Blues Open Mic

[crispygoat]

I have recently posted an ad on craigslist looking for a band, and someone offered to jam at this Electric Blues Open Mic night.

I understand the concept of an Open Mic, but I have no idea what to expect? Someone in the band will just yell out "D flat minor" and I'm supposed to do something with this? Without any given chord progressions?

How does a blues open mic jam typically work?

[Intangible]

The reason blues jams are so popular is that almost all blues music is structurally the same. So if you know your basic 12-bar blues progression, all you need to know is what key and how fast and you're on your way.

Blues jams are a great way to get in shape quickly, especially if you haven't played in a while. It's a total trial by fire, but totally worth it. Before I joined my current band I was attending a local blues jam every week, and I'm positive it made all the difference come audition time.

[Gort]

The joke around here is there's only been about 12 blues songs ever written, the rest are just copies.

Get a book or search the net and study the basic forms in all keys. Then listen to and play along with as much blues as you can and learn how those forms are utilized.

[Deathblade Eric]

^^^^ This.

This sticky might help: Open Jam Etiquette

As might this shameless link for the Coach & Horses Jam in East London: http://www.coachandhorsesbluesjam.com/home.shtml

[JohnMCA72]

Each one is different. Go watch a couple of times first, & see how they're run.