Bryce's Open Jam Experience and Advice To Those Who Want To Jam

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Roberto (@maradonagol) requested a play by play of my recent open jam experience. I intended to make a short video but it turned into 17 min!

Is anyone still there after I said 17 min video?!? <Crickets>

Ok. I broke the video in 3 parts to make it more palatable. I am by no means an expert in jams but here is my experience and advice for those of you wanting to start participating in local blues or open jams.

I encourage any season veterans to chime in with their jam advice.

Part 1 – Finding Jams and Doing Your Homework

Part 2 – Taking The Plunge, Contacting the Jam Host, and Signing Up to Play

Part 3 – Playing Pointers

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[charjo]

Thanks, Bryce. That was very practical and helpful advice. Where else but Active Melody would you get a captive audience that would hang on your every word about a jam? When I suggested you buy a round before your first jam, I meant for the audience.
John

[Maradonagol]

@bryce-akguitar

Bryce awesome…..exactly what I was envisioning….great points!!

huaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, loved it…turn the volume down and strum……the first time I played with a band around 14 yrs old…thats exactly what the older guys told me to do…….wonderful!!! But really good advice….

Roberto

Roberto

[Brian]

Hey Bryce, thanks for taking the time to put these videos together. This is extremely helpful for those that have always wanted to do it but have been intimidated to give it a try. I’m going to share this with the Facebook community as I think others would benefit from hearing about your experience!

[Rodger B]

Hey Bryce thanks for a great intro to jamming with people! Now I know what to expect, I was asked to bring my guitar on Jan 23rd to a jam session at a local venue, but for my first time I’m just want to get the feel of the place. It’s kind of a tough place meaning like a roadhouse blues/jazz where the players might need a safety cage to play up there lol. At least it’s what I hear, but I just want to check it out and this is great information you’ve shared Bryce! Oh and I know Brian’s site is going to prepare me for my first jam, don’t know when but it’s a goal of mine!

[carbo]

excellent post remember everyone starts somewhere and it is fun and fulfilling to share any musical gifts you have been blest with
God bless you all

[smilefred]

Thanks Bryce your advices are really useful

[gquellet]

Thanks Bryce, very inspiring.
Because of you I have put down some goals for 2016.
I have started taking lessons with a guitar teacher. I want to work on things like timing, rhythm, putting what I know into use. I am preparing to go to a jam, but want to fine tune first.
Thank you for jumping into this and pointing us in a good direction.

Gary

[Duffy P]

Very well done Bryce, and lots of great advice. It sounds like you have stumbled into a very good place. The next step is to find the people at the jam who you connect with, and arrange to play with them outside of the jam venue. For that, you will soon learn that guitarists are a dime a dozen, and that what you really need to find are a good bassist and drummer.

[Bryce-AKguitar]

@charjo and @maradonagol: I’m glad you guys liked the post! Thanks for the kind comments and support.

Rodger B(@rodger7987452gmail-com): thanks for sharing that. I wish you luck on your first jam! Let us know how it goes!

@carbo: thanks for the kind words and for posting on the forum!

@smilefred: I’m glad you found this post useful. Thanks for the support.

@gquellet: Excellent news Gary! I’m proud of you for setting goals and working towards them.

Duffy P(@duffyprattcomcast-net): very good point about finding other drummers and bass players at the jam!

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[fresnojohns]

Bryce,
Thank you very much. I enjoyed all three videos. It sounds like you got a great place to go and play. And on video number three are some very important tips. Do not play too loud. And do not leave right after you play.

Very good tips
fresnojohns

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