Bluegrass Jamming:
A Guide for Newcomer and Closet Pickers

This review ran in the Summer 2005 Issue of the Bluegrass Journal

Written by Matt Merta• All Rights Reserved by the Author, July 2005
Reprint Rights Available by Contacting the Author or The Bluegrass Journal Editor

This video is fantastic to say the least. For any bluegrass picker who wants to practice his chops before getting together with some ÒrealÓ musicians, this is the video to get.

Hosted by former Hot Rize banjoist and International Bluegrass Music Association president Pete Wernick, he is joined by a number of well-respected musicians in the bluegrass field, each performing on one of the common bluegrass instruments, including guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle. The ensemble performs 16 bluegrass standards in a Òjam sessionÓ setting, with most of the performers taking a solo on a few of the songs. All of the songs also have parts that allow the viewer to solo while the band backs him/her up. Wernick also takes the time to explain jam session etiquette (something perhaps that should be covered a lot more with both introverted and self-righteous musicians), informing the viewer what is expected as far as tuning, solos and backing up, basic vocal harmonies (this writer believes that this cannot be covered enough), and the Nashville Number System.

If possible, secure the DVD version of this video, as there are a number of benefits. Varying the ANGLE function on the DVD player allows for two different views of the performances: the first being the ensemble performing, and the second being a close-up of the guitaristÕs fretting hand for easy visibility of the chord of the song that is currently being played. The menu of the DVD also allows for easier jumping around to the practice tunes and the instructions from Wernick.

A booklet is included that has the chord progressions and lyrics to all of the songs. Bluegrass jams are great ways for musicians to polish up on their skills, but a band is not always available at any given time. For the next best thing to having an actual band to practice with, this video comes highly recommended. It would also be great to see a follow-up to this video, be it more songs to jam with or a movement to more skilled jamming.