Fiddle Jam Etiquette 101
If you’re new to jamming, it can feel like everyone’s in on a secret except you. There are many unwritten rules at a jam session, and sometimes it’s intimidating to participate when you feel like you might commit a faux-pas at any moment. So here’s your jam session starter pack— this post will give you what you need to know to feel more comfortable as you start attending more jam sessions. With the following guidelines, you’ll have what you need to join jams with confidence and learn from your experiences. Let’s dive in.
Different Styles, Different Etiquette
First, a caveat: jam etiquette varies by style. Texas-style jams are very different from Bluegrass jams, which are very different from oldtime jams. It’s your job to understand the genre of jam you’re attending and use your observational skills to pick up on what others are doing. If you’re attending a jam for the first time or you’re playing with more experienced players, defer to them to demonstrate good jam manners.
Rule #1: Don’t Be Hasty
When you get to a jam, do not immediately unpack your instrument. If it’s an open-invitation public jam or a jam you’ve been invited to at someone’s home, it’s usually nice to say some hellos and build a rapport with folks before playing. If people are already playing when you arrive, take the opportunity to listen to a tune and observe jam dynamics such as:
how the group kicks off a tune
who is leading the jam
when musicians play and when they back off
what types of songs/tunes are being called
If the jam is not an open jam, meaning that it was not shared as a public event, do not join the jam unless you are invited to play. This goes for jams at music festivals and fiddle contests, where people often form small jams with close musical friends and are not necessarily open to adding more people to the jam. It’s not personal! These jams are still a great opportunity to listen to those playing. In fact, listening to others play without the expectation of joining is one of the most valuable things you can do as a musician.
Rule #2: Call Tunes Within the Genre
If you show up to a Bluegrass jam, it is not the time to break out your favorite Scottish air, no matter how much you might love it. Observe the types of tunes/songs that other people in the jam choose and stick within the same general repertoire when you call a tune. This makes it more likely that the folks in the jam are prepared to play the tunes that you call, play them well, and enjoy them.
Rule #3: Avoid Jam-Busters
Unless you’re playing with bandmates or friends who already know the more exotic or difficult tunes in your repertoire, it’s best to avoid songs with lots of strange chord changes, timing quirks, or other challenging features. When other jammers have to spend all their brainpower trying to play a song they don’t know, the result rarely sounds good, but it does often bring the jam to a screeching halt (literally). Remember that a jam is not a rehearsal; your goal is not to spend lots of time explaining or “attempting” songs, but to enjoy the chemistry of successfully playing tunes you all know together.
Rule #4: Step Up or Step Back
I’ve often been privy to conversations where musicians complain about someone taking up too much time or space in a jam session. If someone is always playing over others, folks do not take kindly to it. Similarly, if there’s one person who insists on calling most of the songs or who stays in the “hot seat” for too long without giving others the opportunity to play, they won’t make many friends. If you’re someone who is prone to take up a lot of social or musical “space,” make sure that you make room for others too. Be quiet when others are soloing and know when to give someone else a turn in the “hot seat” if it’s a jam that features one fiddler at a time.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who struggles to take up space in a group, push yourself to “step up” by calling tunes, taking solos when it’s your turn, and otherwise contributing to the jam.
Rule #5: Good Vibes Only
Many times, I’ve watched someone finish a tune and immediately begin berating themselves. Negative self-talk is not helpful or fun, and it also brings the energy of a jam way down. A jam isn’t the place to talk about the shortcomings of your practice, and frankly, you’ll probably play better if you stay focused on what you’re doing well. You can always analyze and improve at home, but at a jam, keep the focus on the fun of playing together.
The best jams are where participants encourage each other and offer words of kindness, curiosity, or appreciation between tunes. Use the time after a song to contribute something positive, even if it’s just a quick, “Yeah!”
With these guidelines as a starting point, you’re well on your way to being everyone’s favorite jam buddy. Watch upcoming blog posts for more genre-specific guidelines.
