For bluegrass enthusiasts, the jam session represents a cornerstone of the genre's vibrant community. Transcending the formality of concerts, jams offer a welcoming space for instrumentalists of all proficiency levels to convene, share their passion, and collectively explore the bluegrass soundscape.

• Flatpick Guitar

• Mandolin

• Fiddle

• Banjo

• Upright Bass

• Dobro or Resonator Guitar
  
  The beauty of the bluegrass jam or ensemble lies in its instrumentation, embracing a select range of complimentary and contrasting stringed instruments.

Even as a novice, you are warmly invited to the bluegrass jam. Attentively listen to the music and participate when comfortable, most importantly, embrace the experience! The bluegrass jam thrives on the collective joy of music making, and there's always something new to learn from your fellow pickers.

Tune In: Ensure your instrument is in tune. (standard tuning A440.)

Chords & Scales: Familiarity with common bluegrass chords, progressions, and scales, such as G, C, and D major, provides a solid foundation. Understanding of the “Nashville Numbering System” and basic transposition is also valuable.

Rhythm & Improvisation: Grasping the fundamental bluegrass strumming or backup pattern for your instrument is most important. The ability to take brief improvised solos will allow you to fully integrate into the jam.

Singing: Typically, one person will lead a song. Harmony vocal parts are encouraged, usually consisting of a lower baritone and high tenor part. Resist the urge to “group sing” at a bluegrass jam- lead and harmony vocal parts should not be doubled.

Blend with the Group: Be mindful of your volume, especially while others are singing or taking a solo (aka break). If you can’t hear someone else over your own volume, they probably cannot hear themselves either.