Open Jam Session

This is a weekly jam session series open to musicians at any level or from any background. Experienced players or first time jammers are welcome.

We usually end up playing a mix of cover songs as well as jamming on riffs and progressions. It really depends on who shows up.

The goal is to meet and play with other people and enjoy the energy of the musical interplay, or whatever. It's all quite casual we just want to have some musical fun.

When:

• Usually every Thursday.. sometimes on Friday.

• The room opens at 7pm for setup - we try to get to playing by 7:30pm.

• You need to RSVP at least 24hrs before the session!

• If we dont get at least three people RSVP'd 24hrs before the session, I may cancel.

• No-shows will be judged sternly. Repeat offenders will be banned oh noes!

• Its OK to show up last minute if you need to but its better to RSVP a few days before

Cost:

• $15 each

• The total cost for me is $91 for the room ($69) / drum bits ($12) / bass amp ($10)

• I cover the difference so any extra is always appreciated thanks

Whats in the room:

• 5 piece drum kit inc cymbals, snare & kick (dont forget to bring sticks)

• Bass Amp - rental unit unless someone brings one

• PA with 4 mics, mixer. Its a nice setup.

Available for Rent:

• Guitar & Bass Amps - $10 per session

• Keyboards - $10 per session

• Electric Guitar / Bass - $12 per session

You should contact soundhouse studios direct (604-875-8785) and ask to have a rental item reserved for the session - it will be waiting in the room when you arrive. You can usually get rentals when you show up as well.

First time jammer?

We have welcomed many first-time jammers in the past. To have a good time musically, you should probably at the least:

• know basic chords and understand how to follow a basic chord chart for a song

• know how to play basic 12 bar blues (http://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/how-to-play-a-12-bar-blues-on-the-guitar/) in a few different keys like E, A, G, D.

• Here is the song list (https://www.meetup.com/Vancouver-Musician-Jam-Session/pages/21585168/Songs_We_Have_Played/) of what we have played in the past

• Here are some jam progressions (https://www.meetup.com/Vancouver-Musician-Jam-Session/pages/21585234/Jam_Progessions/) that we often play instead of real songs

What to bring:

• Your instrument, patience and good attitude.

• Hearing protection (important!! not everyone uses it but you should!)

• water & a towel? (it can get warm)

• Guitarists / Bassists - smaller mid-size combo amps are probably best in order to keep sound volumes reasonable.

• Please no booze or trees.

Parking:

• Parking sucks.

• There are spots around back in the lane:Directly across lane from SoundHouse is FAR-MET IMPORTERS with spots that can be used.

• To left of SoundHouse back door are HAPPY WATER spots that can be used.

• To right of SoundHouse back door are 5 unsigned spots that can be used (These are SoundHouse spots). Blocking the garbage bin is fine.

• If the back door is not open, call the phone number posted on the back door and they'll come to let you in.

How does the session work?

What should you expect?

• Usually people will show up and spend the first 30 minutes setting up gear, chatting, getting warmed up a bit and meeting the other players.

• I will try to get things going with some warm up songs or jams - some 12 bar blues or a fun, simple chord progression.

• What we play depends largely on who shows up - if a singer shows up, we will tend to play classic rock-ish covers, stuff that is fun with a singer.

• Oftentimes we have sessions without a dedicated singer - so we will end up jamming on riffs or progressions - a bit more musical exploration I suppose.

• I always bring plenty of easy-ish charts of classic rock songs, or various fun progressions. If you want to have a look, check out my music chart pages.

• I will also try to do a little bit of direction (if needed) during play - passing the solo around, getting quiet, breakdowns, that sort of thing to keep things moving and interesting.