Welcome to Jam-a-lot!

You can and should learn easy jamming now! We can help.

“I learned to jam almost from the start, playing easy, good songs at slow speeds with friends. Now, simple tuning devices and the 2 and 3 chord patterns of bluegrass songs mean ANYONE can start jamming within days of getting their first stringed instrument!


I don't know why teachers of bluegrass instruments rarely teach jam skills. Simple rhythm playing while following chord changes is easy AND fun AND necessary to all the playing skills that follow. So... Whatever your instrument, please browse this page and see what we have for you to get you started and having fun immediately!”

Novices, start here:

  • List of 2-chord songs Go here, pick a song you can hum, and try figuring out for yourself when the chords change! Print out a copy to keep in your case.

Bluegrass Songbook
140 favorite songs with chords and melodies in simplified tablature. Sections on harmony singing, singing pointers from the greats. Over 100,000 in print!
Playalong Jamming DVDs
Three videos with a total of 56 bluegrass favorites at slow/moderate speeds. On two DVDs, you try a solo while the band onscreen plays backup! Booklets included with words and chords.
Which DVD is best for me?
Can't see the video? Click here to download.
"Dr. Banjo", Pete Wernick, is a pioneer and leader in bluegrass instruction, known for his bestselling books and videos, and jamming and banjo camps since 1980. His many years of national/international performing with Hot Rize and others, and 15 years as President of the International Bluegrass Music Association underlie his understanding of the world of bluegrass. His enduring passion is to help people from young to old, novice to expert, play bluegrass music.

BLUEGRASS JAM CAMPS

Full-immersion multi-day events around the country, hosted by Pete and Joan Wernick. Designed for novices, some with Intermediate tracks. Hundreds of happy jammers!
Jam Campers Jam Campers