These 8 free
Scheetz goes way beyond just preparing you mentally and logistically; The Blues Jam Survival Guide also includes dozens of essential blues rhythm patterns that you will need to know, a big bagful of go-to blues licks that will always work for you, and sound advice for other musical situations that you will definitely encounter and need to deal with at the jam.
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Essential G Blues Licks
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Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Page, SRV, all of these guys have played these licks time and again and probably learned them from cats like Albert King, and even earlier guys who maybe didn’t “rock” them out as much be none the less had the notes in the right spots. Don’t forget to practice your pentatonic scales daily, because having a smooth and confident grip on the scales will make these licks sound convincing!
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: How to Play the 12/8 Slow Blues Like a Pro
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The slow blues is maybe the most common thing you are going to hear at a jam night. Mostly due to the fact that there are so many songs that use this format. So it is crucial to your jam night bag to have this down pat, and have some variations you can pull out and use.
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Projecting & Having the Right Attitude
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Jam night etiquette is something everyone should be aware of. It is mostly simple things like having a good attitude, be prepared, paying attention, supporting the other jammers. These are simple little things that make a huge difference.
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Pay Attention
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Communication is key when jamming, especially when you are playing with people you don’t know. So make sure you are always looking at the other players – to start with, as soon as you get plugged in, make eye contact with the other guys. Then while in the middle of the song, be watching the other guys to see who should take what solo when etc.
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Prepare your Songs
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Make sure you know the key the song is in that you are going to jam on. Also, make sure you are doing the same “version” of the song that the band is doing. When practicing your songs at home, play with your
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Rules of the Jam
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Each jam night is run a little different. It is good to know the “pace” of the jam night – if it goes really fast, or if it is more casual. The best thing you can do to learn this is to go out to the jam night for a couple of weeks BEFORE you even take your
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Seek Out the Jam Host
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Sometimes you just need a push. The other guys at a jam night are a great help in this area. Find the jam host and let them know you are wanting to get up and jam, and be sure and let him know if it is your first time.
Blues Jam Survival Guide Lesson: Dont’ Be Scared – Dealing with Stage Fright
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Stage fright can be a very real fear for some people. One thing that will help you is to realize you are among friends and people who are very forgiving. Jam nights are a GREAT place to get up on stage for the first time! Remember, if you really prepare then when you get up there it will all go smooth, so “over” practice the songs you are going to do until you have them down cold.
Dig these survival guide lessons? Download Jeff Scheetz’s Blues Jam Survival Guide for much more including tab, notation, and jam tracks!