Can’t make it to a class or a jam? Play with a full band at home — or anywhere!

Learn the ropes and build confidence, with no pressure, in private!

“Having an entire bluegrass band in my room when I play is just too cool.”

“One of the best ways to gain experience jamming without subjecting yourself to embarrassment or hostility, and for practicing between actual jams.”

“I was frustrated, feeling like I was losing my ‘touch’. I have got back in step with my picking and it feels good!”

“What a great investment! It was so much fun.”

“They’ve helped me get through many a winter day when there was no one to pick with. Great musicians playing standards at a manageable speed.”

A super-easy, no-fail play-along session
with Pete Wernick

Anyone, with any instrument, can get into this bluegrass jam session, even if you’ve never tried it before. All you need are four basic chords (G, C, D and A) to be able to play along with the band!

This 2-hour video will give you the practice and the confidence you’ll need to join a real jam session. Pete Wernick makes it easy, keeping the tempos as slow as possible, providing encouragement, instruction and important advice on how to hold your own when you jam with others. By playing along with these top musicians, you’ll get a feel for where the chords change, keeping rhythm, when to come in and when to end. You’ll learn 17 popular standards (printable lyric/chord book included)…. and the chords are clearly shown onscreen as you play along!

Want to try soloing with the band? Two other jam videos are available with 1 or 2 chances to solo on each song, as the band switches to backup. Excellent practice for “coming in at the right time” and perfecting your soloing!

If you’re a novice musician,
this is the video for you.
” (Bluegrass Now)

A Guide For Newcomers and Closet Pickers

A video jam session that players of any level can get in on—perfect for novice bluegrass players who want to start jamming, or for any picker wanting to build experience and confidence. Take this opportunity to participate in a wonderful activity, and get ready for the “real thing” — grab your instrument, start the video, and pick along!

You’ll enjoy making music with Nick, Sally, Eric, Michael, Ben and Pete as they play through the repertoire at an easy-going, slow-to-medium tempo. They even leave a place in every song for you to try your own solo!

This is basically like playing with a group of really cool people, who aren’t playing at a high speed.” (Satisfied customer)

A moderate-speed workout with plenty
of soloing opportunities.

A full-to-the-brim video made especially for bluegrass pickers who want to take their jamming ability to the next level. It will help you build your repertoire and will vastly improve your confidence so you can join in and jam in any situation.

Tempos and keys used in this video are typical of intermediate jam sessions with male and female singers. You’ll learn the ins and outs of jamming: backup basics, playing the melody, using a capo, essential jam etiquette and even what to do if you get in a musical “train wreck.”

A great simulation of what it is like to play in a bluegrass band.” (Satisfied Customer)

  • Jam Skills Checklist: The first skills to learn, in logical order starting with the essentials.
  • Bluegrass Jamming Basics: The full ground rules of bluegrass jamming, from “musts” to suggestions, in concise format.
  • Bluegrass Jam Favorites: List of over 100 standards at jams nationwide/worldwide. You can WATCH and LISTEN to excellent versions of every one!
  • Photos of Common Guitar Chords: All jammers should be able to recognize these chords, for following along.
  • List of 2-Chord Songs: Pick a song to hum as you play a chord, and let your ear tell you when to change chords and back. Awaken your ear skills!

39 bluegrass/old-time standards!

2- and 3-chord songs playable in any key. With YouTube Playlist!

  • Words and chords in LARGE print
  • Number system shown and used; with guidance for choosing best key
  • Instruction on learning songs, leading songs, faking solos, finding melodies
  • Chord diagrams for guitar, banjo, mandolin; positions for fiddle, bass

The JAM Songbook is perfect for all jammers, including complete beginners! The JAM Songbook is also provided to students in all Wernick Method jam classes worldwide.

Words and melodies for 140 classic bluegrass songs!

Over 130 Old Time, Traditional, Newgrass, Gospel and Novelty Bluegrass tunes presented in a new tablature for guitar or banjo, plus special tips on singing from Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Lester Flatt, Jesse McReynolds, Charlie Waller and other bluegrass greats.

Price starting December 2022 is $33.

I bought the book as a source for bluegrass songs, but found it offered much more in the way of advice for a beginner in bluegrass music.” (Satisfied Customer)