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Step 1
Consider asking the muscisians if they accept harmonica players. Although most are welcoming, people at some bluegrass jams prefer to only use traditional instruments. It never hurts to ask.
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Step 2
Listen to what everyone else is doing. Wait a few songs before joining in. Pay attention to the solos people take and the parts they play during the rest of the song. Feel free to steal anything that you think would sound good on harmonica.
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Step 3
Understand the basic structure of a bluegrass song. Most bluegrass music has a verse, chorus and solo break when everyone gets the chance to strut their stuff. There will then usually be another verse and chorus and sometimes a second solo break.
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Step 4
Learn what to do during the verse. Play something simple and quiet in the background to help keep time. A good technique that works with most bluegrass music is to play a short, quick chord on the 2nd and 4th beat. This adds a little percussive touch that you can build on as you get better.
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Step 5
Learn what to do on the chorus. The chorus is usually similar to the verse, except that it is louder and more energetic. Keep playing those short chords, but feel free to add short, simple riffs between them.
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Step 6
Learn what to do on the verse. In a bluegrass circle, everyone usually gets a turn. The song leader will make eye contact with each musician in turn. When he looks at you, you usually have eight beats to solo for. The rest of the time, you want to play quietly in the background as if you were playing a verse.
