10 Tips for JAMMING

[@TomlinHarmonica]

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[@LuckeGabriel]

I was at my first jam session at an open mic a while back. I had my guitar, we had quite a few of us around. There was a guy with a harmonica. He came outta nowhere and everyone was blown away by him. But it didn't take long before he went off into his own little world and wouldn't stop and everyone was looking at each other like 'umm what is happening?' And for guitarists, if someone asks to borrow your pick and you don't have another, don't play harder so your fingers bleed just to be heard....

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Excellent advice Gabriel!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to ‘Subscribe’ and turn on notifications to never miss another Harmonica video. :-)

[@frankschumacheroderaccount5347]

I say thanks.Thank you for yours Videos!😊🎄🎆 Wonderfully Christmas and a very happy new Year 🎊 🥳 2020

[@ER-me1ii]

You’re whole approach to teaching is very relatable. The tips are great and the lessons excellent. Thanks.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

So pleased with this comment Evan, cheers! :-)

[@bobrobison1577]

I've been studying with Tomlin for several years. With his coaching I've gone from playing terribly and being terrified to play with others, to now practicing regularly with a band, arranging gigs, and playing at local jams. Lots of fun -- and I highly recommend Tomlin's school. Thanks Tomlin!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Awww, that's very kind of you to say Bob. Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. :-)

[@TheDilligan]

I just started learning harmonica and watched your videos. Thankfully I'm already a musician and have music theory knowledge allready. I didn't know about harmonica positions before your videos and that has been awesome because now I contribute to a jam in 3 keys with my one Harmonica.

[@robertchartrand837]

Great stuff Tomlin. I would add two more: First, RELAX and HAVE FUN. Recognize that you are likely the only one in the room that can play harp and that the audience is NOT listening for mistakes (they hear flow). Secondly, people want to be entertained so be interactive and move with the music (I see you doing this). 😂

[@emerald5820]

#8 Will make you or break you. Common courtesy will take you far as it relates to experience with other musicians.

[@richgreenberg448]

Absolutely! I was so lucky to have friend who is a long time pro take me to my first jam many years ago and give this advice (#8) to me. He probably told me many of Tomlin's other tips as well. I'm sure that I was pretty bad, but I was in the right key, didn't try to do too much , and didn't play over anyone. Even though this was a pro level jam, I was invited back and have been there almost every week for years now. As Tomlin said, the best musicians (with a few exceptions) have always been helpful and encouraging.

[@emerald5820]

@@richgreenberg448 Cool. I've tootled on the harmonica since I was 12 yrs old (61 now). Mainly for a few friends and family. Found a local open mic and hope to jam with them soon and will keep these tips in mind when I go into it. Cheers mate and jam on. 🎼🎤🎶🎙🎵

[@richgreenberg448]

@@emerald5820 That's great to hear, and sounds like about where I was at the same age (now 69). As Tomin says in this lesson, wood-shedding can only take you so far - you need to play with others. In that time, thanks in part to great lessons from generous and skilled teachers like Tomlin, I've gotten to the point of playing in a blues band that gigs somewhat regularly. While I have a long, long way to go, I feel competent to get up on stage with skilled musicians. When I am not sure what to play, I listen first, try to feel the rhythm and time, wait for my turn, and play something simple that seems to fit. Per Tomlin, I try to keep in mind always that it's about making the music, the song, work, not about showing off.

[@jameslewis9343]

This is a great lesson! It's a simple, but super informative video!! Thanks for posting this!!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Glad you find it informative, James. :-)

[@rosco1pug]

Pure gold advice thanks Tomlin. Especially your key thought on the outcome any player should be aiming for at a jam, and that is (paraphrasing here) to enhance the musical experience for everybody! What that might entail is going to be different in every situation. An out of practice or less experienced bunch of players will likely be grateful for a guest member just keeping solid time with a few well chosen notes. To Tip #10: I would add, LISTEN and ... GET IN THE GROOVE!

[@davidblackwell515]

Always thanks for your help. All of it sounds like great advise. In the 5 years I've been learning only 4 or 5 people have actually heard me.

[@MrSpanky2001]

Great advise. I must admit, I've been guilty of most all of these. I'm learning though through experience. Nothing can replace experience.

[@LeeFKoch]

Great advice! Thanks, Tomlin! I know I've had that feeling of panic, and your advice to just stay calm and listen before you play and keep it simple is absolutely golden! I'm kinda shocked that this video hasn't gotten more likes, but maybe the pandemic threw a wrench in the works. I know that there has been very little in the way of jam sessions and open mic nights here on the continent. Here's hoping that will change soon!

[@philippinefandango2859]

Very helpful, especially the two links listed below.. I am not at a level to jump up on stage, but I am sure these will help... Thanks so much...

[@tonycannon3906]

Brilliant stuff Tomlin. Can't wait to get jamming. Such an exciting proposition. Hope we get a chance soon when the world gets back to normal. Great advice, great lesson Cheers man 👊

[@nathanieldaiken1064]

"Have your own Harmonica"? The Great "Sugar Blue" once borrowed one of my harps to jam with! I still have that harp to this day! 5. Know when to sit in and when to sit out.

[@evandavies4049]

Whot great advice tomlin still trying to pluck up the courage to post my first video to the school this will give me the boost I need thanks

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Only 2 Tickets left for the Edinburgh Harmonica Workshop!! Grab yours now - www.edinburghharmonica.com

[@craigpenton6167]

nice one ,i actually write these kinda riffs and ideas on paper so when iam jamming i can look at it just remind my self when my mojo is pulling blanks or becoming repetitive ,helps get through the set

[@dragonkfg]

Great tips!

[@eetechtom]

Thanks again Tomlin, hoping to take the plunge in 2020.

[@richgreenberg448]

Great advice Tomlin.

[@Blue_3rd]

Good advice. Absolutely true.👍

[@davidswaney2553]

Good basic info. Addresses many hurdles to the novice.

[@evandavies4049]

Great post tomlin dont know I miss this one great advice as usual

[@csnelling4]

Thank you that’s great advice 👍🙂

[@giannicarra8823]

WOW!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@SunburySlim]

Yet another fine lesson!! Great Tips as always man!!

[@dovlandzbaum5036]

Excellent, Tomlin!

[@robertchartrand837]

On another point - I've jammed with three blues bands and they are LOUD. The issue is that without a monitor you're flying blind.

[@ivanmato722]

Great advices!!!!

[@2sifus976]

Can you do this same type of video but assuming you're going into a funk and/or jazz jam? Or same rules apply?

[@frankschumacheroderaccount5347]

Jamming .In Germany one would say to simple things : This is not a Witch work 😉🤣👍🏻✌️

[@janosrock]

the way you're smiling im pretty sure most of this come from experience XD

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Indeed...

[@manchesterdave]

Hey Tomlin, what was that opening lick from, recognise it but can't place it, I know I will kick myself when you name the tune 😁

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Hi Dave, I'm not sure - I was just improvising but it is probably something that I stole from someone else at some point ;-)

[@MrPaul0123]

You're sounding less and less Scottish

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Lol - not surprising considering I'm not Scottish :-)