For the past couple of years I have been getting together with some friends every week or so to play some songs. My wife is playing bass guitar now, so we generally have me on my guitar, a friend on her guitar, a friend on his keyboard and in recent times a drummer. We are all amateurs, but have a lot of fun, and it forces you to sit in a pocket with others and not have it all about you. Recently however, I went to an organized jam session where you basically put your name on a board and they organize impromptu bands to perform for a brave audience. It was terrifying. I soon found that most of these people were performing professionally in bands and this was their way of networking. Meanwhile here is this amateur from the school of Justin being told āright, we are doing this song and its in Eā. Gees.
Anyway, I have kept going, and been getting some good advise. I am gradually getting known and interestingly getting better. I still donāt know a lot of the songs, but as they are all 50ās 60ās pop and country songs I find I can generally get away with a combination of 1, 4, 5, and using my ears. Yesterday I even did some fills using the major pentatonic scales (thanks Justin) while the rhythm and lead guitars did their bit. For the bluesy songs I used the minor pentatonic. Phrasing, bending and vibrato all came in handy.
I just want to encourage anyone interested in exploring this not to be put off in the first instance. Just be respectful and stick with it.
The first jam was at a Social Club, which led me to the next one at a Polish Club, which led me to one at a Senior Citizens Center. Then there was a spin off to an Italian Club. I am going to a blues specific one next weekend at a micro brewery. So now I basically have one or even two every weekend. After getting used to seeing you around people just come up and ask if you know about āthis other jamā.
Iāve been looking for some time now. The closest iām getting is an add on Vi.Be. This has lead to some communication with other players, but iāll see where it goes from there. Afaik, thereās nothing near to what you described/experienced.
But iām keeping an eye out. Iām going to advertise in my music academy too. Iām thinking that will help a bit as well.
wow Keith, props to you, Iāve only been at a jam once, it wasnāt with pros and I knew the 2 songs we were playing beforehand and even that made my fingers so nervous! Great tips.
What a daunting leap Keith but fair play to you for persisting and thriving!! Proof positive of being put out of your comfort zone being a good thing.
Congrats!
It helps having done Justinās theory course, but more importantly learn the notes on the neck (all the strings) and take a look at Justinās 12 bar blues in any key. That really is the root of it as the 1, 4, 5 does not just apply to the blues. Look out for the 6 though. That is a minor in the key, but often a major replaces it in country songs and a lot of Elvis and the like. And the one big thing I learnt from a friendly bass player was to stop playing open chords (for most songs anyway). If that is all mumbo jumbo go and do the theory course. It is well worth the effort.
Mostly is. Did the first part of the Theory course but that is as far as I got. Trying to fit in all the other stuff with the limited practice time I have.
