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How does a Jam Session actually work.

#2
WHat kind of jam session? Jazz? Rock? Open mike night or somebody's basement?

Jazz jam sessions do have a sort of structure and ettiquette. Basically, only well-known standards are usually played, so that all the participants can keep up, and the versions played are the ones everyone has in their realbooks. Go through the head once or twice depending on whether the head is more or less than 16 bars, then everyone gets to solo, then trade fours with the drummer, than through the head again and finish. Only one drummer and bassist per song, so you play some and sit out some. The pianist, guitarists, and horn players get to rest during other people's solos. You have to learn the verbal cues to communicate, such as giving a head nod to indicate you're wrapping up your solo, etc., but if the group leader is friendly you'll pick it up with practice.

Rock jams? Don't really know. I've played in rock bands but I haven't been to any open rock jams. I've never done any open mike things, either.
 
#3
ZeroSymbolic said:
So I have some basics under my belt. I think Im ready to try jamming with some people now, but I'm not sure how to behave or how a jam session actually works.
Etiquette?
Structure?
How do I have a successful session?
Click to expand...
Jam sessions go several different ways.
Circle jamm. People, usually friends, start a circle and someone says something like this; "Lets do Kiss Ole Kate, in G, ready 1 & 2 &....." The person that called it leads off playing and singing Kiss Ole Kate. In my area that's it the lead is not normally passed around the circle, we just play Kiss Ole Kate with the person that called it. When we finish then the next person in the circle calls out the next song and tells us what key its to be played in - then he/she leads off singing and playing.

Other places the person calling the song will sing and play one or two verses and then the lead is passed around the circle to the next person who is expected to sing and play a new verse or two. It then is passed again. If you do not want to sing, play melody, if you do not want to do either, just lean back and the lead passes to the next person. I've seen this way done in Bluegrass, as Bluegrass is the same ole songs played over and over and everyone knows them.

Sometime you need to be invited into the circle, (Mountain View, Ark is this way) other times/places if there is room you just drag up your chair and sit in. Only takes a few songs to figure out how this jamm session is structured. Sit out side the circle, with your instrument, and look for a nod, when you get it go sit in.

Here is how it's done in Mineola, Texas. Link Removed We start around 11:00 AM and go to about 4:00 PM moving between several circles with time out for lunch. Every third Saturday. In Mineola you really do not need an invitation, if there is room in the circle you might say, "Hi guys, mind if I sit in?"

And in Mountain View, Ark they go day and night around the court house. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kansasexplorer3128/139470664/ Notice only one music stand, it's all standards or something a I IV V chord progression will cover. In fact I bet that music stand is holding just lyrics.

Once you are in the circle I have yet to have anyone get upset in a jamming session, it is all low key, if you do something wrong no one is going to say a thing, may laugh with you, but, it's all fun.
 
#4
Blues jams, here, a house band opens with a set and the house band leader organizes the sets that follow to mix and match players and try to keep things interesting. Or a few guys will have something they want to do as a unit. Introduce yourself to whoever is running the jam. Sometimes there is a sign-up sheet.

Tunes tend towards pretty standard 12 bars, lots of shuffles. It's very friendly and relaxed. You will see the same people week in and week out. You might try to remember or jot down song titles, so you can know them next time around.

Just lock it up with the drummer, lay back and hold the groove, everybody will love you. Try to support the singers and soloists with some dynamics.

When the solos are being passed around, the leader will point at you with a questioning look, if you want a round, nod, if not wave him off. Don't feel like you need to solo if it's not your thing. You play a few tunes and then it's time for the next guy.
 
#5
My last band was one big jam session with one imploding show.

Here's my advice.....

Jam sessions are great. Know what type of music you are getting into. The one universal type of music everyone can play, for the most part, is 12 bar blues. It's understood that this will be in "A" unless otherwise stated. Get a key signature. That will tell you what to do. Most jammers will easily fall back to 1-4-5 progressions which should be easy and fun to play. Be familiar with major and minor pentatonic scales. They just fit with a ton of stuff and give you a lot of ways to turn beyond pumping roots and watching for changes. Be familiar with key signatures, it's the real thing you need to know when jamming. The rest kinda falls into place. Know how to play with chord progressions and understand what makes a major, minor, and dominant chord. That way you can pick roots, thirds, and sevenths that sound good.

As far as how to conduct yourself, that depends on the person or group you are with. My best recommendation is not to go in too cocky, be calm and be friendly. Ask a few questions and don't be afraid to pump out 1/8th note roots when in doubt or if you're not sure where everything is going. Jam sessions can be so much fun and they can lead to a great day and a good friendship or musical connection....

All in all, remember that jamming is all about fun and exploration. Don't sweat it too much. If you're not having fun....it's not jamming. It's work. Just be good on key signatures, know your pentatonics, bring reliable equipment, and present a good attitude.

And most importantly......HAVE FUN!!!!!

If you wind up with a group that wants to turn a jam session into a high pressure atmosphere and they nitpick......look elsewhere.....

Go get 'em.....and walk out with a smile on your face....
 
#6
Oh.....and have a couple familiar standards that everyone knows and can play them.......And you can go for what seems like hours playing these tunes.....

Some things that come to mind are;

Johnny B. Goode
In The Midnight Hour
Mustang Sally

Those songs have familiar bass lines and usually are something jammers can work with.

Good luck, have a good time and enjoy yourself!
 

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