Jamming tips: how to feel well and how to behave ;-)

Jim Kaznosky

If you bring a less common tune, maybe bring a chart.

Buco

Boy reading through this for a person new to it can make it sound like the jams are really complicated endeavors. But it's really very simple, just show up with one pill of flexibility and one pill of compromise and read these guidelines prior to going.

NylonDave

My tip, if people are studiously not listening or being egregiously cliquey or egotistical or deluded give them a year or two and then if you are still not enjoying yourself stay away for a bit.

D.

Jim Kaznosky

Buco wrote: »

Boy reading through this for a person new to it can make it sound like the jams are really complicated endeavors. But it's really very simple, just show up with one pill of flexibility and one pill of compromise and read these guidelines prior to going.

I'm lucky that there are a fair amount of people around my parts who I know or at least know of. If someone brings a song to a jam that I don't know, I'll give it a go if you have the patience to deal with my not knowing the tune. I've only once had a song turned down when it was my turn because the bass player "hated that song." And I've tried most of the songs that were suggested in a jam because there might be a tune I don't know and I might actually learn something in having my fun.

It isn't rocket science. Don't be a weiner and have fun. If you're in over your head, duck out and watch. That can be fun too.

AndyW

i'm preparing my own little printed chart-book for stuff i know that isn't in the Django fakebook 2008.
I like the idea of trying new jazz and GJ related tunes at the weekly jam, but, ideally bring a chart. Having the ability to pick up & repeat a chord sequence by just hearing it is a milestone / worthwhile skill, imho.
[ btw - some real gypsies don't/won't read 'charts' and 'grilles' ]

Bones

Really after you've played enough different songs the forms start to look similar. If someone calls a tune that you don't know it would seem common courtesy to at least tell everyone what key and the basic form and if it has an unusual bridge, etc. Then once or twice thru one should at least be able to hold down the chords???

AndyW

NylonDave wrote: »

My tip, if people are studiously not listening or being egregiously cliquey or egotistical or deluded give them a year or two and then if you are still not enjoying yourself stay away for a bit.

D.

ach get yerself back to the ivory & say hello, Dave. LoL. -Andy-