You can and should learn easy jamming now! We can help.
“I learned to jam almost from the start, playing easy, good songs at slow speeds with friends. Now, simple tuners and 2- and 3-chord bluegrass songs mean ANYONE can start jamming within days of getting their first stringed instrument!
I hope more teachers of bluegrass instruments start teaching jam skills. Simple rhythm playing + following chords is easy, fundamental, and fun!
Whatever your instrument, browse this
page and see how to start jamming”
I hope more teachers of bluegrass instruments start teaching jam skills. Simple rhythm playing + following chords is easy, fundamental, and fun!
Whatever your instrument, browse thispage and see how to start jamming”
Novices, start here:
- List of 2-chord songs Pick a song you can hum and guess for yourself when the chords change! Print a copy to keep in your case.
Bluegrass Songbook
140 favorite songs with chords and melodies in simplified tablature. Sections on harmony singing, singing pointers from the greats. Over 100,000 in print!
140 favorite songs with chords and melodies in simplified tablature. Sections on harmony singing, singing pointers from the greats. Over 100,000 in print!
Playalong Jamming DVDs
Three DVDs, a total of 56 top bluegrass hits, slow/moderate speeds. On two DVDs, try a solo while band plays backup! Includes words and chords.
Which DVD is best for me?
Three DVDs, a total of 56 top bluegrass hits, slow/moderate speeds. On two DVDs, try a solo while band plays backup! Includes words and chords.Which DVD is best for me?
Can't see the video? Click here to download.
"Dr. Banjo", Pete Wernick, is a pioneer and leader in bluegrass instruction, with bestselling books and videos, and jamming and banjo camps since 1980. He has toured nationally and worldwide with Hot Rize and others, and served 15 years as president of the International Bluegrass Music Assn. He loves to help young and old, novice to expert, play bluegrass.
Pete Wernick, Bluegrass teacher
Pete Wernick, Bluegrass teacher
BLUEGRASS JAM CAMPS
Full-immersion multi-day events around the country, hosted by Pete and Joan Wernick. Designed for novices, some with Intermediate tracks. Hundreds of happy jammers!
- Jam Skills Checklist The first skills to learn, in logical order starting with the essentials.
- Bluegrass Jamming Pointers The full ground rules of bluegrass jamming, from "musts" to suggestions, in concise format. Download free!
- List of Bluegrass Jamming Favorites Over 100 titles, sorted by category (instrumentals, 3/4 time, gospel, etc.). Another free download.
- How to Find Jams Best ways to find people near you, that you're best suited to jam with.
- "A New Direction in Teaching and Learning Bluegrass Music" Pete's philosophy on the most efficient, effective steps for teachers and students. Popular article, strongly recommended!
- Ask Doctor Banjo about Jamming Pete's Q&A section has a special "jamming" category.
Intermediate and advanced speed playalong CDs Music Minus One packages for Banjo, Guitar, and Mandolin, with medium speed and faster CDs, allowing hearing full band with/without your instrument. Booklet includes tabbed solos. More info and ordering.