lick or two, from a newbie like yourself. Blues jamming, It’s all so beautiful man.

Mark Grove

email me a question on jamming at:mdgrove@rock.com