Whatever your instrument …
This page shows you how to start jamming!
“I learned to jam almost as soon as I could chord along on easy songs with friends. Keeping it slow and simple, ANYONE can be jamming within days of getting their first stringed instrument! Basic rhythm playing + following chords on good songs… easy, fun, and fundamental!” Most methods are about solo practicing. But bluegrass is always played in a group — and that’s where the fun and learning really happens, even just starting out!”
Play-Along Jam Videos
* 3 videos, 56 standards
* DVD/stream/download!
* Slow/intermed. speeds
* Chords on screen
* Solo w full band backup
* Words included
Which video is best for me?
JAM Songbook
* “The go-to jam songbook”
— Bluegrass Unlimited
* 39 favorites, large print
* Online playlists of all 39
* Chords/positions shown
for all instruments
* Just $10! Fits in case.
“Can’t sing?”
Pete’s method has never failed to help anyone carry a tune with their voice. And doing that will help your overall musicianship. Find out how.
Bluegrass Jam Classes
“Wernick Method” certified teachers offer weekly sessions and weekend camps in communities across America, Europe, and Australia. Learn to jam with other folks in your area!
Bluegrass Jam Favorites
A selection of 116 classics, based on jams all over the U.S. and overseas. Get familiar with these. They’re sure to come up at jams.
Let’s Pick! sticker FREE with any DVD order!
Free info on jamming!
- Bluegrass Jamming Basics The full ground rules of bluegrass jamming, from “musts” to suggestions.
- Photos of common guitar chords All jammers need to recognize these chords, for following along.
- List of Bluegrass Jamming Favorites 116 standards listed by category. Watch/hear them all, on online playlists!
- How to Find Jams Best ways to find people near you, that you’re best suited to jam with.
- List of 2-chord songs Pick a song to sing/hum, start on a G — and experiment with when to go to D and back!
- “A New Direction in Teaching and Learning Bluegrass Music” Pete’s time-tested steps for teachers and students, and why they work. Popular article, highly recommended!
- Ask Doctor Banjo about Jamming Pete’s Q&A section has a special “jamming” category.
Bluegrass Songbook
140 favorites with melodies in easy tablature. Still the only book about bluegrass singing… How the all-time great singers do it, in their own words: Monroe, Flatt, Martin, Stanley, Rowan, Dickens, Allen, Whitley, Waller, McReynolds. Sections on harmony, choosing a key, songwriting, and much more!
Pete’s Story:
Why and How I Started Teaching Bluegrass Jamming
“I’ve been asked why and how I started teaching bluegrass jamming. For years many students I’d meet…” click for more