What is an open jam?

[Tapout73]

There is a band playing at a local bar, and on their website it says open jam. What exactly is this, do people get up and play with the band, or do other bands play by themselves and take turns? What is the format?

[Pilgrim]

Usually means there's a sign-up list and people from the audience get to sit in and play as they work through the list. Bring your own instrument.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by Tapout73

There is a band playing at a local bar, and on their website it says open jam. What exactly is this, do people get up and play with the band, or do other bands play by themselves and take turns? What is the format?

The format is whatever they say it is. You should ask the band in question, there are many many different formats.

As Pilgrim says, bringing your own bass is expected of you at a lot of these.

[Tapout73]

I'm just learning to play, and was'nt sure what that meant. Sounds kinda interesting, and I think I might go watch it.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by Tapout73

I'm just learning to play, and was'nt sure what that meant. Sounds kinda interesting, and I think I might go watch it.

They range from great to scary-bad, but either way can be pretty entertaining in my experience. They can be an excellent networking tool too.