The Ten Jammandments

1. Thou Shalt Tune Thy Instrument
   
   There are too many good cheap tuners around not to do this.
    
2. Thou Shalt Listen
   
   If you can’t hear the lead instrument or vocalist, then consider yourself too loud.
    
3. Thou Shalt Pass
   
   When handing off an instrumental solo, try to follow a pattern either clockwise or counter clockwise.  If you want to skip the next solo or pass it off to the next picker, be sure that the next person is aware of the handoff.  No one wants to start their solo in the middle of the song.
    
4. Thou Shalt Welcome Others
   
   Open up the circle if others want to join.  The jam can not be too big if people are polite.
    
5. Thou Shalt Share In The Selection
   
   Open the choice of songs to the pickers around the circle.  Take turns.  Don’t monopolize the jam.
    
6. Thou Shalt Try New Stuff
   
   Once in a while a participant may suggest original material or one that is out of character with the jam.  This is OK (refer to Jammandment 2 and 4).
    
7. Thou Shalt Let Others Know When You Are Not Jamming
   
   Bands may sometimes be rehearsing and may need to exclude non-band members from jamming.  If so, an explanation would be nice.
    
8. Thou Shalt Not Raid
   
   Don’t interrupt an active jam by calling musicians away to begin another jam.
    
9. Thou Shalt Keepeth Thy Rhythm Steadyeth
   
   Errors in rhythm are most difficult to overcome.  Avoid adding or dropping beats.  Play quietly if you can’t keep up and pay attention (refer to Jammandment 2).
    
10. Thou Shalt Not Speed
    
    Do not start a song too fast for the others to play.  Once everyone has had a turn at the lead, then one might announce that the tempo is about to increase.