Some people find it hard to practice with other guitarist or musicians. They get so used to playing on their own that when they get together with another musician all they can do is show off what they’ve learned and never get any quality jamming in.

If you feel like you never get anything accomplished when you practice with other people consider the following and see if it makes a difference in your jamming sessions.

1. Find someone that plays your style of music. It makes it a lot easier to collaborate.
2. Agree on a few songs you both want to tackle. Make print outs and do a little practicing before sitting down together. Practice the more challenging parts of the song on your own. This way when you start jamming and learning the songs together it’s much easier.
3. Relax. Take a deep breath and just play. If you mess up while jamming just keep going.
4. Be open minded and don’t take criticism or suggestions to heart. If the person you are practicing with suggest you try to play something differently give it try. No matter how long you’ve been playing you don’t know everything. It’s amazing how much you can learn from other people when you don’t let your ego get in the way.

Jamming with other people can be a wonderful experience if the right chemistry is there. Don’t forget that there has to be a vision of what everyone wants to accomplish while jamming and don’t be afraid to take the lead to get some direction of the jam session moving. Let the ego go and just have fun.