First Jam Session

[bassinplace]

Hello,

I've been sitting at home learning/playing out of books for the better part of a year now.

This weekend I'm expecting to have my first jam session since I started. The guy I'm gonna jam with plays keyboards. He's a neighbor. I haven't heard him but I think he's probably pretty good as he plays at least once a week in church and other gigs as well.

I played the drums for 10 years but this will be my first time trying to collaborate with anyone on the bass.

I'm pretty much positive his proficiency level will be way above mine.

Anyone got any pointers on how I can get the most out of it? Thanks!

[southernrocker]

Just relax and play.

[bassinplace]

Will do. Anything else?

[J. Crawford]

Youre a drummer, so you know how to keep a beat. The most important thing it hitting on the 1 beat, as it states the chord for that measure.

You know that, always hit the one beat.

[Infernal Affair]

Have fun and keep an open mind and ear. That's how you'll get the most out of it. Don't worry if you mess up since jam sessions are meant to be fun and a learning experience.

[iplaybassguitar]

do it as often as possible. after a year of playing bass, you should have played with more people by now, its so nutritious for your playing.

Also, its not too late to start playing with people more often.

[walknbluez]

See if you can get a drummer to join you, it'll be even funner and you'll have someone you can lock with that way.

[neatobassman]

Yea, if you can get a drummer, it will make it at least 10x more fun because you can focus more on the melody them the rhythm and you can do fills and solo and have lots of fun.

Another trick I have found is when you are jamming with someone for the first time, do a quick little improv on a simple line to get the creative juices flowing and brake the ice. Makes showing each other things you wrote a lot easier.