Bluegrass Jam

Summary

 

• Hosted on EVERY Tuesday of every month

  • (except the random 5th Tuesday which is Open Mic Night)

• 4 different Bluegrass circles

  • Beginner (uses JAM Songbook, see below)​

  • Intermediate (uses RMJ Bluegrass Songbook)

  • Open (uses RMJ Bluegrass Songbook​)

  • Billy-Grass (Circle focused on Billy Strings set list of traditional and originals)

• Acoustic instruments only with the exception of electric bass. 

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Beginner Bluegrass Jam / Slow Jam

• Mostly in Key of G but some A, C & D

• Wernick Method JAM Songbook

  • Available for $10 at Jam​

  • PDF for sale at JAM Songbook at DrBanjo.com

  • JAM Songbook Playlist

    • Spotify

    • YouTube

    • Apple Music

• If you use StrumMachine, we created a playlist you can practice with​​

• If new to group playing, review Etiquette Rules of the Road

• We focus 3 instrumental/fiddle tunes to help players learn Fiddle Tunes. So look through the following.

  • Angeline the Baker - Key of D

    • Guitar (No Capo)

    • Banjo (Capo 2 for D)

    • Mandolin 

  • ​Cripple Creek - Key of A

    • ​​Guitar (Capo 2 for A)

    • Banjo (Capo 2 for A: Last 4 videos of the playlist)

    • Mandolin

  • Amazing Grace - G​

    • Guitar

    • Banjo

    • Mandolin

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Intermediate Bluegrass Jam​​​

• Uses our RMJ Bluegrass Songbook

• Feel free to use your JAM Song book

• Familiar with Bluegrass Jams

• Try to bring at least 1 song to lead​

  • It can be super easy!

• Comfortable changing keys​

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Open Bluegrass Jam

• Standard/Traditional Bluegrass Jam. 

• Open to All Levels! 

• Bring a song or three.

• If you are familiar with with Bluegrass Jams this is your place. 

• Most bluegrass jams don't use song books with the exception of the singer for lyrics.  We are not that strict. We encourage you to use your ears, but feel free to use our RMJ Bluegrass Songbook if you are more comfortable.

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Billy-Grass Jam

• If Billy Strings played it, then you can call it.   

• Open to All Levels, but it is a faster and more complex jam. 

• Take a look at BillyBase for song lists, specifically the Covers tab.

• StrumMachine Playlist

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Spotify Playlist

Through the suggestions of our members, we have amassed a very nice Spotify Playlist. If you are new to Bluegrass take a listen:

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Roswell Music Jam - Bluegrass Spotify Playlist​

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PICKING AFTER DARK​

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We have two informal groups that sometimes meet immediately after the Bluegrass Jams end (at 9pm) for about 30-40 minutes. One focused on Swing / Jazz and one focused on Fiddle Tunes.  List of songs is below.  If you are unfamiliar with these styles, this is a great way to learn something new. 

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Fiddle Tunes Group

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This group is working together to learn some Fiddle Tunes. They meet in the back room from from 9-9:45.  HUGE thank you to Denver for leading this group! 

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• Strum Machine Playlist

• PDF Chord Chard (From Strum Machine)

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Because each instrument is different, we suggest you look for the music/tabs for your instrument. 

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If you would like to dig FAR down into the Fiddle Tunes Rabbit Hole we suggest Jim's Roots and Blues - Fiddle Tunes. That site has meticulously curated over 660 songs in standards music notation and youtube videos for many of the songs.  

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Swing/Jazz/Gypsy Group

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This group is learning some Swing/Jazz/Gypsy songs.  They meet next to the piano (of course :D) from 9-9:45. Huge thank you to Eyal, Katie and Jasen for forming this group. 

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Swing/Jazz/Gypsy Song Book

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We are using PDF that was first published on MandolinCafe.com by the incredible Don Julin.  I modified it slightly by adding SummerTime​ in a few different keys. 

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For those joining focus on:

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• Summertime in Am

• Minor Swing in Am

• Dark Eyes in Dm

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