How Lets Jam Works

The origins of Lets Jam go back to 2014 when the first jam circle was formed in a community hall, in Barna, County Galway, Ireland. The initial idea was to blend various jamming traditions/styles in a relaxed, community-oriented jam circle.

The Lets Jam Method

Lets Jam is a method of jamming that is designed to bring beginners, intermediate and advanced musicians/singers together. It’s a community oriented approach to music and is all about the sheer joy of playing music and the mental health benefits it brings.

For the beginner jammer:

• Are you completely new to playing an instrument?
• Have you convinced yourself you cannot sing?
• Have you convinced yourself you will never learn an instrument?
• Have you convinced yourself you will never be good enough?

For the intermediate/advanced jammer:

• Are you looking to find other musicians to jam with?
• Are you interested in helping other jammers?
• Are you interested in becoming part of a community of jam circles?
• Are you interested in a supportive environment to stretch your skills? Either by singing and playing at the same time. Play a new instrument?
• Have you convinced yourself you are “stuck” and not improving?
• Do you struggle to keep in time when playing with others?
• We allocate time at the end of every jam where anything goes.

Jam Circle Etiquette

• Clockwise Flow: Your turn? Play a song, Pick someone else to play, or Pass on your turn.
• Your Song: Say the name, key, and chords before you start.
• Keep It Social: Stick to 4 chords or less so everyone can join in (save the complex songs until “anything goes” - the second half of the jam).
• Volume: Play quieter than the singer or soloist.
• Soloists: Look for ‘the nod’ from the singer before taking a solo.
• The Big Finish: Raise a foot or instrument to signal the song’s ending.