First open blues jam tonight... pointers?

[ksandvik]

So how did you figure out the key in a millisecond? Telepathy?

Legatos are one trick . Or use G as a starting point as a lot of songs work fine (unless it's E Major, ouch). Some have perfect pitch, mine is off two semi-tones, I've noticed...

 

[seanm]

On the other hand, backing up singers who don't communicate (even about keys or tempos) is priceless experience-- invaluable for improving your musicianship.
I've subbed on paying gigs (weddings, etc.) where the leader simply started playing each tune, and I was expected to get the key within the first millisecond and the form "on the fly."
When you go to these jams as a bassist, they're often not about being catered to-- rather, they're about learning to cope with anything, in a situation where you can't get fired. Sort of an internship. If you have the right attitude.

Even if you aren't subbing it is an important skill. I find that singers are generally good at telling you the song/key at the start... but as things heat up they just start going with it and it is up to you to follow

 

[manicbassman]

how can you tell the key in a millisecond?

punch the singer and see what note he/she squeals in...

 

[standupright]

So how did you figure out the key in a millisecond? Telepathy?

you ask before they start the song

 

[DocBop]

How do the sessions usually work? Are they going to be playing songs mostly, or progressions? If songs, will someone have a chord chart?

Sounds like you were out of your league. REAL Blues and Jazz jams sometimes called Cut Sessions are there to play not teach. If you get up on stage to sit in they expect you to be ready for anything. They don't tend to talk a lot to people they don't know you have to pay your dues. Sometimes they will call a specific song, sometimes the key and type tune. Fast change in A, or Slow Blues in E and other times they won't say a thing and just kick off a tune. These cats have amazing ears and expect you to have the same. You have to keep your eyes and ears open Blues is dynamic music and whoever is soloing or singing at the moment the band is theirs so you have to catch their cues. Got to listen to the drummer and soloist for breaks and dynamics changes. If you do good they will let you play more and might get some pointers on a break, but on stage you will only get stares or criticism and time to leave. It really is a great learning experience, but wear your asbestos underwear.

If jamming with real Blues cats.....
1. Bring the four string leave the five till you know them better.
2. Try to jam with a friend who'll be willing to yell a key or change to you.
3. Learn to pick up roots of chords by looking at keyboard player left hand or learn to spot guitar basic guitar chords to see what they are playing.
4. If you make a mistake don't drop your volume like many rookies do. The bass drops down it stands out to not only the band, but the audience too. Wrong, but strong attracts less attention.
5. Keep it simple especially if new to the jam. A busy bass player won't last they'd rather have simple solid and in the groove player than any busy player.
6. if and open jam size it up for a week or two before sitting in. Get a feel for the tunes, tempos, types of progressions, grooves they do.

Even with all that to think about relax, feel the groove, and have a good time. If you step on it like this last jam, think about what went wrong and work on it. Find another open jam and try again. All those guys on stage went thru the same thing and got Cut (as in cut sessions) and now can play there asses off.

So learn what you can from the experience, practice, especially your ear, and go do it again.

 

[dvh]

Great advice DocBop.

It's good to remember too that even if your note isn't exactly the right one, it's still better to have the 'thump' where it belongs. If it's a really wrong note - well it smarts, but you learn.

Again, Like Mr. Wooten says below (sig)...

 

[phatbass]

So how did you figure out the key in a millisecond? Telepathy?

If he's a guitarist, It'll be G, A, E or D 90% of the time.

 

[dougjwray]

So how did you figure out the key in a millisecond? Telepathy?

I have pretty good relative pitch, and if I have the previous song still echoing in my head, I can usually hear the key of the next one within about a beat or two. It's a learned skill.
Of course, there can still be complications, such as when a blues tune starts on the V. It's important to use both eyes and ears at all times.
(Descending now from shoebox...)

 

[mark2741]

I don't know guys....I've been to a bunch of open blues jams over the years (all as a guitar player...I'm a newb at bass) and it is always expected that the singer or whomever calls out the tune also calls out the key and, upon request, the tempo/type (ie, shuffle, etc). Sometimes they forget to call out the key but someone will just ask.

Once in a while a knucklehead singer (and surprisingly, usually a guitar player too) will call out a tune but not be able to tell people what key it's in when the bass and guitar players yell back, "WHAT KEY?" but that's not the norm.

I've never been to one of these 'Crossroads' style 'cuttin contests' - I thought that was only in the movies. I guess I could be wrong. Does Steve Vai host that jam?

No one is expected to have perfect pitch. Few do. On guitar it was no big deal if I missed the key cus I could just not play the first few measures while I looked over at the bass or other guitar player (if there was one), or, worst case, lower the volume real low and feel around for it : ) On bass, I guess you could do that too?

 

[bass_fish]

Last time I went to a blues jam(hell I don't even play blues, but was asked to join them) I had no clue what we were doing, vaguely remembered 1/4/5 but one of the guitarist was real cool, mouthing the notes and changes to me(didn't know any of them) so had a real good time in the end, with some awesome musicians... even did a second set

point of that story? just go out more, some people are just ass***** most are just cool and nice!

 

[bass_fish]

On bass, I guess you could do that too?

yeah I just look over to the guitarist, not just with blues but with all kinds of jams... or just mess around the first measure...