When to advertise I want to jam with someone

AndreasMergner · #1 05-07-2008, 01:08 PM

First post on TB.

I started learning bass in January after getting four lessons for X mas. I have probably had 8 lessons or so now with a really good bass teacher over the last 4 months. I practice between 1 and 10 hours a week depending on my mood and schedule. Even though I'm 37 and have never played an instrument (sang in choir in Jr. high), I seem to be picking things up quickly. I can't say that I'm playing great, but I'm happy with what I can do in just 4 months.

Anyway, I've been wanting to jam with a couple of friends of mine who play guitar, but they are always busy, etc. I've read the posts here how it is one of the best ways to learn...plus it sounds like a lot of fun. I'm not looking to join a band since I have way too many things going on, plus I don't think I'm good enough to play in front of a crowd.

I was going to post an ad in Craigslist looking to jam. Anyone have suggestions? Should I be looking for a drummer or does it matter at this point? I don't really know how "jamming" works and such. It seems to me that someone who is really good would not want to jam with me since I'm just starting out.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

Andreas

Phalex · #2 05-07-2008, 01:32 PM

Get yourself a drummer or at least Dr. Rhythm. (He didn't spend 6 years in Rhythm school to be called mister you know!) Meter is a very important aspect of playing, and I doubt that you'll get it if you have to be the time keeper. The most important thing is to have fun!

CHILDISHGAMBINO · #3 05-07-2008, 01:36 PM

If you think that you could jam with someone then you're ready. Most musicians that are into jamming for fun won't care that you've only been playing for a little while and you will learn a lot. In my opinion you should try to find a drummer to jam with first if you can. I just find I have more fun jamming with a drummer if it's just going to be 2 people but you will learn a lot from guitar players.

When I first started I was lucky to have a friend who played drums for about a year before I started. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun together. Drummers almost always know other musicians to jam with due to the lack of them(drummers)in most areas. Good luck.

bonzo4880 · #4 05-09-2008, 03:24 PM

a drummer is definitely a good place to start. and get a good mteronome or a dr rhythm to work on your own time, its as much your responsibility as the drummer although in reality the drummer has more control over that kinda thing.

craigslist is a great place to meet musicians. just be honest and fairly specific about: where you are, playing wise/what kind of stuff you want to do/your schedule, in terms of getting together and also that you dont really have any plans of gigging in the immediate future. lay it all out there and then start sorting through the emails. good luck !

ksandvik · #5 05-09-2008, 03:27 PM

Depending on your location, there might be musician jam sessions happening, so just show up with your bass and sign up on a sheet, or talk to the jam leader.

Usually, if you know any of the classic jam or blues songs, it helps a lot.

The more you play with all kinds of musicians, especially drummers, the more well-rounded and professional you will become, so do it as often as you are capable of.

--Kent

AndreasMergner · #6 05-09-2008, 04:14 PM

Thanks for all the response so far! I have been using the drum machine on my Zoom B2 for awhile now. I like to play some improv riffs I made up. It really does help with my timing, plus syncopation sounds a lot better with a drum beat. I plan to practice almost exclusively with it.

What is usually done in a jam session? Is it improv, or specific songs or both.....or something different? What are the "classic jam or blues" song I should know? I know the 12 bar blues scale/progression thing. I know some theory, but haven't put it in practice at all.

I haven't put the ad in yet since my forearms need a little break after practing for many hours in the last couple of days.

ksandvik · #7 05-09-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndreasMergner

Thanks for all the response so far! I have been using the drum machine on my Zoom B2 for awhile now. I like to play some improv riffs I made up. It really does help with my timing, plus syncopation sounds a lot better with a drum beat. I plan to practice almost exclusively with it.

What is usually done in a jam session? Is it improv, or specific songs or both.....or something different? What are the "classic jam or blues" song I should know? I know the 12 bar blues scale/progression thing. I know some theory, but haven't put it in practice at all.

I haven't put the ad in yet since my forearms need a little break after practing for many hours in the last couple of days.

Here's a list I put together some time ago:

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dg...pppbcmfj&hl=en

Note, however, that depending on the jam event there could be more blues, more 80ies hair rock, and so on.... --Kent

AndreasMergner · #8 05-12-2008, 11:42 AM

Thanks for all the advice! I had 5-6 responses to my ad. Now I have to schedule a meeting or two.

AndreasMergner · #9 05-30-2008, 08:44 AM

Finally got together last night with someone. He plays the drums and guitar and is at about the same skill level as me. It went well! Sometimes we got into a groove and it sounded good....and sometimes it sounded bad.

It was very low key, so I wasn't afraid to make mistakes and experiment.

I turned down 4 invitations to join a band. I guess there aren't any bass players in my area. I guess that is one of the benefits of being a bass player. I'm not ready for a band situation anyway.