Jam Session Etiquette: Flexible, Friendly & Focused

Iowa State University music professor
and local musician Michael Giles offers the
following tips for students and professionals
hosting and/or participating in jam sessions.

​AS THE HOST:
 
Be Flexible

• Work it into your set. People will want to sit in at your jam session. Be in

control of when that happens by scheduling it in the setlist. It is common to
open up these opportunities for guests in the 2nd and 3rd sets.
 

• Don’t get territorial about instrumentation. Most guest rhythm section

players will need to borrow your gear, and have no intention on messing it up.
 

• The number of horn players should be small for each tune. Be humble and

share the stage with others.
 

• Play appropriate material. Don’t choose difficult song forms, play unrealistic

tempos, or suggest personal arrangements without a solid understanding of the
musicianship of your guest. Let them feel comfortable.
 
Be Friendly

• Introduce yourself to the new musician. Remember how intimidated you

may have felt when you were sitting in at an earlier jam session? If the new
musician is comfortable, they will probably play better & create a more
enjoyable experience for you and the audience.
 

• Listen to their ideas. It is flattering that the guest wants to play with you, so be

professional and accommodate their requests as best you can. Polish up your
sight reading skills, which may be put to the test at times like these.
 

• Thank your guest for sitting in. If they leave your gig with a positive taste in

their mouths, they will probably return and bring more friends. Everyone wins!
 
Be Focused

• Be rock solid on standard repertoire. Practice the bulk of the jazz standards

and try out swing/latin/ballad/rock treatments of each.
 

• Shed your sight reading. Avoid embarrassing situations by preparing yourself

to read down any tune in the book. The guests and the audience will pick up on
this higher level of musicianship.
 
 
AS THE GUEST:
 
Be Flexible

• Play at the discretion of the house band. Allow the band to play their set.

Let them know you are interested in sitting in. They will know that you want to
play and will find the right time to work you into what they are doing.
 

• Don’t stay too long. Most jam sessions encourage you to play at least one

tune, maybe a 2nd tune, and at most a 3rd tune. If the band wants you to stick
around and play more, they’ll ask. Quit while you’re ahead!
 

• Quiet your groupies. There is probably someone at the venue that wants to

hear you play, and they may not want to wait until the 3rd set to hear you. Be
sure that they remain patient and don’t become unruly with discontent.
 

• Don’t split right away. It’s tacky & selfish when you show up to a jam session

just in time to play your tunes and then leave without listening to others.
 
Be Friendly

• Meet the band. Making instant friends with the house band may ensure that

they will play well with you.
 

• Ask to borrow gear. Music stands and books are one thing – drum sets, amps,

guitars and keyboards are another. Inquire politely about using their setup.
 

• Be gracious. Saying thank you, offering to help schlep gear, complimenting

the band, and buying a drink for the leader are all things that may put you in the
good graces of the band. The house band is giving you a chance to perform
without securing the venue or a band, so keep that in mind.
 
Be Focused

• Have a tune or ten ready to go. You may call a tune that the house band

doesn’t know or doesn’t want to play. Have other options prepared so you are
in control of the tune selection.
 

• Memorize your tunes. Showing this level of professionalism speaks to your

musicianship and preparation. Also, consider having your tunes in all 12 keys.
 

• Work on sight transposition. The house band may want you to play some of

their repertoire. Don’t miss the opportunity to play their tunes by needing a
transposed part. Work out melodies and changes through transposition.