Jam Night Etiquette: What Songs to Choose (and How to Keep It Fun for Everyone)
Jam nights are one of the best parts of being a musician. They’re where you meet other players, test your skills under pressure, and - if you’re lucky - create a bit of magic in the moment. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, the most important thing to remember is that a good jam is about connection, not perfection.
The songs you choose (and how you approach them) can make or break the vibe.
The goal isn’t to impress everyone—it’s to have fun, enjoy music together and make the room feel good.
1. Choose Songs Everyone Can Follow
Jam nights work best when everyone can join in. That doesn’t mean you can’t be creative—but it does mean you should choose songs that are easy to communicate on the fly.
Think in terms of:
12-bar blues (simple, universal, always jammable)
8-bar soul vamps or 3-chord grooves (R&B, funk, and rock ’n’ roll feel)
Songs that leave space for others to solo, sing, or just lock in a groove.
Good examples:
Pride and Joy (SRV), Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson), Stormy Monday (T-Bone Walker), Superstition (Stevie Wonder), Use Me (Bill Withers), Cissy Strut (The Meters).
Tip: If you’re suggesting something less common, tell the band the key, structure, and feel before you start.
“12-bar in A, slow shuffle, 8-bar solos each.”
That’s all you need for the magic to happen.If you are a singer and don’t play; start building a repertoire of jammable tracks (more on this below).
And remember—always check with the house band or organiser first. They might have a rotation system, a song list, or players waiting their turn. If you’re happy to lead, that’s great—but no one can know every song ever written, so keep it simple and make it easy for others to join in.
2. Mind Your Time and Take Turns
Most jam nights have limited stage time. Two or three songs is plenty. Keep your solos short and musical, make eye contact, and let the groove breathe.
While you’re up there:
Give others a chance to shine.
Don’t turn it into a solo marathon.
End strong, say thanks, and hand it over.
The best jams feel like conversations, not monologues.
3. Choose Songs That Groove, Not Just Impress
A jam isn’t about showing off; it’s about keeping the flow alive.
Pick tunes that feel great to play, even if they’re simple.
If you can make a 12-bar blues swing, get everyone singing along with you, or make a slow soul tune drip with emotion, people will remember that far more than your fastest lick.
Here are some jam-tested favourites to get you started:
🎸 Blues-Based Staples (20)
Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson / Blues Brothers
The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
Born Under a Bad Sign – Albert King
Crossroads – Cream
Pride and Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Before You Accuse Me – Bo Diddley / Clapton
Stormy Monday – T-Bone Walker / Allman Bros.
Got My Mojo Working – Muddy Waters
Hoochie Coochie Man – Muddy Waters
Key to the Highway – Big Bill Broonzy / Clapton
Rock Me Baby – B.B. King
Messin’ with the Kid – Junior Wells
I’m Tore Down – Freddie King
Walking by Myself – Gary Moore
Boom Boom – John Lee Hooker
Dust My Broom – Elmore James
Help Me – Sonny Boy Williamson
Further On Up the Road – Bobby Bland / Clapton
Reconsider Baby – Lowell Fulson
Let the Good Times Roll – Louis Jordan / B.B. King
🎵 Soul, R&B, and Groove Favourites (10)
Use Me – Bill Withers
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
Cissy Strut – The Meters
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Chain of Fools – Aretha Franklin
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye / CCR style
Soul Man – Sam & Dave
Hold On I’m Comin’ – Sam & Dave
Hard to Handle – Otis Redding / Black Crowes
⚡️ Rock ’n’ Roll & Swinging Blues Adjacent (10)
Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
Route 66 – Chuck Berry / Nat King Cole
Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins / Elvis Presley
Shake, Rattle and Roll – Big Joe Turner
Long Tall Sally – Little Richard
Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
Cold Shot – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Black Magic Woman – Santana
Come Together – The Beatles
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
🎸 Modern & Revival Artists to Explore
Gary Clark Jr. • Joe Bonamassa • John Mayer • Tedeschi Trucks Band • Marcus King • Samantha Fish • Kenny Wayne Shepherd • Chris Stapleton • The Black Keys • Alabama Shakes • Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats • Leon Bridges • Vintage Trouble • Vulfpeck • Larkin Poe • JJ Grey & Mofro • Hozier • Tom Misch • Keb’ Mo’
🎶 Modern Jammable Songs (Easy to Groove To)
Gravity – John Mayer
Bright Lights – Gary Clark Jr.
Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Midnight in Harlem – Tedeschi Trucks Band
Good Thing – Leon Bridges
Stay High – Brittany Howard
Gold on the Ceiling – The Black Keys
Lonely Boy – The Black Keys
I Need Never Get Old – Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Shame – Tedeschi Trucks Band
Ride – Vulfpeck
Cold Little Heart – Michael Kiwanuka
Trouble – Gary Clark Jr.
Coming Home – Leon Bridges
Ain’t Messin’ Round – Gary Clark Jr.
4. The Golden Rule — Make It About the Music
Always keep it positive and inclusive.
If someone’s nervous or new, lift them up. If the band’s figuring something out, be patient. And if you’re calling a song, make it one that feels good, not just one that proves something.
Jam nights only work when everyone’s listening, smiling, and helping each other sound great.
Because in the end, that’s what live music’s all about.
