This is less of a question than encouragement for new folks out there to participate in jams.
My 10 year son and I have been taking lessons for a little over 3 months. Our instructor recently encouraged us to participate in an upcoming recital. Between the three of us, we arranged an instrumental version of Warning by Green Day (sounds really good!). The recital is next weekend.
Though I've taken guitar lessons in fits and starts over the years, I never stuck with it. I am enjoying the lessons now more than I did when I was younger... probably because my son and I practice, jam and learn from each other. One of my goals is to jam or play with more people this year and see if the playing finally sticks. Quite a few folks that work for me and with me play guitar so I am organizing regular monthly jam nights after work.
We had our first jam last night. Five of us brought our guitars (and my son showed up too). Somehow word got around that my son was coming in and we were going to play our recital song. Yikes! We had over 20 people sitting there just to listen to us!
Well... suffice it to say that my son and I did fine (we played through the mistakes and apparently not too many people noticed). We got a very large round of applause and lots of compliments ... and a few people were surprised we had only been taking lessons for 3 months. It was great to play in front of a group of people before the recital and get through some of our nervousness. The other guys played a number of songs too. After the crowd broke up, the guitaritsts stuck around. Most of the other guitarists are self-taught so my son and I showed them some of our exercises and lessons, which they thought was cool. The other guys showed us some of their chops and some songs.
All in all, a fun 90 minutes. I look forward to doing more of these (as does my son). I highly encourage everyone to find someone or group to jam with. It was a lot of fun and I think everyone learned something too!
How cool is that!?! My son (age 11) and I are also taking lessons simultaneously (separate lessons from the same teacher), so I really can appreciate how much you must be enjoying jamming together with your son.
I don't feel anywhere near ready to perform in public, though. Even in my lessons I still totally muff stuff that I can play fine in private. Even after playing piano almost my whole life, I seize up and screw up if I know anyone is listening when I play. :(
Congrats to you on your first jam, and Best Wishes for your upcoming recital! :D Let us know how it goes.
Margaret
When my mind is free, you know a melody can move me
And when I'm feelin' blue, the guitar's comin' through to soothe me ~
Well, I ain't got any kids and I'm sort of on my own, but I think that parents and their kids playing together is totally awesome and break a leg on your upcoming recital. I bet the both of you are going to rock.
"I use heavy strings, tune low, play hard and floor it. Floor it, that's a technical term." - SRV
Cool Man!!! 8)
My 12 year old plays drums a little, so we jam together sometimes. Good times.
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
Very cool indeed! Congrats on your 1st jam. I also have a 10 year old son who plays guitar. He did a talent show at his school last month, and did a great job. We jam together at home all the time. Playing music with your kids is so cool. 8) Best of luck on your upcoming recital. :D
"The only way I know that guarantees no mistakes is not to play and that's simply not an option". David Hodge
That's really cool, sounds like it was a blast.
Well done and take care
Mike
http://www.myspace.com/planetry visit me please
Thanks all.
I hope this thread encourages some of the other newcomers to jam with others. I can't tell you how much I learn from my son (he picks up stuff quickly) and I am still remembering the fun I had Friday evening. Can't wait until the next jam.
I just finished reading the 12 page 'what you have learned' post here in teh Begiiner's Q&A. There is a common thread about playing with others. Based on my experience with my son and the other folks this past Friday, I have to agree!
I'll let you know how our recital goes!
jamming is fantastic.
the listening and give and take helps one become a much better player.
it's maybe ten lesson in one.
8)
Well we all shine on--like the moon and the stars and the sun.
-- John Lennon
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
The best part is your son will always remember his Dad playing guitar with him.
Thumbs Up!!!
If you know something better than Rock and Roll, I'd like to hear it - Jerry Lee Lewis
That's cool. I bought my 8 year old son a 3/4 size Fender strat this year and he's taking lessons. I decided to dust off my guitar that's been sitting for about 10 years and start playing along with him.
