Jam Skills Checklist

Essentials (Learn these and you’re ready to jam)

▢ Tune your instrument (using a tuner), quicker the better. Check tuning often!

Wernick Method Classes require the skills in this “Essentials” section and teach the others!

▢ Learn G, C, D, and A chords, fingering each string accurately, for clear sound (check by sounding each string individually, making sure it’s clear and not muted). Bass and fiddle players don’t make chords, but need to know which notes go with which chord.

▢ Switch quickly between chord changes, with accurate fingering (with each switch, sound any problem string individually, making sure it’s clear, not muted)
Practice these sequences: 

▢ G-D-G (most common)     ▢ G-C-G     ▢ D-A-D     ▢ C-D-C     ▢ G-A-G

▢ Change chords without looking, cleanly and quickly

▢ Maintain a rhythm pattern while changing chords accurately

▢ Follow chord changes watching a guitar player

▢ Find a slow jam that uses only G, C, D, and A, or play along with a slow jam recording

Jamming is easier and better when you can…

▢ Remember chord changes of a new song – which chords happen and when

▢ Anticipate chord changes, to make them at exactly the right time

▢ Sing a song while playing, with accurate chording and a consistent rhythm pattern

▢ Play and sing a song straight through with no pauses or hesitations

▢ Play and sing a song fluently from memory, not using a written version

You can add a lot to a jam if you can…

▢ Lead a song. Skills include knowing how to intro a song before playing (give key and chord changes to watch for), designate solos, ending, etc.

▢ Fake an instrumental solo on the fly, following the chord changes, melody optional

▢ Sing harmony

▢ Know how to find jams and/or how to start one