My first Open Jam ever tonight...

[awfulguitarnois]

Well, even thought I've only been playing a little over a year and I suck as few have sucked before, I'm going to an open jam tonight. I know it's the only way to get better, and I don't have any buddies that play, so I'm taking the plunge. I emailed the guy that runs it and he was really cool, and said not to worry about it, that many players there aren't very good and there are a few that love to teach. So we'll see. I have a feeling it's going to be tragic, but either way it'll be memorable. I'll let you know how it goes.

[tgfmike]

Have fun! And :fist bump!: for gettin' out there.

[Leon Grizzard]

Originally Posted by tgfmike

Have fun! And :fist bump!: for gettin' out there.

Chest bump! Major props for gettin' out there.

[WisconsinStrings]

I'm sure you're better then you're saying. Even then, most non-players can't tell the difference, and all players have been in your shoes.

Have fun!

[muudcat]

You will learn a lot every time you play with some one else, have a good time!

[refin]

Have fun---------you have a great attitude,and will only get better (as we all strive to do!).Keep us posted!

[MickM]

By now I hope you already went and did it. One of the best things you can do as a beginner. Nobody will laugh at you, I used to go to an open mike where a new guy played every week. Lousey timing, sang off key, had trouble making a c,f and g chord but everyone there applauded and encouraged him. Saw him a year or so after that and the dude improved 10 fold. Still not a great singer but he just kept at it. So......just keep at it!

While I'm thinking about it I remember this dude in a cover band in western PA around '81 or so. Was only playing for 3 years and was nailing songs from Blow By Blow, Kansas, Steely Dan, Zappa etc. and making it look easy. Ain't easy but you can do it.

[JIblue]

I turned 50 this year & just began playing in earnest 5 mos. ago and playing out is on my bucket list! Kudos to you & best of luck!

[tjk3052]

Let us know how it went!

[awfulguitarnois]

Well, I went, but there were a ton of people up there and a ton of people in the bar and my dangly-parts went AWOL. I just couldn't... ugh. But... I talked to the guy that organizes it (a drummer) and one of the guitarists, and they invited me over to jam with them next week. They were really cool, but I completely lost my nerve when I saw how good they were. I'm ashamed, but am already looking forward to jamming with them in a more personal setting. I will keep you updated... sorry to post this and then wuss out... I suck.

Feel free to flame me for posting this before going.

The other thing that threw me is that they asked me what I liked to play and I said country and they looked at me for a sec and said, "Oh".

[Budda]

Don't sweat it! We all get nervous at times.

How about this: When you go play with the guys from the Jam, ask them what a couple of songs are that get played regularly. And maybe ask them to show you the tunes. Take a Notebook or something to write down the Chords and possibly the Strumming Patterns and/or Riffs.
By learning something a lot of the Regulars know, you'll have more people up there with you when you play. And they'll "catch you" if you fall. That's the beauty of so many nice people up on stage with you.

And some Classic Rock or some Blues will have enough in common with Country Music to be useful when you do get to play a Country Tune.

[tele salivas]

You have some cool gear there 'awfulguitarnois',,who knows what the fellas were thinking...probably not used to people saying "country" as a reference to foundation, but it all comes back to I IV V chord, doesn't it? whether rock, pop, r & b or my favorite , country..and that is with a capital G for George Jones! But I digress,,,just play hard, my man, strum those open chords like no body's business,,,nothing sounds better than a ringing open chord with some steel in front, IMO...but playing with a drummer and other twanger is a hell of a time...keep us posted, your getting out there...you will falter, as we all do, but you are still moving forward..

[tgfmike]

You're a better man than I, agn! Carry on.

[awfulguitarnois]

Thanks guys. I was pretty ashamed of myself last night, but a good thing that came out of it anyway is that it has really focused and motivated me. I stayed up late last night starting to learn a few of the songs they played last night, and am making good progress already, so maybe there's hope for me. I emailed the guy that organizes it and apologized for being a wuss, and hope they didn't take it that I didn't think they were cool. He said no problem and he'd see me next week. That made me feel better, as well.

They are a bunch of characters, though. They were all dressed in full St. Pat's gear. They were taking a break and asked if I wanted to step out back with them while they smoked. I said sure, even though I don't smoke, but just to hang out. We get out back and they all pull out one-hitters and flame up! It was a little surreal, standing out back of a bar, freezing my butt off with a bunch of stoned leprechauns.

[AngelStrummer]

Don't be ashamed man, even though you didn't play, you've learned something surely. And if anything, the leprechauns seem like they're cool, inviting you to hang with them like that.

In fact, be proud of the guts you obviously have.

[jays0n]

This is a pretty neat story really, seems they are cool cats. I would not have went to play with the leprechauns and thus missed the chance to get to play with em in a simpler setting. Sounds fun. Watch those leprechaun pipes though. Subscribin to this thread; love ta hear how the other jam works out.

j

[awfulguitarnois]

I'll definitely steer clear of the pipes... I gave up the 'blarney' a long time ago.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by awfulguitarnois

I was pretty ashamed of myself last night.

Hi, please don't be ashamed. You did good! Just the fact that you had the courage to go says a lot. You forced yourself out of your comfort zone. Good for you!

Second, I've done this many times. If I hear about a new jam at a club I will almost always just go without my guitar just to check it out and see what the vibe is. Some jams are good. Some are friendly, but disorganized, and some are just terrible. I like to know what I'm getting into before I walk in with my guitar.

Hey, maybe you go a few times before you actually get up to play. It's perfectly ok!

Some suggestions: be aware of the band. If they get loud, you get loud, if they get quiet, you get quiet. Make sure you start and end with the band. Blend in as much as you can. Remember, you'll be playing rhythm mostly, so if you can get that solid they will love you.

Good luck!

[LaExpatriot]

You got more stones to get up there knowing your limitations than most of those who will be critical of you and never step foot on the stage.
Do it with pride and have fun.

[KCKC]

Originally Posted by Budda

Don't sweat it! We all get nervous at times.

...When you go play with the guys from the Jam, ask them what a couple of songs are that get played regularly. And maybe ask them to show you the tunes. Take a Notebook or something to write down the Chords and possibly the Strumming Patterns and/or Riffs.
By learning something a lot of the Regulars know, you'll have more people up there with you when you play. And they'll "catch you" if you fall. That's the beauty of so many nice people up on stage with you.

And some Classic Rock or some Blues will have enough in common with Country Music to be useful when you do get to play a Country Tune.

+1

I've found strength in numbers and most musicians want to help others come along. The next best thing to partaking in a "jam" is watching someone experiencing it for the first couple of times! Go back and play.

kc