Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association. Dedicated to performing, promoting, and preserving Bluegrass Music.
The Ten Jammandments
by Robert Rosenberg, Jamming Juris Doctor and Moral Arbiter
edited by Charlie Hall, user of the English language
1. Thou Shalt Tune Thy Instrument
There are too many good, cheap tuners around not to do this.
2. Thou Shalt Listen
If you can't hear the lead instrument or vocalist, then consider yourself
too loud.
3. Thou Shalt Pass
When handing off an instrumental solo, try to follow a pattern either clockwise
or counter-clockwise. If you want to skip the next solo or pass it off to
the next picker, be sure that the next person is aware of the handoff. No
one wants to start their solo in the middle of the song.
4. Thou Shalt Welcome Others
Open up the circle if others want to join. The jam can not be too
big if people are polite.
5. Thou Shalt Share in the Selection
Open the choice of songs to the pickers around the circle. Take turns. Don't
monopolize the jam.
6. Thou Shalt Try New Stuff
Once in a while a participant may suggest original material or one that
is out of character with the jam. This is OK (refer to Jammandments 2 and
4)
7. Thou Shalt Let Others Know When You Are Not Jamming
Bands may sometimes be rehearsing and may need to exclude non-band members
from jamming. If so, an explanation would be nice.
8. Thou Shalt Not Raid
Don't interrupt an active jam by calling musicians away to begin another
jam.
9. Thou Shalt Keepith Thy Rhythm Steadyith
Errors in rhythm are most difficult to overcome. Avoid adding or dropping
beats. Play quietly if you can't keep up and pay attention. (refer to Jammandment
2)
10. Thou Shalt Not Speed
Do not start a song too fast for the others to play. Once everyone has had
a turn at the lead, the one may announce that the tempo is about to increase.
Other Bluegrass jamming tip links
Words
of wisdom on the subject from "Dr. Banjo" himself Pete Wernick.