Bluegrass Jamming: A Guide for Newcomers and Closet Pickers

This is the second in a three part series hosted by Pete Wernick, a noted banjo player. The group plays seventeen bluegrass songs interspersed with instruction on what to expect when jamming with a group of people you may not know very well and how each player contributes to the experience. This DVD is stronger than the third on singing, but weaker on instrumentation. The mandolin player could hardly be heard on either DVD and on this one played solos that were improvisational and did not follow the melody, or he would strum chord formations when I would have expected soloing. The fiddle player, Michael Kang, could not stay for the whole session, so that last half dozen songs are without him. Both the fiddle player and mandolin player are replaced on the third DVD. Pete's wife, Joan, appears briefly to sing Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" with Elvis' lyrics(!), but then disappears. Nevertheless, this series is very good simulation of what it is like to join a parking lot bluegrass jam and gives a lot of ideas on how to do a basic solo, on whatever instrument you may play, although they seem to expect most viewers to play guitar, given the close ups offered of the guitarists left hand "Bluegrass Jamming Pointers" are offered in the inside documentation that comes with the DVD. The I particularly liked the instrumentals, "Cripple Creek, Salt Creek and Soldier's Joy".

I've been playing acoustic guitar for a few years, and just recently began moved to Tennessee and began meeting with a Old Time jam group.I've been having some trouble seeing the chord changes made by my fellow jammers, and don't know many of the songs most people from around here take for granted....so I decided to look for some practice tools specifically geared toward my goals of getting better at playing this type of music....I scored with this one! This DVD is relaxed and caual, yet packed with good info. They start out with several 2-chord songs (Handsome Molly, Hot Corn, Cold Corn, etc., and move up to 3-chord songs with increasing complexity (Soldiers Joy, for example). Places for "breaks" or solos are worked in and explained, as is some jam etiquette.. Paper tablature and lyrics are included to get started.This is basically like playing with a group of really cool people, who aren't playing at a high speed. Very valuable product for me.

Love it! The music is played at a speed that is within the reach of beginners, yet still allows more advanced players to take off a little bit. The musicians are all top shelf, but they are there to provide solid accompaniment and provide examples of basic skills. With their skills, any one of them could take of and showboat, leaving most players in the dust and overwhelmed, but it doesn't happen. The result is an enjoyable and attainable musical experience. Pete Wernick's teaching style presents a load if information in a relaxed and easy manner that is not intimidating and very informative. Really learning alot and having fun with this product!

Here's a non judgmental group that lets you jamb along without snide remarks!I'm at that terrible stage where I'm not talented enough to play with bands, but can play by myself just fine.This will be a good transition between the two arenas.It also give hints as to how to play each instrument in a jam. You will need to know the basics of your instrument, but there is guidance as to what is expected of you from the group and the dynamics of the group.Perfect for me!

First one I purchased began a continual pause after about the first three minutes of play. Returned it for exchange. Second one played fine for the first 20 minutes (105 minute DVD) and then it started pausing for increasingly longer periods until it was no longer playable. I probably should have given it 2 stars because it actually accomplishes, if it could play properly, what this bluegrass student/customer was looking for (and is still looking for). However, this made me even more frustrated with the DVD defects and resulted in my "I Hate It". Incidently, tried cleaning both DVDs - No help. Tried playing on different players and computers - all the same. Bottom Line - Both DVD's were defective - What a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!!

this is a well thought out session. I am not a beginner to playing but this is done in a way that I can get into the style with relative ease and get comfortable with the style. The tips on jamming are also real helpful.

As always , great product from Pete!!

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