The featured songs for this month are two classics: “Dark Hollow” (in the key of D), and “Oh Sinner Man” (in the key of A minor). Download chord sheets for “Dark Hollow” and “Oh Sinner Man”
The PineCone Beginners Bluegrass Jam is open to all musicians, and it is specifically for those who are learning the basics of bluegrass music and playing with other musicians. It is open to participants of all ages and abilities. This is a great opportunity for participants to learn basic jam etiquette before jumping into a traditional jam.
Last month, guitarist/singer W.C. Smith led a smaller-group jam in one of the back rooms during the second half of the night, which was well received. He’s offered to do that again, so here’s the plan for this month’s jam:
For the 7-8 PM hour, participants will gather as a big group like usual, and maybe work both the new songs (“Oh Sinner Man” and “Dark Hollow”) into that first hour. Then, anyone who’d like to join W.C. for another smaller jam in the back is invited to do that. The goal for the small jam is for 4-10 folks, with a good mix of instruments (say, no more than 3 or 4 guitars), a few singers, and importantly, some players who are willing to try taking solos in familiar songs. No need to over-plan that small jam, but think about whether you’d like to try that. You need to be up for singing/soloing/leading a little for that smaller group (maybe come with a song or two in mind!).
Songs played at past learning jams include:
- Little Maggie
- Love Please Come Home
- The Old Home Place
- Tennessee Waltz
- Devil’s Dream
- Wagon Wheel
- Old Joe Clark
- Nine Pound Hammer
- My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
- In the Pines
- Amazing Grace
- Whiskey Before Breakfast
- Ashokan Farewell
- Salt Creek
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken
- Soldier’s Joy
- Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms
- I’ll Fly Away
- Angeline the Baker
- Blue Moon of Kentucky
- Big Sandy River
- Down the Road
- St. Anne’s Reel
Facilitator Jef Walter is a local musician who plays bass and guitar with Charles Pettee & the Iron Mountain Messengers and other groups; he also mentors The Carolina PineCones, a local youth bluegrass band.
