Members Fine_Young_Fool Posted September 5, 2008 Members Share Posted September 5, 2008 I have been WAY in to Sly and Rage Against the Machine lately. Thus, I have been interested in playing funk. How does one go about this? I know ninth chords and stuff, but they don't provide alot of... variety. What scales does one use? I would suspect pentatonic, per the blues influnce. I'm not just talking about guitar either. I may take up bass eventually, so that'd be useful too. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bdemon Posted September 6, 2008 Members Share Posted September 6, 2008 Well, shameless product plug, but I have a whole section on how to get funky in my rhythm guitar poster, seen in my avatar at the left. But generally speaking, you should have a good handle on rhythm, 16th notes in particular. For starters, you could take a ninth chord and play steady 16ths, 1-e-&-a, 2-e-&-a, etc. Then you could turn the 1-e into muted chucks, chuck-chuck-&-a. Or 1-e-chuck-chuck. Move on to all the variations from there.It will probably feel mechanical at first, but eventually you'll start to feel the groove and get comfortable going with the flow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members catscurlyear Posted September 6, 2008 Members Share Posted September 6, 2008 check out hendrix`s room full of mirrors.from 1min20 in,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8pqUJf3r_k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Music Calgary Posted September 6, 2008 Members Share Posted September 6, 2008 But generally speaking, you should have a good handle on rhythm Exactly. Funk is *all* about rhythm. Listening to lots of great funk music is the key IMO. So many schools of funk, and they all have a unique vibe. For example Memphis funk vs. Detroit Funk, i.e. Stax vs. Motown -- big differences but both funkier than hell. Listen to all the styles and embrace the rhythms, that's the way to great funk. Learning the classic funk tunes is the best way I know of to get funky. Learning rhythmic exercises and chord patterns can't hurt but don't leave out the listening, that's the key in funk. Parliament Funkadelic is a great place to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mr Songwriter Posted September 6, 2008 Members Share Posted September 6, 2008 +1 to all of the above, and if you're looking for learning materials, there's not a huge amount available for funk, but I bought a DVD called: Beyond Basics: Funk Guitar Rhythm Chops and it's pretty good, quite cheap as well too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 61gibson335 Posted September 19, 2008 Members Share Posted September 19, 2008 [YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE] Nile Rodgers is one groovy cat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 3red Posted September 19, 2008 Members Share Posted September 19, 2008 check out hendrix`s room full of mirrors.from 1min20 in,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8pqUJf3r_k izabella from war heroes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Music Calgary Posted September 20, 2008 Members Share Posted September 20, 2008 Best way to get funky quick is date a hooker. Not a young one either, one that's been around the block. Two weeks in a motel with her and you'll sound like George Duke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members heavy D Posted September 20, 2008 Members Share Posted September 20, 2008 I have been WAY in to Sly and Rage Against the Machine lately. Thus, I have been interested in playing funk. How does one go about this? I know ninth chords and stuff, but they don't provide alot of... variety. What scales does one use? I would suspect pentatonic, per the blues influnce.I'm not just talking about guitar either. I may take up bass eventually, so that'd be useful too.Thanks! It's not about chords or harmony so much. In fact I think it's best to think of yourself as a percussion instrument. When it comes to harmony just pick a note or two to add color- often a 7th, sometimes a 3rd, 9th or 6th. Often little ideas that float between a 4th and 3rd (implying a sus sound) work well. Generally if you're playing the real sh!t there are several other instruments going and you're only playing 2-3 notes as there's not space for more. Even if you're fretting 4 or 5 you're only letting 2 or 3 sound. If you're talking about other stuff like Rage or the Chili Peppers (which I'm not really into) then they're playing more full on barre chords. Sort of a rock in a funky rhythm thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jonPhillips Posted September 22, 2008 Members Share Posted September 22, 2008 Nile Rodgers is one groovy cat Very nice indeed. There's one song I'd never have thought to learn, but am now gonna add it to the list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members UnderTheGroove Posted September 23, 2008 Members Share Posted September 23, 2008 It's not about chords or harmony so much. In fact I think it's best to think of yourself as a percussion instrument. Start with this advice and expand from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members freetime Posted September 23, 2008 Members Share Posted September 23, 2008 When I want funky I'll play bluesy type riffd, play out a lot, and that timing is crucial. Must not play straight for a good funk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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