7. Know Your Jams: Type I vs. Type II

Phish phans often talk in a language that is seemingly all their own. Whether it is rattling off details on 20-song setlists, dates of shows from many years ago, specifics on amazing versions of songs, or intricate plans for the upcoming summer tour, there is a lot of unique jargon thrown around. For anyone new to the Phish game, it is a lot to process. To fully understand the nuances of Phish, it is important to understand the differences between the jam styles—Type I and Type II.

These overly simplistic yet highly accepted terms within the Phish fan base were coined by a fan named John Flynn in 1997 on the original home for online Phish discussions (rec.music.phish). Through countless online discussions among fans, or via in-person spirited debates, these two designations have become commonplace in the Phish fan lexicon. The growth and acceptance of these terms serve as a linguistic case study in the evolution of a subculture’s use of unique language.

Type I jamming can most easily be summed up as a classic rock-and-roll jam. The overall musical structure of a song remains in some distinguishable form as the improvisational jam takes shape. “Type I” Phish jams contain focused solos that often reach screaming tension-and-release peaks. Tension-and-release jams are a Phish specialty, and take place when the band and the audience are moving through a song together toward an inevitable musical climax. They make keeping your breath when dancing an accomplishment in itself. They tend to be found at every single show, and usually quite often. Throw on a classic “Antelope,” “Slave to the Traffic Light,” or “Maze” to feel the power of a “Type I” jam.

“Superstar Trey shining bright like a diamond.” (AP Images)

Type II jamming is quite different, and much more rare. For some fans, an extended Type II jam is the white whale they seek out at every show. Type II jamming is when Phish launches into a familiar jam (often starting as Type I), yet during the course of the jam, any resemblance to the original song melts away. What is left in its musical wake is improvisation that often, but not always, pushes the boundaries of the widely-used 20-minute barometer. “Tweezers,” “Lights,” and “Ghosts” often have the deconstructive power to reach “Type II” status.

These jams are never isolated on an island. Jams will often touch upon each of the styles as they develop, and often fans will be in disagreement as to when Type II status is even achieved. Still these terms are widely used within the fan base and are useful terms for any Phish jam discussions.