How to Prepare to Jam the Right Way

One of the most important things a guitarist will experience is a jam session. It is true that new technology in the form of practice CDs, pre-recorder mp3 backing tracks or even computer software with all kinds of controls and options has made it easier for the new or veteran guitar player to jam on their own, but nothing will ever beat a real jam session with a real band. A jam session with other people will increase not only your guitar ability, but also your ability to synchronize and deal with other people.

Jam sessions usually go good or bad, there's no in-between. When you do well in a jam session you get this feeling of confidence. You become more experienced in your guitar playing, you know you have good abilities and this is going to carry on to the stage. A good jamming session is a great learning experience that helps you to learn skills and creativity. When it goes wrong the feelings are negative, confidence goes down and the whole thing is felt as a waste of time.

You need to avoid a lame jam at all cost, and the great thing is that there are effective ways to achieve it. The first thing to do is to set clear goals for the session. Your goal might be just to have a good time with your buddies, so no matter what happens or how crappy you played you'll have fun and feel great. Or you can have more serious goals such as composing new songs and share creative input among the members. By having goals your jam sessions will be more focused, fun and productive for everyone.

If the goal of the jam is to practice songs or rehearse, then you have to decide what you are going to play beforehand. Whether it is covers or originals, knowing what you will play and sharing with others will speed up the process. This will prepare you better for live performances.

It is extremely annoying when all the band members are together and ready to start jamming, and you realize that the equipment is not complete. A simple missing cable can get you and your band in a bad mood and affect all your performance. You should create a checklist of all the equipment you need in order to avoid these situations. Make sure you include all amps, microphones, stands, cables, guitars, picks, pedals, extra strings and so on. Save your time and frustration for when you are stuck in traffic.