Walking into a new bluegrass jam can be a daunting experience for some. What songs do these people play? Will I be able to keep up? Will they think I’m worthy to join the group? Will I be the only person who doesn’t know everyone else?
The whole point of bluegrass jamming is getting together with other people to make music and have a shared experience. Jams work because we have a shared understanding of the bluegrass repertoire and an understanding of the norms–The Rules. Still, every jam has its own personality because of the people who are the regulars, the tone set for the jam by the organizer(s), and the people who decide to show up that day. As with people, different jam personalities work for different folks–a jam that is fun for one person may not work well for another.
So, how do you find the jam group that works for you?
- Try out some different jams. We are lucky in the Triangle region of NC–you can probably find a jam any day of the week. The Triangle BG Jam Fix group on Facebook does a great job of helping spread the word about jams in the Triangle.
- As you get to know other players, ask them where they go to jam. Actually, asking a person about where they go to play is a great conversation starter! Most people are pretty good at summing up a jam’s personality and can usually give you some good feedback to help you decide if it would be a good fit for you.
- If going to a new jam is intimidating, bring a buddy. It’s a lot easier when you have someone there that you know, and you’ll probably find that you know some other folks there too.
Building your jam skills will boost your jamming confidence, making it easier to walk into that new jam. Need help building your jam skills? We can help! Our next class starts on May 1, 2019. Sign up here.
Once you find a jam you like, keep going! Jams only work when people show up to play. Keep attending, and do your part to keep the jam going. Most of all, do your part to make the jam one that you would want to attend. Remember, you help set the personality of the jam!