![]() Try jamming over all three of these audio clips and see what kinds of leads and improvisations you can come up with. I then added an underlying arpeggiated acoustic guitar (“Guitar 1”) part, which you can hear in the audio clip below: įinally, I added a second arpeggiated part, this time played on electric guitar (“Guitar 2”): Now, it’s time to get jamming! First, here’s the basic backing track from the video below with just bass, drums and keyboards: In this way, we can take a simple structure and bring it to life with harmonic enhancements, along with rhythmic variation.Īn ideal scale to use for improvisations over this progression would be the E minor pentatonic scale … which is exactly what I chose to use in the video. Hang on a minute (I hear you say)! Where did the Gma7 chord come from? Well, Gma7 contains the same tones as Emi9 and can therefore be used as a chord substitution. You can then add a nice arpeggiated part like this to enhance the overall pop/rock sensibilities of the jam: None of these extensions change the progression they simply add flavors to the overall vibe of the jam. In the video below, my enhancements to the basic chord progression are as follows: You can, of course, further enhance this progression to create harmonic variation if you like, but this is an excellent place to start. If you analyze this in the key of G, you can see that it’s a Vi mi / IV ma / V ma (minor sixth, major fourth, major fifth) chord progression. The tablature for these chords in the open position (i.e., with open strings ringing out, as indicated by the Os on the left) is as follows: Here’s a basic chord progression that’s ideal for kicking off a jam session: Simple chord progressions can evolve into epic compositions in the hands of creative players, and beginners will also learn a great deal by hearing the possibilities created by the more experienced players in the room. If someone isn’t clear on a guitar part or the chords, take a moment to show them what the underlying structure is. Making sure everyone can be involved is essential too. That way, everyone can relax and not feel any anxiety or pressure to perform. I suggest starting with a simple chord progression, one that all the participants can play easily. ![]() Sometimes you have to be brave and tell it like it is! START WITH A SIMPLE CHORD PROGRESSION I’m sure it makes some people wonder, “Who the heck does he think he is?” … but I’m doing it for the greater good of all. I’ve asked players to turn down many times. Being too loud or using inappropriate tones can turn people off. All this takes is a little awareness and time to listen to the general dynamic within the group. Make sure your volume and tones are appropriate for the situation too. That’s why it’s important for everyone to learn the chord structure and stick to it when someone else is soloing. When someone decides to suddenly change the chord progression or rhythm part, things can start to quickly fall apart. ![]() It’s important to stick with the plan, at least in the initial stages of a jam. However, I always stay locked into the chord structure without complicating the changes. Once the tempo, feel and groove of the jam is established, I like to add an alternate rhythm guitar part to enhance the music. The goal is to make sure no one feels left out: after all, it’s a jam, not a gig. If the designated soloist is unsure of the scale they should use, the leader should mouth that to them or take a short solo themselves to demonstrate how it might work. This will help everything stay on track, and allow everyone to take a shot at playing lead. ![]() One of the main jobs of the leader is to call out the solos, either verbally or with a nod of the head. (Or you can just start playing - often everyone else will follow along.) If you feel that the group needs some guidance, and you have the experience to lead a musical adventure, by all means step up and make some suggestions on how to proceed. Like most social or business gatherings, jam sessions usually have an obvious leader. Here’s a guide to holding a successful jam session, along with some backing tracks you can practice to when friends aren’t available. Yet despite the relaxed atmosphere of a jam, I do feel there is an etiquette to those musical interactions - a protocol that, when observed, can lead to an even better experience for all involved. There’s no pressure to be perfect, and it’s a great environment in which to explore creative ideas. I often get to jam with friends in social situations, so I do get to enjoy ensemble interactions outside of my professional engagements. There’s a sense of freedom and autonomy that I really enjoy as a solo performer, but I also really enjoy the camaraderie and energy of working with a band.
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