I think they can fall in to all sorts of traps/patterns, but as well as that they can also fall foul of all sorts of expectations on the part of participants/listeners.
I’ve heard of some where the standard is seriously high, and the stated aim is to keep the standard high. Others are happy to act as that ‘first ever time out’ for the less experienced, and even encourage those folk. Some people expect them to be watchable/listenable entertainment in and of themselves, whereas others wouldn’t want to think that that’s the standard they were being held to at a ‘fun for me as participant’ event.
None is ‘correct’ and all have their place. Ultimately only the organiser and/or venue can set the scene for their Jam – if it happens to be of a type that’s not your bag then that’s unfortunate but not ‘wrong’ (although a positively-intended chat might open things up a bit of course)
My personal preference is for the type which encourages the less experienced, and which has some sort of house band who are prepared to take suggestions for ‘new one for next time’ where that might mean learning or looking up a particular part or progression – but unless I’m putting up the house band I can’t expect that!
I’d always suggest going along once minus guitar and striking up a conversation with someone, making it clear you’re nearer the nervous-newb end of the scale than experienced-pro : I bet you’ll be able to judge pretty well from the response that gets as to whether or not it’s going to be a positive experience.
Red ones are better.
Saturday night at the Earl of Derby in Cambridge is 'Rock'. Occasionally there are blues sets, and a fair few Hendrix songs but this week we did Remedy by Kings of Leon, Put it where you want it by the Average White Band, Starsky and Hutch theme, Rocking in the free world by Neil Young, all sorts. At all three of the regular weekly jams in Cambridge newcomerrs are encouraged to play on their first visit - not forced, though
The gear is meaningless, in pretty much every past-time I've enjoyed, some people have good gear and some people don't - what really matters is doing.Originally Posted by bluemonst
It seems you either sit there bored witless, or risk being run out of town for being too forward
Best not turn up with any decent gear or they'll f**king hang you
A guy at karate turns up and is really crisp and knowledgeable ... but a white belt, then someone spots it's a £200 suit ... that explains it, he's been good and is coming back to it.
A guy turns up to body-boarding with an expensive wet-suit but crashes all the time or can barely swim - he probably uses it for wakeboarding or something else. If he spends a load of time apologising and being embarrassed he invested in the gear before lessons is all - easily rectified. No judgement is necessary and is barely possible if you're too busy having fun yourself.
All the mojo and hoodoo we place on the guitars is a burden and I think born of a desire to be doing the right thing... how can you play the right notes? they're all right, the timing might be off... so it's interprative - that's really no good to anyone wanting to be sure they're playing the right thing (some people disappear into note theory, but they don't turn up to open mic nights) so the remainder of these people (needing assurance) are reading reviews, following the forums to get an idea of things that are safely approved of: the gear.
Turn up to a jam with gear that's conspicuously "right" and all of a sudden it's emotional ballast. The only people recognising it's worth are other guitarists (remember those forums we all hang out at?) - the drummer, the singer and possibly the bass player aren't going to be able to tell a '68 Strat from a Westfield - so how important is it one way of the other? If another guitarist wants to judge you, let them - who's it a reflection of? Why have they the time or motivation.
I think that's a very extreme view.Bloody hell it sounds even worse than I imagined
It seems you either sit there bored witless, or risk being run out of town for being too forward
Best not turn up with any decent gear or they'll f**king hang you
Kazoo and a penny whistle it is then
Cheers
bluemonst
I do a couple of local blues jams fairly regularly: newbies are asked if they can sing or want to to try fronting. If not, they are popped in as second guitarist in a more experienced line up. Pretty relaxed ... with no pressure. I occasionally go to a rock and soul jam ... and you have to be a bit more on your toes for that ... with songs from Black Crows to Humble Pie and even Nirvana turning up. I believe there is even an occasional prog rock jam somewhere locally ... far out!
I'd encourage people to have a go ... I've only found a couple of 'snotty' jams ... and I simply never went back.
Blues musician,teacher, designer and manufacturer of Oil City pickups, horse owner, sex god and chocolate hobnob addict.
Guitar Weasel blog
It was a tongue in cheek set of comments, obviously lost on youI think that's a very extreme view.
I do a couple of local blues jams fairly regularly: newbies are asked if they can sing or want to to try fronting. If not, they are popped in as second guitarist in a more experienced line up. Pretty relaxed ... with no pressure. I occasionally go to a rock and soul jam ... and you have to be a bit more on your toes for that ... with songs from Black Crows to Humble Pie and even Nirvana turning up. I believe there is even an occasional prog rock jam somewhere locally ... far out!
I'd encourage people to have a go ... I've only found a couple of 'snotty' jams ... and I simply never went back.
Cheers
bluemonst
I went up to play in public for the first time recently. It was a Shadders fan club gig, and I learnt a song. I was just going to spectate, but had the axe in the car just in case. They asked me if I had a guitar with me, and when I confirmed, it was a case of "go and get it and make sure it's tuned".
So I did.
Very supportive. Very friendly.
I think it depends on the people. Prepare a couple of well-known things and get ready to play.
It all depends on the regulars usually
shop around - you will find one that works for you. If you are new to it Learn a couple of standards that you want to cover, and just ask the organisers. You will soon see which events actually encourage newcommers.
once youve done it a few times your confidence will increase tenfold and there is no better way to develop you as a musician than playing along with others.
better idea
No Forbidding Allowed
My band made (another) Xmas song: https://soundcloud.com/polarityman/p...in-vallhalla-2
Pretty much any forum playing-meet-up.
You're with stupid. ▲
The house band for the jazz-funk jam in Cambridge have just published a setlist of songs they invite you to learn so you can join in. Here it is, together with the suggestions I have added.
Gotta get it, headhunters (G)
Red Baron (G)
Red Clay
Cissy strutt (Cm)
Space cowboy (C#)
Gentle thoughts (G)
I feel good (G)
Signed sealed delivered (C)
As (G)
Whats going on (D)
I need a dollar (Abm)
Too young to die (Am)
Use me (Bb)
Pick up the pieces (Fm)
The chicken (Bb)
Play that funky music (Cm)
Jungle Boogie (G)
Didgital vibrations (C)
Heard it through the grape vine
Superstition (E)
Sir Duke (B)
Easy
Spooky, Dusty Springfield
Feeling good
Soul with a capital S (C)
Summer breeze
Express yourself
Stratus (Bm)
That's to get us started..
Discuss, add an get Funky!!
[Jon Kingsman's suggestions]
Watermelon Man (F)
Cantaloupe Island (Fm)
Gotcha theme from Starsky & Hutch (Dm)
Put it where you want it (C)
Chameleon (Bb)
Mercy Mercy Mercy (Bb)
Ain't no sunshine (Am)
So what (Dm)
Summertime (Am)
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