Jamming Basics

I'm new at learning the banjo, and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of instructors in the Las Vegas area. Does anyone out there have any advice on some great DVD's or another website where I can search for an instructor? THANKS

To anyone who has time to answer. Someone contacted me about Old Time Jams here, and I posted (figured out that one easy) but the personal questions regarding the Jams where abouts I have not figured out how to do it on the site. So any help on where to go would be appreciated. THanks Linda

At the request of jamming101.com we have changed the name of this forum area to "Jamming Basics". Please feel free to continue discussing all aspects of getting started on playing music with others, learning techniques, etiquette and all anything related to introductory jamming in this forum area.

If you found your way to folkjam.org because you were looking for Sid Lewis' Jamming 101 classes, visit jamming101.com. We are not affiliated with Sid's Jamming 101 courses, but hear good things about them.

I think someone needs to publish a Complete Jammer's Dictionary and distribute it to every musician. This publication would be different from the Rules of Jamming and all its variations.

Recently I was invited to a "jam"; one that I had never been to before but had heard about. I was eager to meet to some new musicians as my usual jams had gotten pretty stale and seemed at times to be dominated by traditionalist bluegrassers.

Hello,

I recently became the proud owner of a banjo. Problem is I've never played one before, but would love to learn. Looking for somebody in the Kansas City area who can provide some lessons. Thanks.

hello as a new member I had to post this question,
What if any did you give your instrument ?
I named my violin/fiddle De-near-O you know a play on words from spanish meaning money, the reason, I Have spent more on getting it up and playing than I paid for the dang thing ! over 200. bucks in up-grades and paid 40.oo for the fool thing
hope to hear more from ya'll

Randy <<<< old fart !

I moved to Henderson 18 months ago. I play violin with the Henderson
Symphony Orchestra. I have a guitar and banjo and I confess that the banjo is very challenging! Clearly, I need some guidance-be it some basic lessons, private or in a small group. Not the easiest music instrument to find help with, based upon Google searches. Anyone have suggestions? regards, Will

To start a song if you sing but don’t play an instrument, audibly and distinctively count “1 – 2 – 3 – 4” then “1–2–3–4” twice as fast decisively snapping your fingers or tapping your feet to the beat. Practice this at home to learn to set the right tempo for a song.

Download a free chapter of Play Well With Others, the guide to jamming like a pro.

I'm a fiddler with a lot of jamming experience. I can fit my playing into many different styles, from old timey and bluegrass to folk rock and jazz.

The most important things for me at a jam are:
1) To have fun
2) To be able to hear myself play
3) To take turns with other players so everyone gets heard.
4) To listen and learn

When I try out a new jam, here's what I do and what will probably keep me from coming back a second time.

Practice keeping a steady beat by tapping your foot, alternating an inside tap for the down beat or first pulse and a less dominate outside tap for the second pulse. Strengthen that skill in a jam by playing along quietly and following the stronger jammers.