Redding Bluegrass Music Jam (reddingbluegrassjam@gmail.com )
Welcome to our Bluegrass Jam! To help you and everyone else
in the jam have a fun musical experience, we’ve put together and explanation of
how it works, and a list of guidelines and tips for those not used to a
Bluegrass circle type jam.
1.
We will be sitting or standing in a general
circle shape. The direction of the turns goes clockwise.
2.
When it’s your turn, name your song and what key
it is in.
3.
Sing and play the song, assigning musical breaks
(solos) around the circle with a word, a glance or nod.
4.
If you are wanting a break in someone else’s
song, be looking up and making eye contact, or you might get passed by.
5.
Sing along, harmonizing, with the chorus, not
the verses (unless you already know that is ok with the singer).
6.
And to go along with #5, play back-up rhythm on
someone else’s break; don’t play the lead on top of their break!
7.
If you don’t want to choose a song when it’s
your turn, say “Pass.” (Your turn is not your opportunity to assign someone
else to perform a song you like) If you don’t wish to take a break when one is
offered, simply shake your head.
8.
If you don’t intend on choosing a song or taking
breaks, it’s best to sit just outside of the main circle as you play along.
Please avoid these!
1.
Non-Bluegrass songs. Remember! This is a
Bluegrass Jam. Some “kissing cousins” of Bluegrass are in the old-time country
vein, Old Time Appalachia style, and Old Time Fiddler repertoire, and may slip
in at times, which is occasionally ok.
2.
Original songs. The goal is for everyone to have
fun and have at least a chance of being able to play and sing along. No one
else knows your songs.
3.
Jambuster songs. The dreaded jambuster sneaks in
under the disguise of Bluegrass, but has such an unusual and complicated chord
or rhythm structure that it either causes cacophony or it causes musicians to
quietly set aside their instruments and just wait for it to go away.
4.
Teaching the tune. If it takes more than a few
words of explanation for the chord changes, then it might be a jambuster and
you should save it for an awesome performance sometime!
5.
Noodling. Even if it’s between songs. It’s
annoying and distracting for everyone else if you are practicing licks, tuning,
playing chords or scales. If you need to do that, step away from the group.
6.
Weird instruments. There are several unexpected
instruments that can work in a Bluegrass Jam, but if it’s not the standard
(guitar, banjo, fiddle, dobro, mando, guitar, bass) you’ll want to check first.
Tips:
1.
Have a song ready to go when it’s your turn! A
list of a half-dozen songs you know and want to do, along with the key they are
in is a helpful thing to have in your pocket or taped to your instrument.
2.
Don’t get offended if you don’t always get a
break. Sometimes a song is over when it is over, without everyone getting a
turn to play.
3.
Tune! Check your tuning periodically.
4.
If your song has an unexpected chord change or
pattern, be polite and mention that before you start.
5.
Be aware of the volume. Be ready to play quieter
if the singer has a soft voice, or if there are already 6 guitars in the group.
If you are a
“Grinner” instead of a “Picker”…
1.
Welcome! It makes our playing more enjoyable
when we know that folks are appreciating our music!
2.
Visiting and chatting is fine, though if you are
close up to the musicians, chat between songs only.
3.
Please do not insist that a musician perform a
particular song you want to hear.
