What's up with steel guitar jams?

[Ian Holman]

Hello all,
Being that I live in NY and there's not that big of an organized steel community, I was wondering how steel guitar jams work? I've watched some clips on youtube and understand the basics of how one works. My question is: Is a player participating in one of these jams expected to know any random classic tune that may or may not be picked? Or is it agreed upon prior to the jam what songs will be played? Giving players of lesser skill time to figure out what to play.
Thanks

[Dustin Rigsby]

Every club does it different. Some have backing bands and singers,and everyone will take turns playing a turnaround. Some use backing tracks and everyone takes a verse. It's usually up to the folks getting together to jam. Steel guitar jams can be intimidating for the new steeler,but, the more experienced guys have always tried to bail me out when I get stuck. It can be a pretty nurturing enviroment. Occasionally, you will get that ONE horses rear-end who makes some kind of hurtful snide comment...but this practice is pretty frowned upon,as it hinders the clubs ability to continue to attract players. All I can draw upon is the Ohio Steel Guitar Association. These guys have been nothing but kind to me over the years. I've learned something from ALL of the members over the years. I can't always make the jams because of the hours I put in at work..so when I get to go it's like a family reunion !

[Jerome Hawkes]

the main benefit, imo, of steel jams is the gathering and involvement of the steel community - meaning if nothing else, getting to meet and pick the brains of other steelers - this is priceless alone.
most are similar these days in that players perform 3 tunes to backing tracks of their choosing. either BIAB files brought on a CD, or some bring laptops they hook into the PA, or the backing tracks you can buy from a number of vendors or the artists "play along tracks". most pro players sell backing tracks for their recordings. after everyone gets to play their tunes, usually the players have a round robin to a live band.
if the band is "seasoned" enough, and the players have charts, they may go the live band route to play with, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Its nice to have a singer too.
usually, everyone gets a chorus or splits. the main consideration is for the rest of the players to lay out and not start noodling around - you don't want 12 steelers backing up the guy playing - i.e. the sound of 12 cats fighting when this happens.
but yes, a classic tune is usually picked for these round robins and as a new player you don't need to be scared of this - i mean, most should be able to get thru Mansion on the Hill, or My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You, Together Again, etc with no problem. you don't want a tune that modulates all over the place. Hank Williams tunes seem to be favored around here, others may be Ray Price shuffles, etc - steel friendly stuff.
Then the better players may have a little "master class" where everyone lays out and they show em how its done - i alway enjoy this part. We are blessed around here to have several great players that are wonderfully gracious with their knowledge, sadly, we've lost a few over the last few years - Ray Walker especially was always helping and teaching beginners.

[Lane Gray]

The repertoire is rarely agreed upon in advance. Fortunately, the songs are usually simple.
And the seasoned players typically are very willing to offer pointers, help, advice et c.
I'd point out that you'll make more progress as a musician while playing stuff you don't know. The bass line will give you clues as to what comes next.

[Alan Bidmade]

That's pretty much what we do here in London, UK. We have been meeting for several months - playing along to BIAB backing tracks put together by member Shaun. We pick 3 or 4 songs at our meeting and Shaun sets them up, circulates them via email (ain't the internet a fine and wonderful thing?) and we have 4 weeks to practice before meeting.
We have a slot for 'party pieces' at our sessions and this month an optional 'Beatles' track, played solo, for those brave enough!
One thing we hope to pick up on soon is that playing along to backing tracks one tends to play over what would be the vocal line - so we are hoping to choose a song next meeting where we play the vocal line as a single line exercise and play 'fills' in between, as this is what would be more likely in a 'live' situation. This provides 2 opportunities within the 'round'robin' format - one for vocal line and one4 for fills. Twice the fun!
Another suggestion from member Jon is to practice some 'ambient' lines to play along to, as this seems to be something that is often asked of steel players - 'play something spooky' for example.
We are mainly beginners to intermediate players (with a couple of good players in there) and I think I get the most out of talking psg, seeking solutions to problems(as well as offering advice) and just enjoying the sight and sound of psg's and getting to play at a volume that one can't really enjoy at home.
Maybe in future we might look to inviting a pro down to give a seminar, or maybe someone who can give advice and demonstrate setting up, adjusting and generally 'tweaking' steel guitars to get us all sounding as sweet as we can!
But the best bit is the fun and cameraderie!

[Larry Behm]

In Portland I post 12 songs on the forum about 2 months in advance so everyone can become familiar with them. We have a backup 3 piece band, we take a song and everyone takes a ride.

We all know that we do not get a chance to play much but as stated above it is all about the steel brotherhood not about how much you get to play. Many steelers just come and watch and chat. We have a great time every time.

Larry Behm

[Billy Henderson]

I know what it is like to get embarrased. But I can handle it.

[Chuck Morel]

Hello Ian, what part of NY are you from. I'm from Warren County in the Adirondacks. As I have learned from asking, there are quite a few steeler's from NY problem being, we're all so far apart. I would guess if we all don't mind driving several hours one way,we could get a jam going.

[Ian Holman]

Hey Chuck,
Yeah distance does seem to be a problem with organizing steel players in and around the NY area. I live in Greenpoint Brooklyn, which, I'd say is a bit of a haul from where you are. However, maybe when the weather is nicer and we're all not being pummeled by snow, maybe something could be planned out. Thanks for everyone's generous answers to my newbie question.

[Dave Grafe]

We have a number of steelers who travel hundreds, and occasionally thousands, of miles to attend our semi-yearly jams here in Oregon. We pass the hat to pay the band and the venue takes the bar and restaurant proceeds. We always have room to display items for sale, and Larry and other organizers do not charge for their time and energy, so there is no need for dues or a formal organization to give folks extra reasons to argue. We are still human, so occasionally there are personality issues and disagreements, but for the most part we all try to encourage each other out here on the upper left edge, the freshest rookies and the saltiest old dogs are all free to make their own mistakes, and generally do. It's all part of the fun

I would be remiss not to add that it is the Steel Guitar Forum that allows us the freedom to stay in touch and organize our little parties. If one or two of us get nostalgic for the experience we post a note here to that effect, others with like interest jump on it, and before long it's boy howdy here we go, the wheels start moving and we can't stop it.

It involves identifying and setting a date, venue, backing band, and song list, which is plenty, but a lot of the communication can be done right here better than anywhere else, I know ours would probably not happen without this forum, so I suppose having said that we'll have to take up a collection next time for b0b...

[Alan Brookes]

...I would be remiss not to add that it is the Steel Guitar Forum that allows us the freedom to stay in touch and organize our little parties...

I never find out about jams until they're over.

[Willis Vanderberg]

There are usually limiting factors as to the menu. I hear things like, " well the band couldn't play the songs I wanted to play". Some clubs feel they have a great band and are insulted if you show up with tracks. Some set up in a kind of circle then let the first picker choose a song ,then that person plays it and they go around the floor until everyone has had a chance to play it. I personally don't care for this routine as the song gets pretty old by the time it is played fifteen to twenty times.Also if you have a live audience it gets boring for them. some clubs feel it is all about the steel guitar so no vocals are appreciated.
At our Manasota Club you pick your songs and play three or four. If you have a vocalist you want to use that's fine.We have a couple of very good pickers who much prefer to back the singer as opposed to playing instrumentals. We have a couple of singers if you want to use them. We feel it is your time so do it your way.If there is time after everyone has had their shot then we have a kind of free for all jam.
I loved the S.E.Texas club jams. They have a teaching segment to start with and that is really great.I showed up without a gourd and they fixed me up with a great rig.Above all they made me feel welcome .We still miss you Jody..

[Paul King]

I know players who do not like such a venue. They feel like more than 2 or 3 steel players beecomes a war. I personally like to jam with other steel players. I have been to a few and it will work if each player can show restraint while another player is being featured. Another reason I enjoy the jams is for the fellowship and meeting more steel players.

[David Wright]

Steel Jam's a both fun and a learning thing, no matter how long a guy has been playing, they just might play a lick you never heard, or wanted to learn..
However, there must be RULES put in to place before you start...
1...Do not play or dink around when another is playing,nothing pisses me off more ..ect...
2. let each guy pick a song "they" want to play...
3. know in advance which way the next guy is going to play.. clock wise , ..or the guy to the left of the starter...

Like Paul said, it's fellowship and meeting more steel players.Follow the Rules, and you'll have a Great Time!!

[Joe Naylor]

The Southwestern Steel Guitar Association jams have people come from New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California so I kinda smile when people say it is too far to drive.

Sometimes in the past there have been close to 30 steel players at a jam. We have a band plus Band-N-Da-Box (that is kinda an inside joke and I know what it is really called)

Once someone started with "Manson on the Hill" and after 30 verses the rules were changed.

I know quite well about being a new player at a jam. They say you can just set out a song but that turns into 2 or 3 and then most all of them.

There does need to be rules and patients with less advanced players. Also there has been discussion of beginner jams with a seasoned player or two there to help.

There are all kinds of jams in AZ - since we have lots of Snow Birds I know there are jams about everyday some where in this Valley.

Joe

[Alan Tanner]

i think "jams" of any kind are hard to organize and control. There are so many ego's to keep reigned in, and skill levels to contend with. Two of the biggest problems I have seen are pickers "noodling" while another is playing, and keeping the volume at less than a glass breaking level. One guy picks, the guy next to him perceives that he is not "as loud" so he cranks a little. The guy next to him does the same, and soon it is loud enuff to snuff out insect life in a 300 yard radius. Add to that, you have to decide on backups and vocals. Often it turns into a venue for out of tune pianny players, fiddle owners, harmonica blowers, and really bad karaoke by old ladies who should stay seated. I have been to jams around here that were pure pleasure to play and listen to. But mostly, they turn into some sort of musical horror show, and folks get up and leave. I don't know how to control a mess like that, unless you step on some toes.........I very rarely attend these free for all pile on's any more tho'........

[Billy Henderson]

I am glad someone brought this matter to our attention. I am an old newer player that cannot hang with the pro pickers that attend the club jams. They are fun to listen to but most people would like to participate in some way. Then too for some travel is an issue. There is no reason to travel a long distance for no participation.

I have mouthed off about this subject. I am not mad but I think there are a lot of players in the same boat and would like to have an opportunity to learn something.

[Herb Steiner]

There is no reason to travel a long distance for no participation.

Well, a non-participant could listen and learn something from a pro-level jam session... ask questions, observe technique, learn songs, etc. You could consider these jams as being mini steel shows, which folks do drive long distances to attend.

It doesn't have to be an either/or thing unless you want it to be.