The Ten Jam-mandments

I.  Thou Shalt Tune Thine Instrument
Electronic tuners are cheap, and they are easy to use.

II.  Thou Shalt Listen
If you can’t hear the vocal or lead instrument, YOU are too loud. Be considerate.

III.  Thou Shalt Communicate Who Has The Solo
Follow  a pattern (like clockwise around the circle) so the next lead player knows when  it’s his/her turn.
If the lead player or vocalist passes the break, he/she can indicate with a shake of the head or call out to the next picker.

IV.  Thou Shalt Share The Selection
Let others suggest songs, too. An instrumentalist can suggest a vocalist do a song.
Vocalists always choose their key.

V.  Thou Shalt Welcome Others
Include others in your jam. Help everyone sound as good as they can.

VI.  Thou Shalt Try New Stuff
Once in a while, a participant in a jam may suggest an original or out-of-the-ordinary tune. This is OK.

VII.  Thou Shalt Not Raid
Don’t interrupt an active jam by calling favorite musicians away to join another jam.

VIII.  Don’t Overcrowd The Scene
Give other jams enough room to play without interference from yours.

IX.  Thou Shalt Start At a Reasonable Tempo
If an increase in tempo is desired, make sure everyone knows your intention.

X.  Thou Shalt Keep a Steady Rhythm
Errors in rhythm make it difficult to keep a group together.

Adapted from Rosenberg & Hall’s original Ten Jam-mandments and the CTBA version of same. With apologies to Moses.