Jam Jam
Start with chords without barre
First chords use open shapes: E minor, G, C, D, A minor. They need little strength and sound right away. In Jam Run, the “No barre” option (guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bass) replaces every barre chord with an open shape on every level, so you practice chord changes without getting stuck on F.
Tune before you play
An out-of-tune guitar makes every chord sound wrong, and a game that listens to your instrument will struggle to recognize it. Take a minute to tune all six strings before your first run, and check again if the guitar changed room or temperature.
Progress level by level
Jam Run has 200 levels in 20 chapters. Tempo and chord density rise level after level, and three difficulties (Beginner, Comfortable, Expert) set how much timing slack you get. Start on Beginner, with its simple chords and wide windows, and move up once chord changes feel automatic. Seventh chords show up further along.
Play your own songs
Nothing motivates like the songs you love. A song from your Jam Jam songbook can become a Jam Run level: its chords become the game’s chords, at its tempo, with its capo, and its synced lyrics scroll alongside if it has them.
On ukulele and piano too
The idea works with other instruments. On ukulele and mandolin, the game asks for chords just like on guitar. On piano, play into the microphone or with a MIDI keyboard connected to your computer. Melodic instruments and voice play one note at a time.
Your teen (13 and up) plays Jam Run
For teens aged 13 and up and adults, from beginners to experienced players. Suggest headphones so the microphone only hears their instrument, Beginner level and “No barre” mode, and encourage them to replay a level rather than rush ahead: repetition is what makes chords stick. Microphone audio is analyzed on the device, without recording or uploading.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn the first chords?
Regularity matters more than duration: a few minutes a day beats one long session a week. Jam Run’s first level, “First steps”, uses just two chords.
Do I need to read music?
No. Jam Run shows the chord name and its diagram, with the next chord right below.
Is Jam Run free?
Yes, the game is free, with no Premium subscription, and it runs in your browser.
Can I play without barre chords?
Yes, with the “No barre” option on guitar, ukulele, mandolin and bass. Every level keeps at least four chords.
Is my sound sent anywhere?
No. Microphone audio is analyzed on your device, without recording or uploading.
Grab your guitar, tune it, and start the first Jam Run level.