Songs to sing, whether memorized or in songbooks or any printed version. An iPad on a stand is a useful jam tool if you can get online to a lyrics website. A variety of good songs is the heart and soul of a good jam!
A clip-on electronic tuner – a “must”, $20 or less at music stores or online. Get comfortable using it. We recommend the D’Addario tuner, small enough to be left on your instrument full-time. Keep spare batteries. Tune early, tune often!
A recording device (can be your smart phone). Besides recording some of the teaching, it’s often useful to record songs as you jam – especially new ones you want to learn. You can play along with your recording later, with earphones or other amplification.
Banjo and dobro players must bring and have practiced playing with a thumb pick and two finger picks. Wearing the picks is necessary to be heard at proper volume.
Guitar and mandolin players must use a pick… a flat pick (standard), or a thumb pick.
A strap for your instrument (fiddles and basses excepted) allows you to play while standing. There will be times you’ll want to do that.
Banjo, guitar, and dobro players will need a capo for ease of changing keys.
A music stand for song lyrics or your recorder might come in handy. Not every person needs a stand as there are probably enough to share.
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