Bluegrass neophytes often bemoan that they don't know "the rules" of bluegrass jamming. It's true, there are many unspoken points of "Bluegrass Etiquette". If you break them you'll get anything from a 'harrmph" to a dirty scowl
from the banjoist or mandolinist next to you. A lead singer might just stop singing if you behave like it's a "sing-a-long". If you find people frequently migrate away from the jam after you join, start to suspect you are messin' up the jam.
from the banjoist or mandolinist next to you. A lead singer might just stop singing if you behave like it's a "sing-a-long". If you find people frequently migrate away from the jam after you join, start to suspect you are messin' up the jam.
Play quietly on the outskirts of a jam circle to test the waters. If people like what you're doing, you'll get a "nod" from someone. If you aren't ready to solo when the "nod" comes, just smile and shake your head. People who jam understand what it means to be a novice, they were there once too. Just be polite and if you want to do one of your own songs choose one that others can follow. Jams are not your opportunity to solo, it's about blending with a group so choose songs others are likely to know or with simple chord progressions.. BTW, the First Rule of Bluegrass Jam Singing: It ain't a sing-along unless they're playing "Rocky Top" or "Will the Circle be Unbroken". Don't sing along with the lead on the verse unless you know it's a duet. Dont chime in on the chorus unless you've got a bonafide harmony part that someone else isn't already singing!
Bottom line, look before you leap into jamming. Watch and learn. Before long, circles will open and call you in when you stroll by instead of scattering.
Here is some good advice for jam neophytes:
- Jam etiquette for Fiddle Hell posted by Dave Reiner has some sound advice.
- Fiddlers who don't also play another chorded instrument often find it hard to pick along on tunes they don't know. It's immensely helpful to learn to recognize basic chords on the guitar. Here's a tip sheet especially for jamming fiddlers: Picking up tunes by ear
- If you are starting your own jam, you can post the TEN JAMMANDMENTS!!! Hilarious good advice!
- Better yet, attend a Pete Wernick Jam Camp. or for jamtastic practice during the off season get one of his DVDs:
Good luck, and leave the spoons and washboard at home!
