If you plan to visit the session, we politely request everyone please abide by these rules - it was written in a way to be funny so as to catch your attention but so everyone will have a good time.
(with a few apologies to the Old Testament)
I Thou shalt not come to the jam to impresseth others with thine own talent for this is an abomination. The music shall be the star around which all musicians rotateth and not viceth-verseth! Attempts to make thine own star shine, shall surely lead thee into darkness!
II Thou shalt not forsake the beat. Thou shalt not speed up nor slow down accidentally when playing a tune for this shall be considered an abomination.
III Thou shalt arrange thyself in a small circle so that thou mayest see and mayest hear all the other musicians. Thou shalt listen with thine ears to the tunes and shall play in one accord with the group.
IV Thou shalt play softly when someone lifteth his voice in song, when the guitar taketh a break, and when thou knowest not what thou art doing.
V Thou shalt play in tune! Tune thine instrument well and tune it often with thine electric tuner lest the sound that emanateth from thine instrument be unclean!
VI Thou shalt commence and cease playing each tune as one, so that the noise you make be a joyful noise and is not an abomination. Whensoever a musician sticketh forth his foot, as though he were afflicted with a cramp in the fatted calf, thou must complete the rest of that verse and then cease. Thou shalt stick out thine own foot or else lift up thy voice, crying, "This is it!" or "Last time!" if thou hast been the one to begin the tune and it hath been played sufficient times over. If the one who beginneth a tune, endeth it not by one of these signs, then the music goeth on in repetitious fashion until the listeners shall say, "Hark, it all soundeth the same!"
VII Thou shalt concentrate and shalt not confound the music by mixing up the "A" part with the "B" part. Most songs, but not all, proceedeth by the ancient law: "AABB". But, if thou sinneth in this regard or make any mistake that is unclean, thou mayest atone not by stopping, nay, but by reentering the song at the proper place and playing on. Thy fellow musicians will support thee in this regard.
VIII Thou shalt be ever mindful and helpful to the beginner and speak gentle works of encouragement remembering the days of thine own strife. Also encourage those nourished on the good milk of Irish, Old Time, and Bluegrass music, lest a harsh word should turn one to the darkness that is pop music.
IX Thou shalt not, by thyself, commence noodling off on a tune that the other musicians knoweth not, unless asked or unless thou art teaching that tune for this is an abomination, and the other musicians shall not hold thee blameless, and shall strike thee from their computer lists, yea, unto the third and fourth generation.
X Remembereth that a tune played slowly with clarity is closer to godliness than a tune played speedily and sloppily.
The 11th and final Commandment:
Thou shalt play well and have fun at session!!!
More Etiquette Stuff...
* Some key participants (or session leader) will have the main influence over the choice of tunes, and who gets to do what (solos). Be respectful of the situation. Fit in as invited.
* Instrumentalists, be mindful of when others want to solo or do featured backup. Give them space and take turns being featured. Don't compete !
* Regarding tuning: Wait your turn. If someone is tuning, please avoid any playing, or perhaps (if you're sure your instrument is in tune) offer notes matching the open strings of the other person's instrument.
* If you’re new to a session or jam, listen first before automatically staring to play. Each session/jam is unique and usually tempered by years of folks playing together. Note: if the speed or difficulty of the material is new to you or out of your league, or you just do not know the tune, that is OK, play quietly until your are full speed.
* Most sessions restrict who sits in the circle to those playing or singing - anyone else is politely requested to grab a spot at a near by table or at the bar.
* Silence your cell phone and for respect to the other musicians, if you just have to text or call someone, excuse yourself from the circle.
* Pay attention and learn from experience and the folks around you!