Leicester (and Leicester-ish) folks - the tricky second outing

ellwood · November 2021

JEM said:

Apologies if I'm shoving my oar in where it's not wanted but my very limited experience of "jam" sessions has usually been that someone picks a key, comes up with a simple chord progression and then everyone else joins in comping / soloing in turn as they see fit. Once everyone gets bored with that someone else picks a new key or a different progression and so on.

I can see that many would find this musically a bit limiting and would rather play actual songs though. I'm happy to try to learn some stuff beforehand but I'm a slow learner so I'm unlikely to be terribly proficient at anything by the 25th.

Whatever way you want to go with it I'm happy to come along just to meet people and have a laugh as OP says.

John

John - I have a feeling there will definitely be some of this, mixed with some songs and a fair bit of banter.

N

JEM · November 2021

ellwood said:

JEM said:

...

John - I have a feeling there will definitely be some of this, mixed with some songs and a fair bit of banter.

N

Will you be providing a crib sheet for the banter or will we have to make it up on the spot ;-)

Bridgehouse · November 2021

JEM said:

ellwood said:

JEM said:

...

John - I have a feeling there will definitely be some of this, mixed with some songs and a fair bit of banter.

N

Will you be providing a crib sheet for the banter or will we have to make it up on the spot ;-)

I think you’ll find that the level of talent for making shit up on the spot is extremely high on the forum

ellwood · November 2021

Bridgehouse said:

JEM said:

ellwood said:

JEM said:

...

John - I have a feeling there will definitely be some of this, mixed with some songs and a fair bit of banter.

N

Will you be providing a crib sheet for the banter or will we have to make it up on the spot ;-)

I think you’ll find that the level of talent for making shit up on the spot is extremely high on the forum

I represent that remark!

Mattharrier · November 2021

I'm in Coventry so not a million miles away - I'm not sure if I'm available on the 25th though

When's the latest I could let you know?

ellwood · November 2021

Mattharrier said:

I'm in Coventry so not a million miles away - I'm not sure if I'm available on the 25th though

When's the latest I could let you know?

The 25th? If you can make it you are more than welcome.

chomer75 · November 2021

Hi Everyone.

I've never done anything like this before but I'm quite tempted. I know it's been said several times already that playing standard doesn't matter...but realistically what level does someone need to be at in order to not be a hindrance to everyone else?

Thanks.

mrkb · November 2021

chomer75 said:

Hi Everyone.

I've never done anything like this before but I'm quite tempted. I know it's been said several times already that playing standard doesn't matter...but realistically what level does someone need to be at in order to not be a hindrance to everyone else?

Thanks.

Usually, If you can just play powerchords then you can join in. Just play powerchords in simple basic rhythms that add to the musical output and you will benefit from improving your timing and musical ear. We’ve had about 6 people all playing the same song on guitar. More advanced players can add melody/ different chord inversions/ funky rhythms/ solos, etc , learners can just follow the chord sequence. Just don’t play too loud/ distorted to allow the various parts to gel together.

Another trick that worked well at last jam was to have amps in the middle angled up on amp stands facing out towards each players head. That avoided volume wars as each person (there were four guitars playing) could hear their parts clearly without having stupid volumes.

ellwood · November 2021

chomer75 said:

Hi Everyone.

I've never done anything like this before but I'm quite tempted. I know it's been said several times already that playing standard doesn't matter...but realistically what level does someone need to be at in order to not be a hindrance to everyone else?

Thanks.

Honestly, this isn't some formal skill fest. It actually isn't a formal anything. I'm really not that great on guitar - but I enjoy playing. I've hired a room so people can get together and enjoy themselves. You don't need to be a superstar. Even if you know only know three chords - tell us what they are and we'll jam around that. And if there is anyone there that isn't tolerant of people "as good as them" then they can piss off and organise their own thing for their own enjoyment. Come along - would be great to meet you.

Nik

chomer75 · November 2021

Thanks for the replies...makes me feel much better

Jamming along with open and power chords I'm absolutely fine with (unless it's some weird and rare variation) so that's good. It was the expectation that I'd be able to do some on-the-spot improvisation that was the concern.

From the list of songs posted previously I'd love to have a go at Gimme Shelter. Mind you playing standing up is not something I do very often so that'll be...interesting.

I don't have much in the way of equipment - no pedals and just a Vox Adio Air amp - but I'll make that up with lots of enthusiasm!. Hope that's ok.

Chris

Roland · November 2021

ellwood said:...if there is anyone there that isn't tolerant of people "as good as them" then they can piss off and organise their own thing ...

Ha! I like that. These things aren’t for showing off your bedroom shredding exercises. They are for the experience of playing with others. You can learn a lot by just being there and listening, without playing a single note.

Teyeplayer · November 2021

Completely agree with what Ellwood has said; I’ve always found the most enjoyable jams to be sitting round, clutching at a few chords and making it up on the spot -no ego, making sure everyone is included and enjoying the company as much as anything.

Much as I used to play live a lot, I’m very rusty, get very little time to even pick a guitar up these days and am a long way from the player I was. I am also the sort of personality that would naturally shy away from more formalised jams where there’s a set list and chance to ‘show off’. So really looking forward to this and meeting a few of you.

darthed1981 · November 2021

chomer75 said:

Thanks for the replies...makes me feel much better

Jamming along with open and power chords I'm absolutely fine with (unless it's some weird and rare variation) so that's good. It was the expectation that I'd be able to do some on-the-spot improvisation that was the concern.

From the list of songs posted previously I'd love to have a go at Gimme Shelter. Mind you playing standing up is not something I do very often so that'll be...interesting.

I don't have much in the way of equipment - no pedals and just a Vox Adio Air amp - but I'll make that up with lots of enthusiasm!. Hope that's ok.

Chris

I've been there buddy - funnily enough at a jam, at quad

There are always lots of amps - and as others have said - you can join in just playing the chords on a lot of songs. Gimme Shelter is a lot of fun as it's a simple descending 3-chord job.

More generally...

Can echo a lot of comments from others, not going (sorry wife has an op this week) so obviously my opinion is just that!

- Keep a main room "rig" of three or four amps and so on set up, you can lose half your time if somebody goes prima donna and starts fussing about their "perfect" tone - these jams aren't about that.

- I'd recommend an agreed set list. Not everyone can make things up on the fly, and it isn't much fun for anyone standing playing three chords for 20 minutes while one guy noodles, IMHO.

- Be supportive be kind, we all played with others for the first time, don't be the guy who tailgates learner drivers!

- If you have time see who wants to play on each song, you will always get three guitarists, but to sound good you will need drums, bass and vocals.

- You would be amazed how many people can sing well enough to sing at a jam like this, and if you can play lead in any form you can probably play root note bass... BTW playing Bass is a LOT of fun once you get into it, its like you have found a secret low frequency club.

- Have fun!!

Please feel free to ignore, smash your laptop with rage, etc...

ellwood · November 2021

Hey All

Have raided a few of the various set list/jam threads. Here's a suggested list for Thursday night. Underneath is the link to Ultimate Guitar for the chords. To reiterate, from my point of view, this is about having fun and playing. Not looking for note perfect renditions, so please don't be dissuaded if you doubt your skills. You will be able to join in, and you might have a bit of a giggle along the way. I really don't want this turning into a formal jam night - just a relaxed practice night for those of us who only ever get to play at home.

Hope to see some of you on Thursday.

Gimme Shelter

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-rolling-stones/gimme-shelter-chords-81104

Cream (Prince)

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/prince/cream-chords-647217

All Along the WatchTower

Bm A G

Sympathy for the Devil

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-rolling-stones/sympathy-for-the-devil-chords-1088589

Times like these

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/foo-fighters/times-like-these-chords-166886

Thrill is gone

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/b-b-king/the-thrill-is-gone-chords-712526