How to Start a Jam Session — A Beginner's Guide to Diving into Session Bars

A Night When Music Spoke — Sessions Are My Origin

In my twenties, I was always at Mandala in Kichijoji. When you descend into the basement of that building, you're surrounded by air mixed with cigarette smoke and the smell of beer. On stage are guitarists you've never seen before, and a drummer caressing the snare with brushes. I open my guitar case, check the tuning, and signal to the host with my eyes: "Can I play?" A nod. The key is A. Twelve-bar blues.

The moment the intro began, words became unnecessary. I didn't know the other player's name, age, or occupation. But the instant that A chord rang out, we became "one."

The same was true at Fussa's UZU. In a town near a U.S. military base, I played blues with an American bassist one night. We could hardly speak each other's language. But when the twelve-bar turnaround came, our rhythm was perfect. "I want to spend the rest of my life doing sessions and bands where nationality, gender, and age don't matter—where people connect through music alone." This is my personal motto, and it was born that night.

Even now in my sixties, that feeling hasn't changed. Sessions are the origin of music. Before forming a band, I want you to go to a session first. There awaits a meeting that could change your musical life.

Having grasped the bigger picture of band activity through the "Complete Guide for Beginners to Join a Band," I'd like to introduce you to the world of jam sessions as your next step.

What Is a Jam Session? — Understanding the Difference from a Band

A jam session is when musicians who gather in one place play together improvising on the spot. It's fundamentally different from a band, where fixed members practice predetermined songs.

The Difference Between Bands and Sessions

Item	Band	Jam Session
Members	Fixed	Changes every time
Songs	Decided and practiced in advance	Decided on the spot
Arrangements	Refined	Mostly improvisation
Practice frequency	Studio 1–2 times per month	Drop in whenever you feel like it
Purpose	Live performances and creating works	Enjoying performance, honing skills, meeting people
Difficulty	Need to gather members	Can participate solo

The biggest advantage of sessions is that you can go alone and make musical friends on the spot. Before searching for "the first song to play together in a band," it's also a good idea to try jamming with various people at a session.

Types of Sessions

Even though we call it a jam session, there are actually several types.

Type	Characteristics	Example Standard Songs	Beginner-Friendly Rating
Blues Session	12-bar blues progression is the foundation. Anyone can participate if you know the key	Key of A / Stormy Monday	★★★★★
Rock Session	Playing famous rock numbers together. You can participate if you know the songs	Johnny B. Goode / Route 66	★★★★☆
Jazz Session	Based on standard song progressions with improvisation. Easier with music theory knowledge	Autumn Leaves / Fly Me to the Moon	★★★☆☆
Funk/Soul Session	Groove-focused. The rhythm section needs to be stable	Cissy Strut / Superstition	★★★☆☆
Open Mic	Solo performances and cover songs allowed. More individual performance-oriented than sessions	Free choice (original songs OK)	★★★★★

Blues sessions are strongly recommended for beginners. The reason is simple: once you learn the 12-bar blues progression, everyone can play together just by matching the key. It works with just three chords (A7, D7, E7, etc.). You don't need to understand theory deeply; you can learn it physically.

What Is a Session Bar? — Understanding the Difference from Live Houses

The article "Live Houses in Tokyo" introduced the world of live houses, but session bars are a completely different space.

Session Bar Basics

A session bar is a bar with a permanent stage and PA equipment that regularly hosts jam sessions. Customers drinking there and people who brought instruments enjoy music in the same space.

Item	Live House	Session Bar
How to perform	Booking (advance reservation)	Walk-ins welcome on the day
Performance fee	Ticket quota (¥30,000–50,000)	Participation fee ¥1,500–3,000 + 1 drink
Performance format	Band-based	Individual participation and improvisation
Audience	Mainly acquaintances of the performing band	Musicians + regular music lovers
Atmosphere	Formal (stage vs. audience)	Casual (blurred boundaries)
Booking	Performance weeks to months in advance	Not required (same-day participation OK)

The charm of session bars is that the barrier to entry is extremely low. Unlike "How to Perform at a Live House," there are no booking walls or ticket quotas. You can take the stage regardless of whether you're a pro or amateur, just paying the participation fee and drink charge.

Participation Fee Rates

Format	Participation Fee	Drink	Estimated Total
Session Bar (Standard)	¥1,500–2,500	1 drink (¥500–800)	¥2,000–3,300
Session Bar (Professional Host)	¥2,500–3,500	1 drink	¥3,000–4,300
Live House Session Event	¥1,500–2,000	Separate	¥2,000–3,000
Open Mic	Free–¥1,000	1 drink	¥500–1,800

Compared to individual practice at a studio (¥500–1,000 per hour) mentioned in "How to Choose a Practice Studio," it's a bit more, but the experience of improvising with live musicians cannot be gained from solo studio practice. Think of this ¥2,000–3,000 not as "tuition" but as "live experience."

Preparation for Beginners to Participate in Sessions

Minimum Skills — Don't Aim for Perfection

"I'll go when I get better" — this is the biggest misconception among people new to sessions. Sessions don't require "perfection." You only need these three things:

• You can stably produce chords (or rhythm) on your instrument — Guitarists don't need to play barre chords. Open chords are enough
• You know the 12-bar blues progression — I-I-I-I / IV-IV-I-I / V-IV-I-V (In key A: A-A-A-A / D-D-A-A / E-D-A-E)
• You can play while listening to others — Don't focus only on your own sound. This is the most important

For vocalists, knowing 2–3 standard blues songs is enough. For drummers, if you can play eighth-note and shuffle rhythms, you're immediately useful. For bassists, you can support the whole band just by playing solid root notes.

What to Bring to a Session

Item	Essential/Nice to Have	Notes
Your own instrument	Essential	For drummers, bring sticks only (the venue provides drums)
Cable (XLR)	Essential	Two cables are ideal. The importance of backup cables is mentioned in "How to Run Band Practice"
Tuner	Essential	Clip-on is convenient. A smartphone app works too
Effects pedal	Nice to have	At first, plugging directly into the amp is fine. Too much gear gets in the way
Sheet music / Chord charts	Nice to have	A notebook or smartphone with standard song progressions noted
Business cards / Contact info	Nice to have	You can exchange contact info immediately with people you click with
Cash	Essential	Many session bars don't accept cards

What to Do Before You Go

1. Check the venue's SNS and website — Confirm the session day, time, genre, and participation fee. Choose venues that clearly list the genre like "blues session" or "rock session"
2. Practice 3–5 standard songs — Pick songs from the standard song list introduced in the next section and practice them
3. If possible, visit as an observer once — Go as a customer without performing, grab a drink, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Saying to the regulars or host, "I'd like to participate next time" will make things smooth on the day

Session Standard Song List — Know These and You Can Jump Right In

When asked "What do you want to play?" at a session, being able to answer from this list is enough. I've compiled standard songs by genre.

Blues Session Standard Songs

Blues is the foundation of sessions. Since the 12-bar blues progression is basic, anyone can participate once the key is set.

Song Title	Artist	Key	Characteristics
Key of A (Slow Blues)	—	A	Just decide the key and play freely. The basic form for beginners to start with
Key of E (Shuffle Blues)	—	E	Standard blues with a shuffle rhythm
Stormy Monday	T-Bone Walker	G	Jazz-influenced blues. The chords are slightly complex but a session favorite
Sweet Home Chicago	Robert Johnson	E / A	Famous from the Blues Brothers. Easy for vocalists to jump in
The Thrill Is Gone	B.B. King	Bm	Minor blues. Great for wailing guitar solos
Hoochie Coochie Man	Muddy Waters	A	Striking stop-time riff. Great for the whole band to lock in on the "hit"
Pride and Joy	Stevie Ray Vaughan	E	Texas shuffle. Essential if you're an SRV fan

Rock Session Standard Songs

Song Title	Artist	Key	Characteristics
Johnny B. Goode	Chuck Berry	Bb	The origin of rock and roll. You can join immediately if you know the riff
Route 66	Bobby Troup	A / Bb	Interpreted widely from rockabilly to R&B
Stand By Me	Ben E. King	A	Four chords. The famous bass line makes it easy to lock in
Rock And Roll	Led Zeppelin	A	The drum intro builds tension immediately
Crossroads	Cream / Robert Johnson	A	The Clapton version is the session standard. A chance for guitarists to shine
Mustang Sally	Wilson Pickett	C / G	Funky rhythm. Gets the whole crowd fired up

Jazz Session Standard Songs (Beginner-Friendly)

Song Title	Composer	Key	Characteristics
Autumn Leaves	Joseph Kosma	Gm / Bbm	Most frequently played in jazz sessions. The textbook example of II-V-I progression
Blue Bossa	Kenny Dorham	Cm	Bossa nova rhythm and relatively simple. Beginner-friendly jazz
Fly Me to the Moon	Bart Howard	C / Am	A melody everyone knows. Easy for vocalists to join
All of Me	Gerald Marks	C	Simple chord progression. Perfect for solo practice too
Now's the Time	Charlie Parker	F	Essentially a blues progression. Ideal for jazz introduction
Billie's Bounce	Charlie Parker	F	Also based on blues progression. Bebop introduction

Suggestion for beginners: Master three songs—"Key of A (Blues)," "Johnny B. Goode," and "Stand By Me"—before going to a session. With these three, you're guaranteed to participate in 1–2 sets in either a blues or rock session.

Guide to Session Bars and Session Venues in Tokyo

Tokyo is the city where sessions thrive most in Japan. As mentioned in "Introduction to Japan's Music Scene," Tokyo is home to diverse musical cultures coexisting. Below are beginner-friendly session bars and session venues worth trying.

Note: Dates, times, and participation fees may change. Always check each venue's website or SNS for the latest information before visiting.

1. Jirokichi (Koenji)

Item	Details
Genre	Blues / Rock / Funk
Session	Blues sessions hosted (check official site for schedule)
Participation Fee	¥2,000–3,000 + 1 drink
Atmosphere	A legendary live house founded in 1975. The holy site of blues and rock
Address	3-2-13 Kita Koenji, Suginami Ward, Tokyo (3 min walk from Koenji Station north exit)
Official	Official Website

Three minutes on foot from Koenji Station's north exit. This legendary live house, founded in 1975, hosts a wide range of sessions centered on blues, rock, and funk. Half a century of history proves it's one of the best places for beginners to take their first step.

2. Shinjuku PIT INN (Shinjuku)

Item	Details
Genre	Jazz
Session	Jam sessions hosted (check official for schedule)
Participation Fee	¥1,500–3,000 + 1 drink
Atmosphere	A legendary jazz venue representing Japan. A session holy site where pros and amateurs gather
Address	B1F Accord Shinjuku, 2-12-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo (3 min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station)
Official	Official Website

When it comes to sessions in Shinjuku, Shinjuku PIT INN is the place. One of the most important venues in Japan's jazz scene, it also hosts jam sessions. You can take the stage where leading professional musicians perform—in a session, you can too.

3. Organ Jazz Club (Numaike)

Item	Details
Genre	Jazz / Organ Jazz
Session	Jam session days available
Participation Fee	¥2,000+ + drink order
Atmosphere	Hammond organ sounds fill the room. A gathering spot for jazz lovers
Address	B1F, 1-34-4 Numaike, Nakano Ward, Tokyo (2 min walk from Numaike Station)

Two minutes on foot from Numaike Station. A jazz-specialized session bar with permanent Hammond organ, where you can experience the unique groove of organ jazz. An open atmosphere for jazz session beginners.

4. Naru (Ochanomizu)

Item	Details
Genre	Jazz
Session	Jam sessions hosted (check schedule)
Participation Fee	¥2,500+
Atmosphere	A legendary jazz club founded in 1969. Steeped in history and prestige
Official	Official Website

A long-established jazz club in Ochanomizu. With over half a century of history, countless jazz musicians have graced its stage. Beginners can participate on session days. Since it's in Ochanomizu, the instrument district, you can drop by after buying an instrument.

5. Mandala (Kichijoji)

Item	Details
Genre	Rock / Folk / Blues / Multi-genre
Session	Open mics and session events held irregularly
Participation Fee	Varies by event
Atmosphere	Founded in 1974. A holy site supporting Kichijoji's music culture for 50 years
Official	Official Website

The place I spent my twenties hanging out. Since its founding in 1974, countless musicians have graced this basement stage. Though not a permanent session bar, it hosts irregular open mics and session events. If you're in Kichijoji, experience the air of this place first.

6. Sometime (Kichijoji)

Item	Details
Genre	Jazz
Session	Regular jam sessions
Participation Fee	¥2,000+ + drink order
Atmosphere	Founded in 1975. A prestigious jazz venue representing Kichijoji
Official	Official Website

A music landmark of Kichijoji alongside Mandala. Centered on jazz, this live house regularly hosts jam sessions. The warm environment makes it comfortable for beginner jazz players.

7. Ogikubo Rooster (Ogikubo)

Item	Details
Genre	Blues / Rock
Session	Regular blues sessions
Participation Fee	¥2,000 + 1 drink
Atmosphere	A famous Ogikubo venue known for blues sessions. Welcomes beginners
Address	5-16-15 Ogikubo, Suginami Ward, Tokyo (3 min walk from Ogikubo Station south exit)
Official	Official Website

Three minutes on foot from Ogikubo Station's south exit. Known for regular blues sessions, this live bar has an intimate setting where you feel close to the performers and experience musical unity. Ideal for blues session beginners.

8. Blues Alley Japan (Meguro)

Item	Details
Genre	Jazz / Blues
Session	Jam session nights hosted
Participation Fee	¥2,500+ + food/drink order
Atmosphere	The Tokyo version of the legendary club in Washington, D.C. Prestigious but approachable
Official	Official Website

A prestigious jazz and blues club along the Meguro River. Named after the famous Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. While professional performances are the main draw, jam session nights offer the rare opportunity to perform with world-class sound equipment.

Session Venues in Osaka, Nagoya, and Beyond

Session culture is rooted in cities outside Tokyo. Sessions in regional cities are smaller in scale than Tokyo's, but often more intimate and with closer friendships among regulars.

Osaka

Venue	Area	Genre	Features
Rock Bar SEVENTH	Umeda	Rock / Blues	A session bar in Umeda (3F Umeda Royal Building, 2-14-10 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka; near Higashi-Umeda Station). Regularly hosts rock and blues sessions
Jazz on Top	Umeda	Jazz	A jazz club in Umeda with session days. Good accessibility
Live Spot Tension	Sakaisuji-Honmachi	Blues / Rock	A blues bar in Sakaisuji-Honmachi (B1F Ichioka Hirosan Building, 1-4-6 Kawaracho, Chuo Ward, Osaka; near Sakaisuji-Honmachi Station). Hosts beginner-friendly sessions

Nagoya

Venue	Area	Genre	Features
Jazz Bar STAR EYES	Chikusa Ward (Kakuozan)	Jazz	A jazz bar in Kakuozan (3-4-1 Kikezakacho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya; near Kakuozan Station). Regularly hosts jam sessions
SlowBlues	Meto Ward	Blues / Rock	Blues sessions every Tuesday (3-3 Meito-honsuji, Meto Ward, Nagoya, official website)

Other Regions

Venue	Area	Genre	Features
Gate's 7	Fukuoka, Nakasu	Jazz / Blues	A jazz bar in Nakasu. Jam sessions available
STORMY MONDAY	Sapporo	Blues	A Sapporo blues bar hosting blues sessions
D-Bop Jazz Club	Sapporo	Jazz	A center of the Sapporo jazz scene. Regular sessions hosted

Session information for regional cities is covered in detail in articles about those cities. Also check the "How to Find Band Members in Osaka" article for Osaka's session scene.

Session Etiquette and Unwritten Rules

Sessions don't come with a written rulebook. But based on my 40+ years of session experience, I want to share these unwritten rules. Understanding them means a beginner can enjoy sessions without standing out.

1. Follow the Host's Instructions

Every session has a "host" who runs the show. Song selection, participant order, key setting, who takes solos — the host directs everything. Always follow the host's instructions. Even if you have a song you want to play, if the host says "Next, let's do blues in A," go with that.

2. Solo for 1–2 Choruses, Then Pass It On

The most hated thing is playing a solo endlessly. In blues, play one chorus (12 bars) or at most two before passing to the next person. The host or the player next to you will give you an "your turn is done" look, so don't miss that signal.

3. Keep Your Volume Low — Especially at First

Playing loud in a session is almost antisocial behavior. Guitarists especially should keep amp volume low. Volume so loud you can't hear others destroys the unity of the session. Same for drummers; hitting the snare at about 60–70% strength is just right.

4. Be Honest If You Don't Know a Song

When asked to play a song you don't know, it's fine to say "Sorry, I don't know that one". It's way cooler to watch from the side rather than fake it and mess things up. Session regulars are kind to honest beginners and cold to those who lie and create confusion.

5. Applaud When Others Finish

This sounds obvious, but some people don't do it. When someone else's solo ends and you're not playing, applaud. Good or bad doesn't matter. It's your way of saying "Thanks for playing with me."

6. No Cell Phones During Sessions

Don't fiddle with your phone when you're not playing. If you're not listening to the performance, you might miss your cue to come in next time.

7. Handle Equipment with Care

If using the venue's amp or drum set, return it to its original state. If you moved a knob, move it back. Don't overwork the rims with sticks. Treating borrowed gear well builds trust with the regulars.

How to Form a Band with People You Meet at Sessions

The true value of sessions isn't just the performance itself. It's the conversation at the bar counter after you finish where meetings that can change your musical life happen.

After jamming with an American bassist at UZU in Fussa, I spent two hours with him at the counter. Our language was broken, but we had a blast talking about our favorite artists and albums. We never formed a band, but that night's encounter is still a treasure to me.

As mentioned in "Benefits and Considerations of Playing in a Band with Foreigners," sessions are exactly the place for meetings across borders. If music connects, language doesn't matter.

Three Steps to Develop Sessions into Bands

1. Keep going to the same session regularly — If you attend the same venue on the same day 2–3 times a month, you'll become familiar faces to regulars. Becoming a regular is the first step
2. Reach out to players you click with — "I enjoyed playing with you" or "Want to jam in a studio sometime?" Just saying this puts you halfway there
3. Post a recruitment on Membo — Besides the session acquaintance, if you need another member, post on Membo. Saying "Looking for someone to jam with at session bars" attracts session-loving musicians

You don't need to form a band right after meeting someone at a session. Play together a few times first and see if your musical taste and tempo feel match. Rushing leads to breakups.

Five Other Ways to Build Music Connections Beyond Jam Sessions

Opening a session bar door might still be too high a hurdle, or maybe there's no session venue nearby — for those people, here are other ways to make music friends. Using these alongside sessions greatly expands your network.

Method	Cost Guide	Features	Best For
Music Store Workshops	Free–¥3,000	Workshops held by major stores like Shimamura or Ishibashi. Beginner chord lectures, amp demos. Natural conversation happens with other participants	People just starting instruments who want to meet store staff and other beginners
University and Adult Music Circles	¥1,000–3,000/month	University light music clubs, adult cover band circles (like Keion R40), community orchestras. Regular practice and concerts	People who want long-term practice with the same members. See "Adult Bands" article too
Music School Recitals	School fees ¥8,000–15,000/month	Individual lessons often include recitals where you perform with other students. Teachers' networks often lead to "Want to start a band?" introductions	People who want structured fundamentals and want to use teacher's network
Online Jamming (Jamulus, etc.)	Free (requires PC and audio interface)	Low-latency online session software like Jamulus and JackTrip. Works from anywhere, even abroad	People with no local session venues or wanting to connect with foreign musicians
Live House Open Mics	¥500–1,500 + 1 drink	Get on stage for one song as a solo artist. Lower barrier than sessions because you perform independently. Chat with other performers afterward	Vocalists, singer-songwriters, people who just want the experience of performing live

These aren't exclusive alternatives—combining them expands your network. I know someone doing "weekday music lessons, weekend sessions, monthly circle rehearsals." Think of jam sessions as one choice in the mix. Multiple entry points are better. Most eventually post on Membo to find a proper band. More doors mean more connections.

The 12-Bar Blues Progression — Learn It Today, Play It Tomorrow

After all this, if you're thinking "I want to try a session, but what exactly is 12-bar blues?" — here I'll break down the progression to a level you can learn today and play tomorrow.

In my twenties, a senior guitarist told me at a Kichijoji session: "Just learn three chords and shuffle. You can do all the blues with that." After 40 years, I still believe that's true.

12-Bar Blues Progression Chart (Key of A)

Measure	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Degree	I7	I7	I7	I7	IV7	IV7	I7	I7	V7	IV7	I7	V7
Key A	A7	A7	A7	A7	D7	D7	A7	A7	E7	D7	A7	E7
Key E	E7	E7	E7	E7	A7	A7	E7	E7	B7	A7	E7	B7

The "V7" at the end of measure 12 is the signal to return to "I7" at the top of the next chorus. This is called the "turnaround." Sessions use this to pass solos around or move toward the ending.

Chord Fingering Tips (Guitar)

Chord	Fingering	Tip
A7	5th string open, 4th string 2nd fret, 3rd string open, 2nd string 2nd fret	Open chord is fine. Don't tense your thumb; relax
D7	4th string open, 3rd string 2nd fret, 2nd string 1st fret, 1st string 2nd fret	Strum from the 4th string. Don't play 5th or 6th strings
E7	6th string open, 5th string 2nd fret, 4th string open, 3rd string 1st fret, 2nd string open, 1st string open	Needs only one index finger and one middle finger—the easiest chord
B7 (Key E)	5th string 2nd fret, 4th string 1st fret, 3rd string 2nd fret, 2nd string open, 1st string 2nd fret	Beginners often make this a full barre, but open B7 works fine

Key of E is easier for beginners because it uses more open strings. When asked "What key?" at a session, answering "E, please" works for most blues.

Three-Step Home Practice

1. Step 1 — Just I7 for 4 beats × 4 measures: Set a metronome to 100 bpm and play A7 for 4 beats × 4 measures (16 total beats). Let the rhythm sink in
2. Step 2 — I7 to IV7 back and forth: 4 measures A7 → 2 measures D7 → 2 measures A7, repeat this 8-measure loop. Get your fingers used to chord changes
3. Step 3 — Play all 12 bars: Play the full 12-bar progression above. If you mess up, keep going—don't stop. Sessions don't pause for mistakes

Do these three steps 15 minutes daily for a week, and you'll be ready to play at a session. The basic rhythm is shuffle (tuh-ka, tuh-ka). Search YouTube for "12 bar blues shuffle in A backing track" and tons of free backing tracks appear. Playing along with those is the best practice.

Mastering blues progression helps with writing original songs too. "Johnny B. Goode," "Route 66," "Sweet Home Chicago"—most standards work with this 12-bar progression. Learn one and you can play 100 songs, and it's not exaggeration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I go to a session if I just started playing?

A. You can if you have minimum preparation. For guitar: play three chords (A, D, E) in rhythm. For drums: play an 8-beat. For bass: follow root notes. Perfection isn't needed. Just make sure you tune well and manage volume—these affect others.

Q. Can I participate as just a vocalist?

A. Absolutely. Knowing 2–3 standard blues or rock songs is enough to join as a vocalist. As a vocalist, you have the advantage of needing no instrument. Bringing written lyrics isn't embarrassing either.

Q. Is it OK to go alone?

A. Going solo is standard. Sessions are about "going alone and becoming friends." It's nerve-wracking at first, but the host guides everything. Actually, bringing a friend and sticking together creates a wall. Better to go solo.

Q. Can I borrow an instrument at the venue?

A. Drum sets, bass amps, and guitar amps are basic house gear. Bring your guitar, bass, or horn. Some venues lend out guitars or bass, so ask ahead.

Conclusion — Sessions Return You to Music's Origin

For over 40 years since my twenties, I've been going to sessions. At Mandala in Kichijoji, at UZU in Fussa, at countless bars around Tokyo—I've spent numberless nights there. One thing has never changed.

Sessions have no "failures."

In a band, mistakes might mean "not enough practice." At a live show, someone might say "improve the finish." But at sessions, even if you miss a chord or lose rhythm, nobody blames you. Everyone's just enjoying "this moment's music."

Sure, playing well feels better. But even playing poorly is fun. That's the essence of sessions.

If you're thinking "I want to form a band but can't find members" or "I play but have no one to jam with," please open the door to a session bar. There awaits a meeting that could change your musical life.

And when you meet kindred spirits at sessions, post on Membo saying "I want to form a band with session friends." Nationality, gender, age don't matter. Musicians who connect through sound—you'll find them.

Even in my sixties, I keep going to sessions because I believe that.