Mark's five rules of blues jam session success

Jam session playing is one of the most important aspects of playing period. Want to get noticed as a player? go to jam sessions regularly. Watch other players and what music they play. Then play what they play, but improvise it your way. If you don't like Blues music which is played at most jams, too bad, get used to it. Or quit. Got the guts? 

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Jams are a great way to learn from your town's best players, and even learn from players with as much time in as you. Some of the greatest moments in playing come from jam sessions, not necessarily club shows or concerts. So when you start jamming don't force your playing on everyone else. As well, don't think you have to play to everyone else's level. That will come in time. Just learn, watch and practice with others.


Here are my 5 Rules For Jam Session Success:

1--Don't go to Jams to show off your chops. Complement other players and their playing. You can solo a little but only if there's an opening and do it just for a short time.A jam is for playing with others man.

2--Try not to play above the tempo. Why? Because all you'll do is piss off other players. If you don't know ask others if you don't know proper jamming protocol.

3--If you're a beginner tell the others onstage that you are. Don't try to play something more difficult just to impress. The audience understands, but regular jammers want someone to be able to at least play along. So play something you know. Just my take on that issue.

4--Listen to other Players play.That way when you play you can gauge your playing and not play too much or too little. Your fellow jammers will love you for it.

Note: Pay homage to great local jammers and bluesmen by researching them and playing their tunes. Learn them until you kill the song.

5--If you're an advanced player who plays regularly, show other jammers how to play certain tunes they're having a hard time with. Teaching other jammers will help you become a better player and more in demand  as well as in demand with local blues bands, and doing possible paid session work.

But become a jammer above all else.

One of the greatest jams sessions held every Monday is in Tazana,California hosted by Cadillac Zack. The other great blues jam is in London Ontario Canada at the London Music Club. It is hosted by Pete Denomme.

http://cadillaczack.com/
http://londonmusicclub.com/
So get out there and jam guys.

Mark Grove