All skill levels are welcome and thrive at our JamTown jam camps. We generally utilize the principles of the Wernick Method, (a common sense approach to playing with others by ear) because they work. Matching skill levels and temperament among the jammers is one key to our success.
If you're already experienced as a jammer then you can skip below and find out more.
If you're on the first rungs of the ladder then let's check a few things and see.
You need to be able to keep steady time on your instrument simultaneously changing chords all without pausing between. That's pretty much the bottom line. We can show you the way from there but this is the essential ingredient you'll need to have in your pocket.
The main chords you want to know are G, C, D, A. After that you can learn more.
- For guitars that means making a nice boom/chick strumming rhythm.
- Mandolins are similar though they want to particularly emphasize the back beat (the chick part) of the beat.
- Banjos want to "roll" those strings in a pattern that fits in and even propels the rhythm forward. Banjos can also "vamp" with muted chords. Seek to make accent happen on downbeats and backbeats. That's what makes the banjo sound so cool.
- Clawhammer banjos are welcome and they'll want to create that classic "Bum-Diddy" rhythm or other rhythmic patterns that fit into the "groove" of the ensemble.
- Bass players need to make "Downbeats" and know the main two notes/strings that work for the each of the typical chords we play (G, C, D, and A). Some of those strings are shared by more than one chord so it's essential to know the difference and practice using them that way.
- Fiddles also need to know which note/string makes the main "root" note of the chord everyone is playing. It's good if you can also comfortably know and play the other most useful note (the 5th note) of that chord. Playing them both at the same time will win you friends. You want your bow to make crisp chops and long notes too. Like the bass, some of those fiddle notes are shared by more than one chord. Get good at knowing the difference.
- Other instruments i.e. Dobro, Ukulele, Autoharp, Tenor guitar can fit in a bluegrass ensemble and having read above you pretty much know what you need to do.
Intermediate and advanced players get to play with others of like skill. The tempos are faster and the depth and sophistication of the learning is more challenging too. Tempo, dynamics, chord sequences, kickoffs, arrangements, harmonies, fills and licks, listening skills and so much more. The range of topics is ever greater as skill of the groups allows.