Jamming for the first time with strangers

[trust24]

over the internet ive arranged a jam sesssion with two guitarists in my local area, ive not met them yet but we are into the same sort of stuff, Im nervous now just thinking about it can anyone give any tips

[burnunit]

Relax and have fun - you will be fine once you start playing. Two guitarists = take some ear plugs just in case.

[LowDown Hal]

You're doing this for fun, right?
Don't worry about and go have some.

Jamming out is a great way to grow as a musician. Let us know how it went.

[nortonrider]

Make a list of the songs you can play, Hand it to them and ask what ones they know. Otherwise much time will be lost going "Do you know this song? No? What about this one?"

Also, keep the tunes simple for the first meeting. If you can hook up on Sweet Home Chicago, It will be alot more fun than trying to work out YYZ right out of the gate.

[walknbluez]

Are there some songs you already know? Find out if they know them. Ask them for some of the songs they know, then learn them before you go. That is probably the best way to not feel nervous and will help your confidence.

[trust24]

Originally Posted by nortonrider

Make a list of the songs you can play, Hand it to them and ask what ones they know. Otherwise much time will be lost going "Do you know this song? No? What about this one?"

Also, keep the tunes simple for the first meeting. If you can hook up on Sweet Home Chicago, It will be alot more fun than trying to work out YYZ right out of the gate.

yeah this sounds like a good idea, thanks

[steamthief]

Originally Posted by walknbluez

Are there some songs you already know? Find out if they know them. Ask them for some of the songs they know, then learn them before you go. That is probably the best way to not feel nervous and will help your confidence.

Sage advice! Build off of your common ground, the best way to see if things click.

[Slackerprince]

I would just try some chord progressions and noodling just to get a groove going. I jam all the time with people without playing "songs." If you can get somebody to vamp, it helps a lot. Just try working in the pocket in the beginning.
Good luck and have FUN.

S.

[J.D.B.]

Good advice here, man! Once ya shake their hands and get introduced, you won't be strangers. Settle down and let fly!

Josh

[Slackerprince]

People call you to jam, not to fail. Relax and get something, anything going. Often, if you can lay down a simple bassline with the drummer, the guitar can jam over that.

S.

[trust24]

Originally Posted by Slackerprince

People call you to jam, not to fail. Relax and get something, anything going. Often, if you can lay down a simple bassline with the drummer, the guitar can jam over that.

S.

Ok, i have a question, ive made a few bass lines from using the major scale ive just used the root then added in other notes from that scale to form a line

Say if my root note is A will he only be able to play the A chord over me playing and then make the strumming match me or will he be able to choose any note out of the set of notes im playing and itll fit?

or will he have to play the same notes but as chords in the same pattern as me

[adube810]

whatever sounds good, music is free

[trust24]

Originally Posted by adube810

whatever sounds good, music is free

I know but its my first time, but surely we all have to stick to the same notes/chords. else why do we have them

[Woodell]

That's cool. I've been doing the same thing with a local duo who host an open mic twice a month. Acoustic and electric guitars and me on bass. I intended to play guitar but it's been a great opportunity to get a lot of time on the bass which I think I like better anyway.

Consider open mics as well if you have any in your area.

[WRXbase]

Marty McFly: "Alright guys. This is a blues riff in B, watch me for the changes and try to keep up ..."

I agree about the song list. Might not hurt to have the progressions for the songs you know. Department of Redundancy Deptartment, I know.

[Cabazon]

I had the same feeling when I first jammed with some strangers. Right away, though, things got relaxed and I had a blast, and now I jam with them into the wee hours of the morning every weekend.

[edgewise]

If you're nervous don't forget the bass bread and butter: Roots - Fifths - Octaves. Root on the one.

Also, +1 on the ear plugs. Every time you leave with your ears ringing that's damage you can't undo.

Good luck!

[Dertygen]

Originally Posted by burnunit

Two guitarists = take some ear plugs just in case.

My guitarist friend always becomes uninterested in the jam if he doesn't exceed my amp level...

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by trust24

Ok, i have a question, ive made a few bass lines from using the major scale ive just used the root then added in other notes from that scale to form a line

Say if my root note is A will he only be able to play the A chord over me playing and then make the strumming match me or will he be able to choose any note out of the set of notes im playing and itll fit?

or will he have to play the same notes but as chords in the same pattern as me

You're kind of asking the wrong guy. I'm an ear player, which is coming back to bite me as I am wanting to move into more progressive directions, and my theory isn't is strong as it should be, but I'm studying to fix it. Like so many have said here, stick with the root and fifth, then move it up or down, or just follow the scale all the way across the neck.
Good luck and have fun.

S.

[Fred19137]

if it is meant to be then it is meant to be otherwise it won't work so there is nothing to worry bout.