I compiled a list of things I see new players do at jams. Thought this might be helpful here for those new folks trying to get up and show their stuff. These are things NOT to do on stage.
Wasting time especially when others are waiting for their turn
Long time between songs
Feed back from mic
Using vocal mic improperly
Not properly describing form, groove and chord changes to band
Not being able to signal the correct chord in the moment to band
Playing too loudly for the room
Playing too softly for the room
Bad jokes/too much stupid talk
Not giving other musicians solos
Not making strong clear musical statements
Not using enough repetition
Starting too fast or slow and not being able to correct it.
Not checking levels (both vocal and harp) before starting.
@davidkachalon David, for the benefit of new players it might be useful to tell them how to overcome some of the things youâve listed as not to do such as: Avoiding mic feedback; how to use a vocal mic properly (personally I wonât ever draw-in via a mic someone else has been using); how to properly describe form, grove and chord changes etc. etc. Itâs a good list but Iâm sure if a newby doesnât know the no-nos they wonât know how to avoid them, Jay1
I was waiting for someone to comment or ask a question, and planed to explore some of these if there was interest. This is a general list - Each one can be talked about extensively. That being said is there one you want me to start with?
No questions here and this great list with things I hadnât really thought of
I have jammed as a guitarist with others but not yet as a harmonica player - your list creates a great âCheck listâ for me when I do get an opportunity to jam with others. Better to be over prepared than under.
Thanks for taking the time to share @davidkachalon and add to the topic @Jay1
Hoping that a chance arrises in the future to meet some of the great contributors in this forum.
Thank You @davidkachalon for the topic. As a beginner with no ambition to play on stage, I feel like an imposter, intruding on a discussion for real musicians. However, I can relate to point 16, I cut out verses as I feel like itâs too repetitive when all I have is a harmonica to repeat, repeat the same tune. Can you explain point 12, âNot using enough repetitionâ as that seems to contrast with the other point.
As blues harmonica players we can use a huge amount of repetition that would normally sound repetitive and redundant in another setting. A repeated line with some slight possible variations is a very smart and effective idea when playing blueâs - especially for improv. Make sense?
These tips are pretty much what any musician needs to do whether you play harp or any other instruments. Also some of these are just plain unacceptable in a live performance.
Definitely can ruin a performance and, any chances of getting rebooked again. Other musicians can cause serious problems way greater than anything you have listed here but, thatâs another story. Iâm not even going there now or here. Let common sense prevail and, be friendly and, courteous to other musicians you perform with. As I have stated here in this forum several times, Less is More.
I do plan to hit these topics down the line.
This is a great list for everyone to be aware of in an open mic setting, or if a band is allowing a harmonica player to sit in.