As a public service, below are the “unofficial” rules of a bluegrass jam.
By Larry Carlin

1. Thou Shalt Tune Thy Instrument.
   ~ Electronic tuners make this easy.
2.  Thou Shalt Keep Steady Rhythm.
   ~ Count beats if necessary.
3. Thou Shalt Take Turns Choosing Songs.
   ~Announce the key. Vocalists always choose their key.
   ~ Choose a song you can complete.
4. Thou Shalt Not Speed.
   ~ Start songs at a reasonable tempo. Speed up according to abilities.
5. Thou Shalt Signal Who Has The Solo.
   ~ Follow a pattern when taking solo leads.
6. Thou Shalt Listen To Others.
   If you can’t hear the lead, consider yourself too loud.
7. Thou Shalt Welcome Others.
   ~ Include everyone in your jam. Help everyone sound as good as they can.
8. Thou Shalt Not Steal Other Musicians From An Active Jam.
   ~With time, players move around anyway.
9. Thou Shalt Try New Material.
   ~ Original & different tunes are OK occasionally.
10. Thou Shalt Be Considerate Of Pickers  (and Others).
    ~ Explain when you’re rehearsing, not jamming. Help beginners.