Unlike any other instructional material available in regards to the art of bluegrass jamming, this DVD delves into the how and why good players do what they do. Ideas are clearly presented so as to demonstrate what novice and intermediate level players should focus on to improve their jamming skills.
Highly regarded music instructor/author, Eddie Collins, serves as emcee and plays banjo and guitar. He is joined by some of Austin, Texas’ finest bluegrass musicians: Billy Bright on mandolin; Chojo Jacques on fiddle and guitar; and Tom Ellis on Bass.
The point isn’t to teach the learner new songs, but rather to improve on the performance of any song the learner may end up playing in a jam session. Several play-along tracks are included for practice. Common jam songs are used as vehicles to present the following concepts:
Each instrument’s role in creating a proper rhythmic groove in 4/4 time
Bluegrass shape guitar chords
Ringing versus chop chords on mandolin and banjo and when to use them
How rolling banjo patterns can fit into the rhythmic groove
Playing the melody straight verses adding common embellishments
Embellishments demonstrated on each instrument
How, why and when to use a capo
Rhythmic grooves in 3/4 time
Embellished rhythm techniques once the foundation is established
Starting and ending songs, including adding vocal tags
Leading into a solo in the middle of a song
Common melodic fill licks: how to play them and where to use them
