Our association has a mission to promote acoustic roots music. We are not trying to be all things to all people, and we are trying to create an enjoyable and instructional format for pickers and friends to enjoy this type of music. So, if your interest is primarily rock, pop, hip-hop, country, or any other unrelated genre, you may not be in the right place. We have posted several "Rules of Jamming Etiquette", not to offend, but rather to remind all of us about the factors that make up a good jam session. So here goes:

About Jam Etiqette

It should be just plain common sense. Jam Session Etiquette has the same guidelines that apply to day to day politeness. The A-B-C's of it are:

A: Tune your instrument before entering a jam.

B: Don't plunge into the middle of a jam with your back to half the other pickers.

C: Don't let your ego take over, a jam is not a demonstration of your skill. If the pickers accept you for your skills, they may ask you to do some hot licks.

The Ten Jamandments

By. Robert Rosenburg.

 

I THOU SHALT TUNE THINE INSTRUMENT. The are too many good, cheap tuners around not to do this.

 

II THOU SHALT LISTEN.. If you can't hear the lead instrument or vocalist, then consider yourself too loud. If everyone paid attention to this, we could all work more on our tone than our power and volume.

 

III THOU SHALT COMMUNICATE WHO HAS THE NEXT SOLO. When handing off an instrument break, try to follow a pattern, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, around the circle. If you want to skip the next solo, or want to pass it off to the next picker, be sure that the next person is aware of the hand-off. No one wants to start a solo in the middle of the song.

 

IV THOU SHALT WELCOME OTHERS. Open the circle if other players wish to join. Jam sessions will not be too large if everyone is polite. (Refer to JAMMANDMENT I)

 

V THOU SHALT SHARE THE SELECTION . Ope the choice of songs to the pickers around the circle. Take turns. Don't monopolize the jam by playing one song after another.

 

VI THOU SHALT TRY NEW STUFF . Once in a while a participant may suggest an original tune or one that is out of character of the jam. This is OK occasionally. (Refer to JAMMANDMENT II & IV)

 

VII THOU SHALT LET OTHERS KNOW WHEN YOU ARE NOT JAMMING . Bands may sometimes be rehearsing and may need to exclude non-band members from playing. If so, an explanation would be polite.

 

VIII THOU SHALT NOT RAID . Don't interrupt an active jam by calling favorite musicians away to begin another jam. After a reasonable amount of time, any jam session will change participants.

 

IX THOU SHALT KEEPETH THY RHYTHM STEADYTH . Errors in rhythm are the most difficult to overcome. Avoid adding or dropping a beat. Play quietly if you can't keep up and pay attention. (refer to JAMMANDMENT II)

 

X THOU SHALT NOT SPEED . Do not start a song too fast for the other players. Once everyone has had a turn at the lead, then one may announce that the tempo is about to increase.

Or, in other Words...

Keep in tune..If you don't have a tuner, ask another club member if you can borrow theirs.

Typically, the person who picks the song will lead the song. They will signal who takes a break through eye contact or verbally. Otherwise, try to take a break where you can, but allow others to share in the breaks too.

Try not to drown out the lead singer.Holding back on the volume helps the singer be heard without them having to strain their voices.

Try to work with the other instruments so that everyone is heard and that your playing compliments theirs.

If you are unsure of a song, step back and play along quietly. This way, you can learn the song without distracting from it by playing the wrong chords, etc. Some jams are more advanced than others. It's OK to challenge your abilities but be mindful of how you fit into the jam.

Watch your Timing! Listen closely to the bass and guitar for your timing. If you can't hear them, you're playing too loud!

If someone already in the jam is playing the same instrument as you, either try playing along quietly at a distance, or find another jam to play in. You could also approach the other player and ask if you can step in after a while

.

Harmony vocals are very important in bluegrass music. If someone is already singing harmony, if you're unsure of your voice, start by singing quietly until you're comfortable with singing along louder.

Bluegrass music is about sharing. If you know a song that you think others would enjoy, or be able to pick along with, then please share it. Just be sure to let others pick their songs as well.

Don't be discouraged if someone reminds you about one of these4 rules while jamming. If we all follow these simple guidelines, then everyone will benefit from a better organized jam.

MOST IMPORTANT.SHARE YOUR MUSIC AND HAVE FUN !!