Home › Forums › Showcase Your Playing › Bryce's First Open Jam Success!
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January 3, 2016 at 2:41 am #30691
Hi Active Melody Community!
I went to my first open jam tonight at a local hotel bar. I was nervous as I have not played guitar in a band setting before let alone in front of people.
The host and other players were extremely encouraging, just like the Active Melody Forum Community. My plan was just to play rhythm on some simple songs and not take any solos. I wanted to ease into this jam thing.
Well, I couldn’t take it during the second song (Old Time Rock and Roll) and told the host during the songs I wanted to take a lead. I did and it was ok. No clams, just not great phrasing or licks in my opinion. We are own worst critics. But I put myself out there. The last song I did for the set was a slow blues and I took a solo and it worked. Magic!!!
Is it the best solo in the world or most complicated? No. But you know what? I did it in real time in front of people and it worked. Thank you Brian (@brianactivemelody-com) you are an awesome teacher. I have much to learn but I feel like I am making progress! I plan on going back weekly to the open jam.
I got asked back for another 3 songs and I took 1 other solo that was ok. I will be working with the jam tracks over and over again and trying to get some more licks down.
You all can do it too!
I was smart to leave my phone in the audience recording. Here is the solo that worked. You can hear the host saying “Sweet!” at the end.
#activemelodysuccess
#Brianisthebestteacherintheworldhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-akguitar/bryce-open-jam-solo-1216
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
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January 3, 2016 at 4:25 am #30693
Bryce, That took courage and guts! Your solo sounded incredible and smooth. Thank you for sharing this experience with us, it gives us hope to get out of our safe zone and do the same.
Gary Quellet -
January 3, 2016 at 4:57 am #30694
That is fantastic, Bryce! I think this your first jam in front of a real audience marks a very important point in your career as a musician. To me stepping up to a crowd would be like hitting the record button squared! And you did it! I’m proud of you my friend! And thanks for sharing this experience with us. It’s a bit like having been there myself. I think it’s a very good idea to make this public appearence regular. I’m sure the band is more than happy to have you. “Sweet” says it all 🙂
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January 3, 2016 at 5:01 am #30695
That’s awesome news Bryce, a big congrats on taking that first big step. The most important thing is that you enjoyed it mate. The solo sounded sweet and definitely gives hope to others like me that would like to take that step as well eventually.
-Steve
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January 3, 2016 at 5:23 am #30698
Bryce!! A-w-e-s-o-m-e!!! You’ve achieved our dreams. Solo Was super!! It Was like we would be there. Proud to be your friend.
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January 3, 2016 at 5:37 am #30700
Sweet indeed! It’s one thing to play at home, safe and sound, and a whole other ball game to play live with others – audience, noise, lights, distractions, mics, nerves … but it’s just a matter of keep going back and getting used to it and it’s great fun and very rewarding. That “sweet” comment has gotta be worth all the effort. It’s like all that work is starting to pay off.
And for sure I hear Brian’s licks and riffs all through your solo; you’re really getting it under your fingers. And you didn’t overplay – lots of breathing room, very mature playing. Well done my friend. It’s a very rewarding world, playing live, and very motivating – I sometimes spend the whole week getting ready for 2 or 3 songs for the open mic.
Congrats, and keep at it. -
January 3, 2016 at 6:41 am #30703
Hey Bryce,
I really enjoyed this – lovely sensitive playing. The host was absolutely right!
Congratulations,
Steve
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January 3, 2016 at 7:06 am #30704
That was really good Bryce.. You are on your way man! Did you use your guitar? That is the hard part for me, if it isn’t mine, it won’t sound fine..
Don't practice till you get it right, practice till you can't get it wrong.
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January 3, 2016 at 7:26 am #30705
Bryce,
From being one of the first guys to intentionally post his mistakes on the forum to jumping into an open jam, you are one brave guy! Those guys sounded like they were laying down a good backing rhythm,obviously quite experienced, and you fit right in. You did great and thanks for recording, felt like we were there cheering you on. What incredible motivation for you and for us.
John -
January 3, 2016 at 7:27 am #30706
Well done you. Sounds great. I’m not a fan of speed but think slow and melodic is better and more difficult to pull off ( pun intended). You have obviously put the hours in so make sure you return to the jam and public performance. Enjoy.
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January 3, 2016 at 7:40 am #30708
Holy crap dude! Well done! Thanks for putting it on the forum, very inspiring for many of us hachers.
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January 3, 2016 at 8:03 am #30709
Wow, that was tops Bryce. Congratulations.
Rick
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January 3, 2016 at 8:35 am #30710
Well done, Bryce. Very good. You didn’t waste any time making 2016 a breakthrough year!
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January 3, 2016 at 9:01 am #30711
It works for me, Bryce….nicely done….Whenever I’ve played in front of people, the nerves take over big time….hands cramp and get clammy…..muscle memory gets amnesia…..Only way to overcome it is to keep doing it on a regular basis…so it’s smart to go back for an encore…Congrats and thanks for sharing your session ! I’m guessing you’ll replay it about 200 times over the next few days….LOL
Marty
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January 3, 2016 at 9:17 am #30713
@bryce-akguitar, holy saints of the blues Bryce!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, This is a massive deal……congratulations for getting out there….great solo…..very nice and smooth, no glitches, with purpose, you knew where you were going and followed the changes nicely!!! Can’t say enough….if I was up in Alaska I’d give you a big latin american hug!!!Recording was a great idea……Love it!!
If you can stick with these guys’ set list, you’ll make a ton of improvement…what was always great about being in a band for me was the sense of purpose…like the AM challenges….forces you to learn a defined set of pieces and songs…and you can work them continuously, improve, add change etc.
All the best Bryce!! PS what guitar did you use?
Roberto
Roberto
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January 3, 2016 at 9:24 am #30716
Way to go, Bryce! Now, if I may, I’d like to get on my soap box. Since I joined Woodlands Acoustic Jam (a guitar, etc. ensemble in The Woodlands, TX – at Brian’s urging, I might add), I have benefitted so much. Not only has my playing, timing, chord knowledge, etc. improved, but – the real intangible – I’ve make a bunch of new friends who have an overriding common interest – playing music and talking about guitars, amps, stomp boxes, etc. I encourage every musician to play music with others. That’s where the real fun is. Check out meetup.com on the internet to find a group in your area. Best regards, Charley D., Houston, TX.
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January 3, 2016 at 9:27 am #30717
@bryce-akguitar, Bryce just had an idea….if you would and have time maybe you could do a post or even better a short video explaining the whole process for everyone…how you found the jam, contact, what they asked for etc..the details of the process, communication and any do’s and don’ts you learned…..I think would be helpful for those on the edge….
again congrats!
Roberto
Roberto
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January 3, 2016 at 10:11 am #30718
Sweet! hah that says it all. This was fantastic Bryce! You have an excellent ear for improvising, maybe better than you realize. I know it’s easy for you to notice a glitch or something that you feel wasn’t up to par when listening back, but from an honest outsiders opinion of a raw blues solo, this was flawless. You didn’t rush things (which is rare) – you took your time with phrasing and let your guitar do the singing. A lot of people miss that point when they try doing it and it sounds soulless. It sounded raw / organic, just the way blues is supposed to be played.
Keep at it Bryce 🙂
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January 3, 2016 at 10:12 am #30719
That’s absolutely awesome news Bryce,
That’s is probably the biggest step for us inspiring guitarist to take, playing in an open jam. You have a lot of confidence in your self to do it. I’m so happy for you. They say once you make that leap, there’s no looking back. I think you are hooked.
And as for the solo you did, all I can say is “SWEET”Mark
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January 3, 2016 at 10:53 am #30722
Great performance Bryce! That took a ton of courage and you pulled it off like a pro. I actually sat here listening and was nervous for you……..
Rob -
January 3, 2016 at 11:01 am #30723
Bryce,
Very Sweet Indeed!! Time to quit your day job, man ;>) We are all proud of you here on Active Melody for having the courage to do this and for playing very well under pressure.
Congratulations!
Gene
Gene
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January 3, 2016 at 11:44 am #30724
Bryce,Great work under scary conditions!! I would have folded after the first note!Played in a bar back in the early sixties,and only played chords to rock and roll and didn’t sing,so that really doesn’t count!! This is a whole new ballgame,and you did great! Thanks for posting it,and have a great new year……….Sal
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January 3, 2016 at 12:07 pm #30726
Hi Bryce, I heard your solo on SoundCloud before I saw this. I had hoped you were satisfied; you sound great, it’s no wonder you’re invited back.
Don D.
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January 3, 2016 at 1:59 pm #30734
Whoa! Holy Supportive Online Guitar Buddies! I really do love you guys on the Forum.
Thanks for all of your kind words and encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
I played my Reverend Flatroc last night. It is the only electric I own (read: I am actually not rich @gnlguy :)) I have to say it sounded really good.
I will take Roberto’s (@maradonagol) advice and do a video recapping my experience for the forum. I will have to do it later as I have to work on a deadline for this Wednesday.
The one thing I want to stress to you guys is YOU CAN DO THIS TOO!!! Make this year YOUR breakthrough year learning guitar on Active Melody and find a jam or a jam buddy to play with. What is the worse that could happen? You screw up? Everyone screws up. That is how you learn. 🙂
Since I have a habit of showing of all my mistakes publicly. Here is a link to the two full sets I played. Did I screw up chord changes or some solos? Yes. But all in the name of getting better and living the dream of actually performing. It also helps when there are more seasoned players around you to make you sound good and cover up your mistakes. 🙂
Here they are:
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-akguitar/sets/the-lofts-anchorage-city-limits-01022016-open-jam
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 3, 2016 at 2:47 pm #30735
Bryce that sounded AWESOME, you nailed that solo! How good did that feel? Did you just wing that? Congrats man, Ive only played in front of an audience a couple of times and for me it was nerve racking. You sounded relaxed and smooth. Great Job and thanks for sharing. This inspires others to do the same.
Cheers Dave
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January 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm #30736
Fantastic job, Bryce!! That’s the style of blues that I like! Smooth and sweet with feeling…Congratulations and thanks for sharing. My wife was listening as I was playing your recording and wanted to know who it was that was playing. She liked the sound. Keep up the good work and keep sharing!
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January 3, 2016 at 6:14 pm #30749
Fantastic work Bryce!! Its always a great feeling coming off the stage knowing you have connected with the other musicians and the audience.
Scott
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January 3, 2016 at 7:01 pm #30751
Bryce,
All I can says is ” JAMalicious ” !!!!!!!!!!!
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January 3, 2016 at 7:23 pm #30752
Very nice Bryce. The tone was clean and confident. And best of all, each of your choruses had a melodic structure. It didn’t sound at all like you were either noodling, or simply re-hashing licks. Pretty amazing for a first time.
Now be honest, what’s more intimidating: Playing in front of the audience in a setting like that? Or hitting the record button?
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January 3, 2016 at 7:55 pm #30757
Audience, hands down Duffy. There is no video editing or another take to save you. You are in the moment and that is that. A very friendly crowd though. No one had an ego which was nice.
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 3, 2016 at 8:38 pm #30759
Interesting, for me it’s the opposite. An audience can be forgiving; the recording device never is. A performance is fleeting; recordings last forever. It’s possible to make a human connection with an audience; not so with a recording. I get stage fright in front of an audience, and it lasts for one song at most, dissipating and then disappearing. When I record, I start out confidant, and then the nerves and self consciousness grows.
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January 3, 2016 at 8:45 pm #30761
Wow Bryce, that was just plain sweet music! You sounded awesome with the band. As i have just started playing with others too, i know how exciting and terrifying it can be at the same time. Congrats man, you are a huge inspiration to everyone here, keep it up..scott.
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January 3, 2016 at 9:59 pm #30766
Hi Bryce,
This is wonderful, and inspirational (to me, anyway).Congratulations, and keep up the jammming.
🙂
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January 4, 2016 at 12:00 am #30768
Hi Bryce,
you have my deepest appreciation. You have totally great in the piece integrated. All of the sounds sitting in the right place. Your Timing is terrific!!! Still did you do with your use, sometimes a bit of waiting, and then back really started. Who to play the guitar learn should know how important and at the same time difficult it is.
Best regards, and keep it up!!!Wilfried:-)
Play guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.
Wilfried
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January 5, 2016 at 8:57 am #30846
Whey hey go Bryce and what a fantastic start to 2016!
I can’t add anymore than has already been said, other than to reinforce that you are really inspirational to AM forum and got me posting following your videos of instruction and encouragement. So this is a great sign for fellow ‘closet’ players and hopefully I will follow in your footsteps.
Thanks and cheers Bri
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January 6, 2016 at 5:59 am #30852
That’s Awesome Bryce, well done. sounded excellent! Hats off to you, cheers Phil
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January 7, 2016 at 9:42 pm #30918
You didn’t rush things (which is rare) – you took your time with phrasing and let your guitar do the singing. A lot of people miss that point when they try doing it and it sounds soulless.
This is what struck me as well. You kept it simple and took time to “breathe” and leave plenty of space between licks. Nice job!
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January 8, 2016 at 9:53 am #30936
Thanks @Bluesbird!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 8, 2016 at 10:56 am #30940
Bryce, You make your fellow guitar brothers & sisters proud!
Congrat’s! -
January 8, 2016 at 1:29 pm #30953
@jeem: Thanks for the kind words bud!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 9, 2016 at 10:45 pm #31038
Hi Bryce, just listened to the whole jam. We’re you playing on “Brown Eyed Girl”? That was also really nice, sounded rehearsed.
Don D.
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January 10, 2016 at 10:41 am #31067
@don-deering: Yes, that is me playing rhythm. I started playing over the bass solo as I wasn’t ready for it but I was ready for it at last night’s jam. 🙂
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 10, 2016 at 11:13 am #31071
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January 10, 2016 at 10:48 pm #31132
Per Roberto’s (@maradonagol) request, a play-by-play video of my first jam experience (and advice for people who want to start playing in jams).
Thread here: https://www.activemelody.com/forums/topic/bryces-open-jam-experience-and-advice-to-those-who-want-to-jam/
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 12, 2016 at 4:24 am #31189
Great stuff Bryce, That takes guts.
no sour notes and good timing! nice! -
January 12, 2016 at 4:17 pm #31208
Thanks for the kind words Brecht(@brechtdebaenegmail-com)!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 20, 2016 at 3:01 pm #31614
Bravo Bryce Excellent Well done Mate keep it going!Peace Barry
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January 20, 2016 at 4:30 pm #31620
@bazilghotmail-com: Thanks Barry!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 24, 2016 at 2:33 pm #31820
IMPRESSIVE! Great phrasing and use of space. VERY VERY GOOD!
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January 24, 2016 at 2:45 pm #31822
@wildbill: Thanks. I did my fourth jam last night and had a great deal of fun. I highly encourage everyone to try it.
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
January 26, 2016 at 11:06 pm #31940
Hey Bryce, that sounded great. I can do that kind of lead sitting by myself in my own music room, but standing in front of a bunch of people takes more courage than I have right now. I heard John Mayer say once that he sat in his bedroom practicing his guitar all day every day for 8 years before he ever did a public performance. At that rate, I’ve got 7 more years to go…
Sunjamr Steve
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January 27, 2016 at 3:16 am #31956
That sounded brilliant Bryce, I read your description of the solo and believe me your description did not do it justice 😉
Well done, Id love to be able to do that some day, thanks for the inspiration!
Mick
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January 27, 2016 at 8:16 am #31977
And 3 weeks later, it’s still good.
I love live music!My Youtube Playlist
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January 27, 2016 at 10:05 am #31985
@sunjamr, Mick (@mikmccarthygmail-com), Vojtech (@darktatka):
Thanks for the kind words!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska
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