Good jams can be one of the most rewarding aspects of playing music. No rehearsals. No limits. No boundaries. The spirit of improvisation and sonic exploration. Sounds good, doesn't it? It's important to consider that any chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. When you're jamming with other players this is particularly true .

Here are some simple and useful tips you can use to really get the most out of any jam situation. They're easy to remember...and they work.

Establish The Groove:
Just like building a house, you need a strong foundation on which you build your musical framework. Give the feel a chance to develop; let the rhythm section get locked in before you start riffing out. Don't worry - you'll get your chance to blow minds with your stellar technique, but without a solid groove, it's just noise.

Keep Your Ears and Your Eyes Open:
The best jams are truly ensemble presentations. It's not just about you...or anyone else. It's about working as a team. Listen to what's going on around you, and ease into things gradually. At all times, be aware of your dynamics and watch that volume level! Also, good jams almost always (1) go through different feel changes and (2) touch upon several musical styles. Use visual cues and body language to emphasize rhythmic kicks or changes. Be sure to make eye contact with the other players. In a twist on an old childhood rhyme, "Stop, look and listen before you make your move. Use your eyes, use your ears and then use the groove."

Hum Along While You Play:
Les Paul once said, "If you can't hum it, it ain't worth shit." Unfortunately, melody sometimes takes a back seat to self-indulgent flurries of technique, especially among guitarists.
Try humming along with your melodic statements, particularly when beginning a solo. It immediately forces you to be more lyrical in your playing, and helps to lay a solid melodic foundation from which to build on and expand from. Try it - it can help you evolve into a more dynamic and memorable soloist. Remember...less is more!

Let The Music Play You:
Good jammers are a bit like musical chameleons. They incorporate rhythm parts that reinforce the style of music being played, melding with the groove, solidifying and defining it. If this sounds a bit esoteric, you're right. This has more to do with attitude than chops. Think about "becoming the music" - not just playing it. The more you think about it, the more you'll do it ; the more you do it, the more natural it will become ; the more natural it becomes, the less you'll think about it. It's a "zen" thing....get the picture?

Give Others Their Due:
It's another ten minute guitar solo, and it's really getting old...fast. Let the other players groove out and solo, too. Everyone should get a chance to stretch out a little. This is more than just good musical etiquette ; it shows your consideration and gives recognition to your jam mates. Remember, you're part of a team - it's not just about you!

So there you have it! As you can see, all of these concepts are somewhat interrelated. By applying them (in both theory and practice) in your approach to jamming, you'll increase your musical enjoyment and satisfaction dramatically. See you next time and above all - KEEP ON JAMMIN'!