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Brian often discusses that Active Melody is designed to help students learn to improvise and participate, if they wish, in joining in a jam session with others. After being a member for a while, I’m now rather confident in my CAGED framework, how all the major and minor pentatonics work together and the common routes between the shapes.
I am still, however, still wondering how I might join in on a sporadic jam session. What unique “role” would I play. I’d assume there is more to it than just picking another shape on the neck to duplicate the rhythm of another player. When improvising in a small group together how do I make sure my contribution is additive and not just causing a jumbled mess? Is there a AM lesson on this topic? Thanks.
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Hi Robert,
That’s the one million dollar (or euro) question!
I don’t think there is a simple answer to that. Brian discusses some of his ideas in this lesson, but it’s not exactly the same context.Playing with other musicians is not something you can learn from a book: you have to practice live. Your “unique contribution” will depend on a lot of things: what is being played? are you playing rhythm or lead, or both? how many instruments are there? …
The basic rule is: never step on anyone else’s toes. But that more easily said than done, of course. Listen, listen, listen, and then try to find your place in the band.Your very first jam sessions may very well not be what you expected, but the more you do it the better you will get at it. It is also important to join a tolerant group where you feel at ease. The other people will give you constructive feedback.
Now go! Do it! It is a great experience!
Best regards,
JM -
Maybe for a starter you should join up with the AM Jammers, an international collaboration of AM members started by CraigS from Australia. To do that you will need to have a DAW so you can insert a jamtrack into it, then record your improv over it, and export just your improv track and forward it to Craig. Some members lack the tech skills to do that, but if you want to do long-distance collaborations, it’s the only way. Unless you want to fly to Australia and hand him a USB stick with your stuff on it.
Sunjamr Steve
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When improvising in a small group together how do I make sure my contribution is additive and not just causing a jumbled mess?
Start out with minimal, thoughtful input, less is more and people respect that. When you’re in the groove and “feeling” something, and a gap opens up (they always do eventually), that’s a good time to take the lead for a verse or two. Other players will likely lay back while you do your thing. If you get stuck just play quietly which is universal jam session language for “Help!”
With blues, having a couple of turnarounds sussed out is incredibly helpful; when you want to hand it back to the jam leader (if there is one, usually the singer), make eye contact with her or him as you start the turnaround, nod your head and smile. This should have the effect of handing the lead back to the song leader. It’s so cool when it works. If it doesn’t, someone will jump in, maybe you, since nature hates a vacuum.
You don’t have to play lead lines throughout either. Don’t forget about triplets, harmonized thirds and sixths, double stops. Throw some of those in, they’re easy to do, can buy you time and create interest. Brian has some great lessons on all these aspects, check them out.
As JMG rightly says, just go for it. Experience breeds confidence.
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With blues, having a couple of turnarounds sussed out is incredibly helpful;
Perhaps a micro-lesson is in order for turnarounds??
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