I think I'm a sensitive little snowflake of a player.

[brent.h]

I hope you overcome this, in fact, I know you can. It is just a question of finding the answer.

I feel like it’s me and I need overcome this volume issue, but other musicians aren’t blameless either, I’m sorry to say. But whether it’s mostly me or them, I just don't like butchering tunes.

I'm not an American nor did I grow up with a lot of American culture, but truly so many these songbook tunes from 20s and 30s have a dear and special place in my heart - the melody, the harmony, the lyrics - they all resonate with me on an emotional level.

These tunes aren't just 'jam tunes' for me to run the changes. They're art, and I'd like very much to share with listeners how wonderful these tunes are. (I’m the only one in my jam session group that calls for tunes earlier than 1940, and I’m happy to continue doing so.)

I have a volume knob and can compete, but that is a competition that I am not interested in winning.

…Another big volume problem is a loud audience.


…If those challenges cause one to freeze up, a new hobby may be in order.

I know what you mean with regard to the volume competition (see my response to JazzPadd).

That’s the thing. We don’t have a loud audience! We’re jamming in a basement with just us musicians. Why is there a need to play so loud?

Sure, I did consider stopping playing altogether. I’m not a natural musician or had training, schooling, supportive parents/environments, or whatever. I’m 40 this year, and I’m realising I might never develop musical instincts or finesse that musicians developed when they were young.

I work hard, so hard, every day at learning melodies/lines/comping, trying my best to play in time and fluidly, and I wonder, “What’s all this for? Other people do it more easily than I.”

But I continue to do it because I feel like someone needs to hear these tunes... this is great culture!

Can you believe that people at my jam have never heard What Is This Thing Called Love, Confessin, Rose Room, If I Had You, Whispering, Flying Home, etc?

Does not being able to "audiate" mean that the music has become a dull roar? I notice that, if a band is too loud, all I hear is a muddy roar. I can't differentiate the instruments or really hear the music.

I advocate playing with a volume pedal at all times.

I think you kinda nailed it. There’s all this mud everywhere that drowns out everything (see my above comment to Jimmy blue note about the keyboards and bass).

Volume pedal is good advice.

On guitar, more volume on the amp and playing very soft with some dynamics to make them understand that something got cooler but can explode if they let enough room.

For a jazz sound, my approach is what i believe is very common, use quite a bit more gain then someone would think to use, but pick very softly and maintain a relaxed instrument approach, work with the guitar volume etc. Better to have some dynamics control than a dead sound.

I need to try this.

To the OP, just go play with other people. Loud players never get quieter, they just resent you asking them to take it down.

Right? It’s a losing battle.

[GuyBoden]

As stated in other posts, have you tried good ear plugs?

I'm using these again.

[brent.h]

just placed an order!

[AllanAllen]

Brent,

The thing is, I don't think I can/should say aloud to everyone at the jams, "Oh, I'm only gonna play with these guys who get me." I think that might come off as being rude/vibe-y. Anyway, who am I to say something like that out loud? I'm just a beginner.

You absolutely can try this. Just have to ask the question the right way.

“I’ve been practicing with these guys, can we go up as a group?”

This is a thing that happens at jams and it’s fine.

[rpjazzguitar]

I'm always hesitant to tell another musician to turn down. Maybe I don't need to be, since, when I do ask, they usually respond well, but that refers to regular colleagues, not people I just met at a jam.

On the other hand, I once asked a drummer I knew well to come down at a a jam in my own home and got a nasty response.

I've tried public jams a few times but the volume usually puts me off. Too loud and/or too invariant.