Jamming Advice

[IanMM]

Hey guys, today a local bassist told me to be present at a jam session this Wednesday evening, he said he'll get me up to jam and told me to learn jam tunes (Chicken, Cantaloupe Island, Watermelon Man and the likes)

The thing is........... I don't think I'm ready to jam in public yet! What can I do?!

 

[dezspet]

Are you a beginner?
So what can you lose?
Jamming is fun. And a good way to get some experience with pro guys. Take it easy. If the rest of the band is good, you can play some crapy notes, you don't have to play solos or be in the front. Be the fundation, keep it simple and follow the bassdrum. If you can be tight, the rest of the band will appreciate it.
For years I had a gig once a year where I had to play 50+ Dutch songs with all Dutch musicians around me (I'm Hungarian). Songs which I never heard before. That was one of the best experiences for me how to be sharp on stage. How to solve unforeseen situations in music.
I went to a couple of jam sessions for bassists here in my town and I can tell you that some guys were so bad on their instruments and they were absolutely unaware of the songs, basics of music theories, that even if you feel you are not ready, there will be guys with less skills (and self awareness, haha) than you for sure.
So, take a few songs from the list above, practice them and go for it.
It's fun.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Look over the songs, make some cheat sheets of the progressions used and remember root on the 1. Those are all standards and I bet you can pull up some Internet videos and practice playing along to the video.

Watch the rhythm guitar's hands and change chords when he does. The beat is the important thing what note you play - if in the tonic key - will probably not matter all that much.

Drums for the beat, rhythm guitar's hands for the chord changes. Keep it simple and flow with the music.

Close enough works in horse shoes, grenades and jamming. Go for it do not let this opportunity pass by.

Have fun.

 

[IanMM]

Hey guys, I really thank you all for the helpful advice you gave! I still consider myself a beginner. I'm turning 17 this year and only started playing around October in 2009. I will keep all of your advice in mind! I'll still take whatever help I can get!