Preparing for a Successful Jam Session

​One of the most exciting, daunting, and satisfying events a musician can experience is the jam session. Especially when it’s a private session with no audience, just you and some fellow musicians. No pressure of playing to the crowd, simply throw out some songs and get to it. It’s the ultimate learning experience for musicians of any level. I enjoy playing a structured set in front of a crowd but a bigger thrill for me is the unknown. I had the pleasure of jamming with friends in my late teens and into my adulthood and I still get a thrill from playing something new with different musicians, pulling and pushing songs in different directions. I like it so much that I built a large shed in my backyard to host these events. It’s not easy to host such events but it gets better every time. I’ve put together a list that I use as a guide to help make each jam successful.

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1. Those that mesh well – the tricky part of setting up a jam session is finding players who you feel would work well together. You really need to know your fellow musician to get an idea of how they work with others. You also need to be sure that everyone fits an instrument, it would be weird if you invited three bass players and a percussionist, but then again that might be interesting. It always helps if one or two of the musicians already played together. It will help with song selection and they’ll feel more comfortable playing since there will be some familiarity. 
2. Prepare songs – get a feel for what everyone enjoys playing and have them bring some songs with them. Keep it simple. Use songs that have a 1-4-5 chord structure. Classic rock songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Neil Young always go over well for jam session, so do basic blues and jazz standards. Be sure to send everyone the list of songs that might be played so everyone is prepared. There will be surprises but try to be up front with most of the material. 
3. Explain the house rules – this was something that I wish I thought about ahead of time for a few jam sessions. I like to keep things free and open but some people need a reminder of basic etiquette. I even have a sign with a short list of things that are to be expected if you wish to return; no egos, be open minded, take your gear with you when you leave, no physical contact, and have fun. The gear one is funny, I didn’t realize that people wanted to use my jam space as a storage facility.
4. Basic gear – when hosting a jam session, it makes logistical sense to have some gear available for use; PA system with enough microphones, drum set, bass amp, guitar amp, extra bass and guitars available, and a keyboard. Though most musicians will bring their own gear, it’s always good to have extra, just in case. I try to do everything I can to keep the jams flowing. 
5. BYOB – I have a collection of whiskeys that I share with my fellow musicians. It’s just something I do as a kind gesture. However, it’s expected that they bring their own beer. The fridge is available but you need to stock it. A few shots of whiskey are one thing but buying beer can get expensive. I also make sure that I have plenty of bottled water to keep everyone hydrated before they leave.

There are many other smaller details such keeping the dog locked in the house so she doesn’t attack anyone as they come into the backyard but this list explains the basics of what I use to make sure everyone has a good time. The thing to remember is you want everyone to have a good time and be comfortable. The music won’t always sound good but there will be some moments of brilliance. I like to record each jam to capture these moments and share them with the session members afterwards but it’s not necessary every time.