Welcome to the Lyons Old-Time Jam!
The Lyons Old Time Jam is a welcoming, all-levels gathering for musicians who love old-time music. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, our jam is a place to share tunes, learn from each other, and connect with a friendly community. We embrace the traditional, communal spirit of old-time music—where melodies are passed down and the joy of playing together is what matters most.
Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable joining in, whether you want to lead a tune, play quietly in the background, or simply listen and soak it all in. Come make music, make friends, and keep the old-time tradition alive with us!
How does an Old-Time jam work?
We all play together and support the melody of the tune or play the melody of the tune. Typically the fiddles lead the melody and guitars, banjos etc. will play the melody or support the melody with rhythm until the person leading the tune calls that we're ending.
We'll usually stay in a key that the group decides on for a while before an agreed upon key change. Changing between keys over and over is tough because Fiddles and Banjos will sometimes have to retune their instrument to move to a different key.
GROOVE IS THE GOAL
How do I be cool at an old-time jam?
- Welcome everyone in!
- Teach folks new tunes.
- Teach folks the chords.
- Be nice
- Share the joy of music with people!
What tunes are played?
Who knows! Everyone has different fiddlers they like and/or regional tunes they know!
If you don't know a tune, that's fine! Hang out for a minute while the person leading the tune is starting and jump in when you're ready!
Most of the time tunes are either in D, A, C or G so they're not too bad to figure out after a few runs through.
Everyone has played in jams where they have to pick up the tunes on the spot, so think of it as a game and practice picking up melodies by ear!
Here are some ideas for tunes to learn for a jam!
These are all YouTube links to various channels. You can slow down YouTube videos to help you learn!
KEY OF G
KEY OF A
It's not uncommon for some A tunes to be played by the fiddle in a cross tuning. AEAE
