Overview
We host a monthly guided jam for our former, ongoing, and prospective students. This is not an “open” jam where anyone can just show up and play; rather, each person must submit a request in advance to participate.
Participation is currently limited to ~15 students to ensure each person has an opportunity to lead a song, take a break, and receive individual guidance during the jam. Some limitations may be put in place to ensure we have a good instrument balance.
The cost is $10 per jam, which goes towards defraying our venue expense.
Students can participate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Jam registration will open 2-3 weeks prior the jam date, and will be announced.
We are likely to have “themes” on occasion and will dedicate some of the jam to the theme; examples include fiddle tunes, holiday songs (December), harmony singing, songs by particular artists, etc.
How to Participate
Join our Guided Jam Mailing List, which is used to announce the jam dates and when registration is open (typically 2-3 weeks in advance). This is the only method we will use to announce the guided jam information.
Request to attend using the form below. You will receive a notification that your request was successfully submitted. You will also receive a confirmation that you are either a) on the jam roster; or b) on the waitlist.
The $10 fee will be collected at the jam, cash or Venmo.
You can attend as few or many jams as you like. As individuals get more experienced, they may be “graduated” from the jam and encouraged to make space for new jammers.
Review the Guided Jam Protocols! It bears repeating: we will hold everyone accountable for following bluegrass jam etiquette, and coach you through best practices.
Guided Jam Protocols
Students are expected to play one of the 6 standard bluegrass instruments: banjo, bass, dobro, fiddle, guitar, or mandolin. Exceptions are made for students who plan to transition from a non-bluegrass instrument (like ukulele) to a standard bluegrass instrument.
Multi-instrumentalists should select just one instrument per jam. While switching instruments is generally fine in regular jams, each person should focus on a single instrument for each guided jam session.
Students are expected to make an effort to play “bluegrass backup” on their instrument during the jam. We understand that not everyone can do this right away, or you may not even know what this means, in which case we’ll tell you more at the jam! The goal is to give it a try:
Banjo: pinch chords, chop, simple rolls
Bass: single notes on 1st and 5th of each chord
Dobro: pinch chords, chop, simple rolls
Fiddle: chops, long bows, fills
Guitar: boom chuck
Mandolin: chop, fills
Be prepared to receive instruction, guidance, suggestions and more from Leslie and Susan. We will hold everyone accountable for following bluegrass jam etiquette, and coach you through best practices.
We will play in jam-friendly keys of G, A, C, and D. We will also occasionally play in B or E.
Students who wish to lead a song should be prepared to do so: know the name of the song, the key, and the chord structure. Beginners are welcome to pass on leading.
Songs that work best are singing songs that are bluegrass standards, or Americana or folk or country songs that can be “bluegrassified” and adapted to play “bluegrass style”. Songs that don’t work well are original compositions, songs with too many chords or chord changes, or aren’t well known by most participants. Fiddle tunes will be occasionally featured and may be led by Susan and Leslie, since these can be particularly challenging.
Students should limit their use of music stands, books, etc. Our goal is for folks to learn to play by ear. It’s fine to use whatever is needed when leading a song, but otherwise it’s best to not have anything in front of you that could be a distraction (and/or block others’ view of your hands and instrument!).
Upcoming Jam Dates
Jams are monthly, typically on third Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:30pm at St. Paul’s Christian Church in Raleigh.
Wednesday, June 18: 6:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, July 16: 6:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, August 20: 6:30-8:30pm
Check back for remaining 2025 dates
Questions? Get in touch: howdy@waywardstrings.com
Jam Registration Request
Location: St. Paul’s Christian Church, 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27612
Time: 6:30-8:30pm