I’ve been invited to my first jam this Sunday! They found me through my Craigslist post because they need a bassist. They’re an older (50+) group of people that get together and jam once a week. They’ve sent me a list of songs they play, mostly classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s, though there’s a little 90’s alt and grunge, too.
So, what should I do to get ready? They know I’ve only been playing a year and still learning, so they say they’ll go easy on me. I think I’ll ask them to pick out a few easy songs to work on, and I’ll review the improvisation stuff from Module 15.
What should I bring? Bass of course, and cables. They said they have a Rumble I can use, so I don’t need to bring my amp. I have a few pedals but I’ll leave them at home for now, except for my tuner. Anything else?
I’d ask what 3-5 songs you should focus on and try to get those down. Take a good attitude and realize that they want you to work out for them. listen to their full setlist as much as possible so you are at the very least familiar with them. And have fun!
A jam is different than an audition! They want to make music with you; everyone wants this to be fun (and it sucks without a bass player). It’s not a test for whether you’d be a fit for a specific band and their specific tunes.
Focus on a few tunes (agree with them on which these are) to get started. Focus on the groove and on root notes (i.e., follow the chord changes). Don’t worry too much about other notes for now (unless it’s really an iconic bass line).
U2’s “With or Without You” is much more doable for a first jam than, say, AC/DC’s “Back in Black”. Choose songs that you feel comfortable with. (Once you start jamming and have played a few songs confidently, maybe the evening will develop into trying out other songs. That’s a good sign. Stick to root notes, if in doubt).
I wouldn’t look at any “improvisation” at this stage! You’re the bass player! Let the guitar player take a solo; that’s not your job here!
Bring you bass and a positive attitude and see what happens. Really, whatever happens is “good” as it is a learning experience
That is awesome, Dirk! You’re definitely ready based on your covers I’ve seen. Yeah, bass, 1/4 inch cable and tuner. Agree with the other advice above- best thing you could do is ask what songs the band is going to play and focus on 4 or 5 of them so that you have them learned. Then, when they play tunes you don’t know, which is going to happen, just ask them before the song starts “what’s the chord progression” and lock in with the kick drum and play some roots with some walking transitions and throw in some fifths and octaves (if they feel right). Better to play roots with good timing rather than trying to get fancy with bad timing. If they don’t tell you the chord progression, watch the rhythm guitarist to see what chord they’re playing and follow along or try to figure it out by ear experimenting during the song. Have fun! My first jam I played at, I learned 5 songs, and they started with one I didn’t know (White Rabbit) and that song starts with the bass line! So they just told me the first two chords and off we went. You’re going to have a killer time!
Get chord charts (not tabs) for the songs on the list. These typically show the chord above the lyrics. Then be ready to hit the root on the one, find a rhythm that fits the drumming and the song, and throw in some fifths. And have fun!
Good on ya, I’ve been in this position and still play with the same guys a few years on.
Listen to the songs and play along on Youtube, get charts (Ultimate Guitar etal), maybe look at some Youtube bass tutorials or covers for the songs..
If you have the song in your head and look at the charts you can’t go too wrong.
Don’t get too fancy with fills and improvising unless that is your thing and you feel confident.
Don’t worry, they are worried about whether they nail it themselves
The hang is the important bit.
Good luck buddy and this ^ is the really important part. They invited you, so unless they’re absolute dicks (which I’m sure they’re not) you’ll turn up, play some root notes (hopefully somewhat in time) and have fun.
Tuner is a must. If you have an active bass then 9V in a gig bag.
Put the song list up here and collectively we can help if you get stuck. If you want to you can post your progress here before Saturday night, sooner is better though. Playing in front of a recording camera is about 5 times harder give and take a point or two, if you can survive this you’ll have fun on Sunday.
While you don’t need to master any of them, you should know it by heart by Sunday. do that your body will take over. I can tell that most if not all of the members why replied here have been on gigs before.
Neil Young - Heart of Gold
Beatles - Get Back
John Anderson - Seminole Wind
Tom Petty - Mary Jane’s Last Dance
I already mostly know Get Back, and the other basslines look fairly straightforward. Seminole Wind will need some work, I don’t listen to country and never heard that one before.
These are two they said they’re currently working on, but not to worry about them for now. I’ll probably still give them a try if I have time:
First of all - great response to the jam invite. Great restraint to leave the pedals at home. I get teased all the time for bringing pedals. Great song list, everything you’re doing is spot on, great advice here.
You just have to promise to report back after the jam!
