Etiquette for Open Mics, Open Stage and Jam Sessions
A collection of rules, suggestions and satire for how to conduct yourself at The Magic open jams and others...
Blues Jam Etiquette
By Mojo Red
There are numerous blues jams and open stages
where new and aspiring musicians can mingle and share the stage with more
experienced players, learn the dynamics of playing in a group setting, and
honing musical skills in a safe and supportive environment. I have attended
hundreds of jams over the years, and have also been a host band at a jam, so
I’ve seen it from both sides.
It’s a good idea for novice players—before jumping blindly into a
potentially scary situation—to learn something of the blues jam etiquette so
you can get the most out of your experience and, hopefully, fit right in.
Here are some guidelines to think about.
In General - A blues jam is
different than an open stage
- At a blues jam, novice musicians are mixed with experienced players on stage and perform blues songs together. A host band will supply drums and backline and will run the jam by paring up players for each set.
- An open stage is a venue where a single player, duet, trio or full band can take the stage to perform a set of whatever they want. An open stage is not necessarily confined to blues music.
- If you have a blues band and want to play as a band at a blues jam, call the host band/venue ahead so see if you will be welcome.
- Learn the Blues. Be familiar with the I-IV-V chord structure of the blues. Know the difference between major and minor keys and how to play in each.
- Learn Songs. Learn songs, learn basic blues licks.
- Call ahead to confirm that the jam is happening
- Bring your own instrument, tuner, amp, chords, etc. You may be able to plug into someone’s amp, but that might not be the case. Drums are usually provided.
- Leave the big amp home—Moderate stage volumes are expected, so don’t arrive with a Marshall stack thinking to impress anyone.
- Keep it simple—Don’t bring a complex rig/pedal board that takes a long time to set up.
- The List—When you arrive, find the sign-up list and get your name on it. The host will call players for each set. You will not be called up to play unless you sign up.
- The Host—It’s a great idea to have a word with whoever is hosting the jam to let him/her know your level of experience, and if you would like to play with anyone in particular.
- Buy Drinks—This makes the venue owners happy, but don’t get drunk. If you’ve had too much, don’t get up on stage, you will only embarrass yourself, and it could result in getting you barred from the jam in the future.
- Tune up before you get on stage. Tuning on stage will only irritate the host and the other players who are waiting their turn.
- Be efficient—Set up time should be kept to a minimum. When your set is finished, get off stage as quickly as possible. Other jammers are waiting their turn.
- Never place your drink on top of an amp, especially if it’s not yours.
- Find the singer—The singer calls the tune and leads the band. Look to the singer for song keys, chord structures, groove, tempo, stops, solo and outro cues. The singer makes sure that everyone on stage has a chance to solo. If you don’t want to solo, let the singer know.
- If you are the Singer—Try to call out songs that fall into the core blues repertoire, songs that your fellow jammers will be comfortable with and that don’t require a lot of description. In general, any 12-bar blues song that follows the standard I-IV-V chord pattern is a good call.
- Listen—Fit your instrument into the song and listen to what other players are doing. Trade fills with others, only solo when asked.
- Don’t Step on People—In other words, don’t play over the vocals or over someone else’s solo. If you are playing rhythm/comping, keep it tasteful. The time to solo is during your own solo break.
- Keep it Tasteful—When soloing, show off your chops, but play within your means. If you are a novice/intermediate player stay within your comfort zone. Solos are generally twice through the chord progression, look to the singer for cues to continue or pass the solo on.
- Don’t Play Loudly—No one wants to go home with bleeding eardrums. Louder is not better.
- Play in the Pocket—When not soloing, remember that you are a member of the band. It’s all about supporting the song. Keeping back and well in the pocket leaves room for fellow jammers to shine during their solos.
- Don’t Panic—Remember this is only a blues jam, not Carnegie Hall. Nobody expects perfection and no one is there to judge you. The spirit of a jam is to support fellow musicians, to encourage novice and intermediate players and to learn something.
- Have Fun—Relax and don't expect too much from yourself. You play at jams to gain experience.
- Thank the Band. Remember to thank the musicians who just shared the stage with you.
- Thank the Venue. Remember to thank the venue for holding the jam, supporting live music, and giving you this time on stage.
- Mutual Respect. Most of the etiquette at jam sessions comes down to having a certain amount of respect for the abilities, but more importantly, for the feelings of the other people involved in the session. Keep in mind that they might be feeling just as happy/unhappy, scared or out-of-place as you do.
- Learn and Remember. After playing 10-20 jam sessions you will have learned more about music, about communication, stagecraft and about yourself than you could have learned by playing solo or practicing for a whole year at home!
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How NOT to do it .....
Famous Frank's Open Mic Tips
To upcoming
stars who wish to display their "talents", you will have instant success if
you:
1) Show up with no equipment. The host band will be glad to loan you
anything you need, including harmonicas, vintage guitars, and especially
tambourines. Feel free to re-tune and/or rearrange equipment that doesn't
belong to you. The host band may seem a bit upset at first, but when they
see how they benefit from your superior knowledge, all will be forgiven and
you will then be asked to join the band in a good-paying band leader
capacity.
2) Let the club owner know you intend to drink for free, as you are
entertaining his audience. (Some club owners carry the foolish idea that
open mic jammers are full paying customers.)
3) If it is a Blues Jam, as it often is, make sure you insist on running the
show and have no knowledge of the music. Your friends will cheer loudly as
you take a group of loosely-knit blues hackers and turn them into a razor
sharp, high volume, death metal ensemble. Remember, the louder the better!
They can't enjoy you if they can't hear you.
4) Be sure to let the band leader know you have no intention of waiting for
your turn in line to play. You also expect to display your talents with no
less than the house band.
5) Tell everyone how much better they do the Jam at other clubs. Your candid
remarks are always welcome.
6) If you see a microphone on stage not being used, seize the moment, jump
onstage, and sing along with the current band. Vulgar language and tasteless
jokes are always welcome. Don't forget to press the microphone right to your
lips so everyone can benefit from your superhuman DNA.
7) When the evening ends, help yourself to a souvenir, a momento, or
keepsake if you will, from this night of nights. Help yourself to a cord or
strap or microphone. This is a small price to pay, after all you were the
highlight of the evening.
8) When you are between performances, don't waste your time studying Pro
Musicians at work. They are jaded and bitter from years of Pro experiences
and you don't want their bad habits spoiling your show.
9) At the end of the evening be sure to let the band leader and club owner
know that you were not treated with the dignity to which you've grown
accustomed and you do not intend to return. This will gain their respect and
guarantee you better treatment next time.
10) Never take the stage without a Budweiser in one hand and a cigarette in
the other. Your fans will squeal with delight as you spill beer on critical
electronic components, causing a great light and spark show. Remember,
drunken front-men make the best front-men. If the bar doesn't serve hard
liquor, bring your own. A well equipped singer has a well filled flask. Have
the crowd join you in sing-alongs, dancing, and last but not least, a group
puke. Crowd participation is the key; show them the way.
The Magic jams Disclaimer on the Sigh-Up Sheets
Jammers, please note: 1)
2) depending on the number of musicians, we may have to limit the songs you play so all will get to play, hopefully you get 3 songs...
3) Sign The Sign Up Sheet when you arrive ... Be ready to play; if your name is called and you don't come to the stage, you are skipped...
4) If you are so intoxicated that it impairs your musical abilities, you are not playing. The magic pairs up single players into a bigger groups so as to give the jam continuity......
Thank You. "The Magic"
