Seven jam guidelines for the music of the Seven Nations

Music

26/1/2009, Liz Patton

Considering how many people start jamming again in the late winter and early spring I figured this would be a timely ettiquite reminder for those around Celtic jams, especially since they are a little different than other jams.

I. Thou shalt play in tune! Do I need to repeat myself? And preferably do it before you enter the circle.

II. Play tunes at a reasonable speed, and in time with the other players – not to your own beat. If the entire jam is speeding up or slowing down try to keep it steady (It is not just the bassists’ or drummers’ responsibility to keep the beat).

III. Pay attention. Verbal and vocal cues are used constantly to indicate the end of songs, and to call out the next song while still in the middle of the last one.

IV. Play softly or not at all when someone is singing. If you can’t hear them then you’re too loud

V. Don’t step on another instrumentalist’s proverbial toes – Only one bass player or percussionist at a time in a given octave at a time.

VI. Stop playing at the same time. Generally it’s three times through the current song. When someone sticks out their foot it is a universal sign that “this is the last time through the song.” Also, whomever starts a song ends a song

VII. Concentrate. Try not to confuse the parts of the song, or forget which time through what part you’re currently playing. Most songs have the form "AABB". Celtic songs often have more parts so pay attention. One common slip jig has five parts.

Other notes:

Be aware that different jams are run differently. Some jams let everyone call a song, others are run by a few individuals. Be respectful of the situation. Fit in as invited.

Try not to play when someone is tuning, or tune when the jam is playing.

If you don't fit into one jam (due to difficulty, repitorie, speed, or too many of your given instrument, look for another or start another, or just stay and listen. (Note if there are already enough of your instrument in the group, or if the speed or difficulty of the material is out of your league.) In some situations it's OK to play quietly in an "outer circle", not trying to be heard in the inner circle.

Don’t Show off. Don’t noodle off on a tune that the other musicians don’t know, unless asked or unless you art teaching that tune.

Some jams are very strict about what material they play – some songs, instruments or styles are frowned upon. This is particularly noted in “Traditional” jams that want to keep the music “pure.”

Explain when you're rehearsing, not jamming.

About the Author