First time jamming with a drummer???

[big_z_in_miami]

I am learning bass now, and have some friends that are drummers that want to jam. With one drummer we have picked some songs to play (RHCP, Nirvana, etc). The other drummer is more into jazz and more into improvising.

Any recommendations for jamming with a jazz drummer? Pick a groove and see what happens? Learn some famous riffs to start with? I do have a small set of blues riffs I can use along with some chord progressions, will that work for a start?

Just friendly stuff, but want to be somewhat effective and fun and avoid any "difficulties".

[williamk]

If you're just learning, I think you should start with songs you know...improvising can sound pretty crappy when the players have no "baggage", but hey! some people find that improvised jazz sounds crappy even when pros are playing!!

[Doktor_Gee]

I can't offer much advice, but from a drummers point of view I would suggest that you let him start first and follow in, at least in the beginning. This way one of you can lead the way and the other follow, hopefully coming up with something cool.
Also, keep in close contact with the drummer (watch each other closely) and make sure you can both hear each other clearly.

Other than that, I think you are on the right track already. If you can take some inspiration from the masters, thats always a good first step. Also using the blues riffs will very much help you.

If you can, try to relax and experiment with what you have. Inevitably some of it will work and some will not, but thats what jamming is for. Hopefully that gives you some help and all the best with it!

[Stumbo]

Be sure to try different tempos and time sigs.