A jam beginner question

[Bluegrasstjej]

I haven't played lead at any jams but I'm getting closer to it. A problem arose, so I just wanted to ask you how you do this.
If you want to start playing a song, how do you move on from the intro to the back-up? Or don't you play an intro? (but I think most folks at our jams do) It's hard to jump from an intro to start singing and playing the back-up at the same time. When people play a break, they usually stop chopping a few seconds before the break and don't start right away after the break. Is it acceptable to not start chopping right after the intro when I start a song at a jam? Or should I jump the intro and just start chopping and singing? Or are people at jams so perfectly good that this isn't a problem?

[jlb]

I know folks who do it boh ways. You could always ask someone at the jam for advice.

[steve in tampa]

Maybe you could work it up with someone, and have them pick up the first couple measures of chopping, or the intro

[hellindc]

I run a jam, and I can tell you I prefer that people not do intros unless the tune is very well known to all, and even then it should be simple. But, every jam is different, I suppose, and you probably are with a group of experienced pickers who know each other's style.

I violate my own rule when I play a guitar intro to Guy Clark's "South Coast of Texas," but all the choppers and strummers have to do is play a straight A chord, until they return to D at the end. Also, there're two measures between the end of the intro and the start of the lyrics. So I would recommend you not do intros that require more than one change, and pick one where you can have one or two measures to shift your concentration to singing.

[Bluegrasstjej]

Ok, thanks a lot. I think I'll just start chopping and singing. I know a few songs by now that I should be able to sing and play at a jam. If I start a song, do I have to play the first solo or can I just look around to see who is eager to start with a break? Or are there any unwritten rule that I should take the first break? I'm not a very experienced jammer, I've just been to a few and then I've only played back-up.

[kebmando]

In most jams I've been to, its traditional, but definitely not universal, for the person who called the song to take the first solo...also helps to nod as the solos get passed around who's up next. If you didn't want to take the first solo, I'd go ahead and say to the guy next to you, "Go ahead and take a break" or something so he knows to come in a little in advance.

[keymandoguy]

We do our jam in a circle so you lead when it comes your turn. If you dont want to do a lead you can make a request. works out real good . http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[jaybee]

The Green Country Bluegrass Assoc. in NE Oklahoma has begun a program called "slow jam". It is designed specifically for those who are at least a little intimidated by existing jams and to answer beginners' questions and to lead them into jamming in as comfortable way possible. It's early in the program yet...but shows real interest and promise of success.

[Bluegrasstjej]

Sounds like a great idea. I sure wish we had such things here too.

[duuuude]

Sounds like a great idea. I sure wish we had such things here too.
Start your own, you'll be suprised at how many folks are looking for just the same thing. Hook-up with the local bluegrass assn., or some other acoustic venue, and put out the word, you'll have people comin' outa the woodwork in no time.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Mark Normand]

This reminds me of how a little can go a long way. I spent the last 5 days in MountainView, Ark jamming, and Sat night a jam formed up on one corner of the town square. 3 songs later I noticed a couple of fellers with guitars eyeing us, I quickly invited them in. They were kinda quiet, but thankful. Later they admitted to be very new players and had hauled their guitars around the entire day, but were "scared stiff" to break them out in public. That one instance got them over the hump. I was in their shoes 2 years ago, and I always try to help brand new jammers.