Approaching your first jam

[Icarus26]

as some of you may know, i just picked up the bass 3 months ago. i can play, but when it comes to just jamming, my friends jump in so easily. how do i make jumping in a jam easier and make it sound better? do i try to follow the rhythm and tone of the notes others play? or do i establish my own rhythm?

[Joel S.]

Practice, learn basic theory.

They'll usually say something like "12 bar in A" or "jam over E minor". You should know what those mean. As you figure it out, and practice jamming on your own, you'll be able to jump in those jams easier.

If they just start wanking random crap with no rhyme or reason, there's a 95% it sounds like random noise.

[E2daGGurl]

Listen to the drummer. Try to follow/borrow his rhythm. Rhythm matters more than notes. Tempo is part of rhythm. Quarter notes and a little syncopation always work.

I'm assuming that you and your jam partners are all just jammin' and not trying out.

If no one knows the key - which happens (see post above about random noise) then they'll really appreciate it if you choose one and think you're the world's best bass player. I suggest the key of E or Emin, as guitar players adjust nicely to it.

And have lots and lots of fun, it's always fun to jam no matter what and believe me, everyone is usually caught up in thinking about what they are doing, themselves, so don't be shy.

Be deep and loud.

[tZer]

For a total beginner, the good old "box" pattern will serve you well. Just know where your roots are, anchor that box and have fun!

Don't be too concerned about blowing people's minds with Victor Wooten meets Billy Sheehan meets Jaco fireworks - just try to be lyrical and make phrases that sound complete. Starting simple and slow is perfectly fine. Feel your way through some notes - make note of the good and bad ones, then make your way through them again and try to avoid the bad ones.

Most of all, LISTEN and have fun! Jamming is all about hearing what other people are doing and adding to the conversation.

[DudeistMonk]

I'm relatively new to jamming myself but I find that if I throw down something groovy and repetitive and adjust it and evolve it with the drummer the guitarist (lead) will just solo over it and everyone will have a great time and I can break out and work out some fills. With a rhythm guitar you would need more structure going into it, Ie: 12 bar blues in A, or whatever progression. When there is a progression involved I try to build from the ground up, roots, then ad some fifths, then a walk or a fill or whatever I can get away with.

Disclaimer: If I sound like a *** please correct me.