Part 1: Introduction to Mastering the Jam

Part 1: Introduction to Mastering the Jam

For a few years, I offered an introduction to acoustic jamming in person. I had friends who could play guitar and liked music. I ask if they want to jam sometime and the answer I got was. Oh no, I'm not good enough, you're way better than me, I just can't. And guess what, there are a lot of people who want to play with other people, but just don't have the confidence. And that is something I understand. This pandemic has locked me and others away and music is the most fun you can have isn't available. So if you know a few guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo chords, like G, C, D, A and maybe some minors, you can play. If you play bass, violin and can play along. You are good enough. We can't play together, but I can get you ready to play Pretty Maggie in G with breaks after the chorus starting clockwise, watch me for the nod (yeah, I'll explain all of this).

For years, I was a family room musician. I started to realize that it wasn't that much fun. I started playing with a buddy, but he moved away. I met up with a guy I kind of knew and he invited me to the weekly Saturday jam. And I conjured enough courage to go out. 

At first, I stood in the back, playing very softly, keeping a very low profile. Not singing, not taking a break (improvising). But it was sort of, kind of fun. The people were very friendly, I felt welcomed. I went back and got better. I had a goal to take a break or sing a song. 

So I took what I learned and found there are a few things, teachers who have played forever don't remember what it was like to not be confident. They forgot that, I haven't.. One thing is: you aren't that bad and two: there are things that can make you look like you just fell off the turnip truck and can break your confidence. Like when the guy singing the song sticks his foot out, the song is over. When you keep playing, you look a little silly. 

There are topics that can make you feel like you belong. You really do belong, but confidence is a big thing. Also know, not every jam group is a good one. 

The very important first lesson is : If it ain't fun, don't do it. The corollary is: If the group isn't making it fun, LEAVE. 

Join me. I can't get you all in a circle and play a simple song, but I can, I hope, raise your confidence.