Blues/Rock Open Jam

[kazamamaster]

Attending my first blues open jam...Realistically what should I expect from a jam formality as far as chord progressions?

I'm typically a jazz guy so I'm fairly comfortable with whatever but I've never played strict blues before. Is it as simple as a 12 bar blues pattern or is there typically more?

 

[5StringBlues]

Some songs may have a sharp 5, 5 change instead of a 5, 4 change coming back down.like the thrill is gone.

 

[5StringBlues]

You may have a 2, 5 change instead of the 54 coming back down to the turn around

 

[Malcolm35]

It's pretty static, but each group may have their own set of chord progression. Normally if you miss it on the first verse you can catch it on the second verse and no one except you know the difference. A normal 12 bar progression with a quick IV and the last line to the turn-a-round may be a little different. Other than that, just back off to dirt simple and hang on.

Watch the rhythm guitar's fretting hand and use what he is using.

• Twelve bar progression and pound roots or use a R-5 bass line. Listen to see how Walks are used. Do not step on toes.
• If a fiddle is on stage, you may swing over to R on the 2 and V on the 4.
• You understand jazz and minor keys already.
• It's not rocket science, follow the chords and drop into a groove with the other guys (kick drum if you have a drummer).
• The little band from Texas (ZZ Top) would do a C Blues shuffle for hours. Won't take you long to recognize what THIS jamming circle is using. If in doubt R-IV is a safe bet till you see what is going on. Normally less is more till you get to know what the circle will do.

Have fun.

P.S. Little on circle etiquettes. Some circles you need to wait till you are nodded in, others drag up a chair and when you feel comfortable join in. When the lead is passed to you, accept it or not by leaning back and the lead will pass to the next guy in the circle. After a couple of songs, they know you do not want the lead and will just pass you by.

Always found it best to go see how a circle operates - sit out awhile and just watch what happens...

Good luck.

 

[AGCurry]

A lot depends on how "jazzy" the other players want to get. I've always loved 8-bar blues (Troubled in Mind, Stagger Lee, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, How Long Blues, etc.), but finding other players - supposedly versed in the blues - who know that form can be challenging.