[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Acoustic Jam Etiquette ” image=”https:\/\/swacousticcircle.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/pic1.jpg” alt=”acoustic circle” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Playing in a jam is in our view one of the best things about being a musician. Jamming together has a major focus in our group. Meeting up with other musicians to pass around songs is why most of us play music, to learn, share and grow together<\/p>\n
Below are some suggestions\u00a0 to help you participate in a jam. These tips focus on bluegrass circles but work in all acoustic jams, involving music and poetry led by one individual.<\/p>\n
A good rule of thumb is to act how you want others to act towards you.<\/p>\n
Here are our favourite tips:<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0<\/span>Song choice goes to the left of the circle.<\/strong> We<\/span> don\u2019t know why left \u2013 it is clockwise or agreed otherwise by the group.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0<\/span>If you choose the song, you are the leader<\/strong>. You need to try to sing loud enough for everyone to hear and call in the solos. You can ask someone to sing your song choice.<\/p>\n 3. If you do not want to lead a song, you are allowed to pass<\/strong>. Just signal this to the jam leader. Seek help of experienced group members and try calling at least one tune.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0<\/span>Call out chords if the group is unfamiliar with a tune.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>If you are calling an uncommon tune, call out the chords and play simple open chords so others can follow.\u00a0 Our group used a song book and it is ok to play from the book.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0<\/span>If you don\u2019t like a song, smile and play along or keep your mouth shut and walk away.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Jams are a place for everyone to share songs they like \u2013 and sometimes what one person loves, another hates. If you don\u2019t like the song, just smile and play along because that\u2019s the nice thing to do. If you just can\u2019t play nice, just play quietly.<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0<\/span>Originals are okay just ask people to listen<\/strong>.\u00a0 You might also want to share the key of the song and chord progression and invite people to play along quietly.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0<\/span>Solos pass to the left.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Keep your eye on the singer if you are keen on playing a solo. You might get chosen at short notice or the solos might go along the circle. The singer has the option to solo last or when s\/he choses. Solos usually go over the verse.<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0<\/span>If you do not wish to play a solo on a particular song, signal the singer.\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0Just shake your head when eye contact is made.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0<\/span>Don\u2019t play over others or over the vocals<\/strong>. When it\u2019s not your turn to take a solo, just play rhythms and enjoy listening to your friends in the jam. Play quietly when a singer needs more support to be heard.<\/p>\n 10. Signal the end of the song by raising your foot. <\/strong>Your fellow jammers will follow when you finish the song.\u00a0<\/p>\n 11. Respect the venue. <\/strong>Leave the venue in the state that you found it. Check with the host what specific rules exist and follow them with a smile. Help pack up at the end of the jam. Be kind and friendly.<\/p>\n