Jam Sessions Are Making Good Vibrations

Why do people pick up a guitar or another instrument and decide to play it? What value can we put on being a guitar player or for that matter, just playing a musical instrument? We play to have fun. Our

tastes often change over the years in terms of what we like to play with, but people inherintley like to play with something.There are way to many reasons to be aguitar player to mention. We don’t have enough space to get into the reasons since there are so many of them. Unless you play an instrument like classical guitar, where one generally performs alone, most of us would like to know a few songs and play with other folks. To bring out your maximum potential is not allways easy. One may benefits immensly from proper pratice techniques, something I talk about a lot. Most of the GPC readers also know how strongly I feel about getting involved in a beginners to intermediate weekly jam. Simply put there are no shortcuts. But getting there is a riot.

That being said allows me to expound on the terrific jam we had last night. We have grown a lot in the last 6 months. Every guitar player, bass guitar player and drummer is becoming more comfortable playing in front of people. We are a family, there is no judging of anyones talent or skill level. We aim to cater to everyone who shows, from a scared anxiety stricken virgin player to an intermediate level stage hog like me. Once relaxation and confidence start to grow, then we can focus on growing too. Simply put, there is never a problem with teaching a few chords or putting a little rythem in your vibe. I enjoy hipping people up with any info they need.

My weakness is a strength now. I was never taught any songs by my guitar teacher. I’m a scale master, a lick machine spewing out Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and improvised licks like a Ford pickup eats gas. Essentially though, I am just using my scale knowledge and rythem skills to play songs. They can be familiar, well known or never heard before. I can play it. That is my strength. Let me say that I’m an advocate of reading music. Everyone should be able to read tab or music. Let me add I have not read a note of music since I can remember.

My route of learning was difficult and intense and I don’t necessarily recommend that you learn in such a disciplined manner, especially if you want immediate gratification. Learning songs is more fun and gratifying, and that is the most popular technique for teaching nowadays.

Winding down this article, I should mention that I had a new experience last night. I brought my modified and upgraded Mexican Stratocaster and played it very physically. I sweat a lot when I play, I am very intense. Well I was pretty wound up when I got home. It takes a few hours to drop the adrenaline level. when I got into bed and relaxed, I could feel my hand buzzing. Why, from the vibrations emitted from the guitar. Guitars vibrate and over playing causes symptoms like this. It also leads to more severe problems. Do what I say, and not as I do. In other words practice what I preach!

You will be happy to know that my hands are fine and ready to play a few notes again. But realistically I need to know when to take a short break. It’s a lot of fun to hog the stage(with every body elses approval of course), but take a break every hour and set your axe down for ten minutes and have a drink of water and some potato chips.

The value of jamming can’t be overstated, and you can tell it is a happy day when Tuesday comes around. Guitar Players Center continues the series of jam sessions as we progress. We also feel some of the things we do and don’t do are important to pass along. We specialize in guitar and guitar resource topics that are hard to find.

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Enjoy.