Funk vs. Groove - What's the Difference?

[WJGreer]

Here are two styles that probably bump up against each other, but the borders aren't clearly defined.

What constitutes funk music? Groove music? What makes the two different, and who are some players and bands that exemplify each?

[Juneau]

I think its about feel more than anything really. Groove can be smooth, while funk generally can not. Groove can be funky though. I think its sorta like most funk is groove, but not always the other way around.

For funk Id say The Meters, George Clinton, The Headhunters.

For Groove id say Soulive, MMW, and Particle.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

To me, the word "groove" doesn't point to an specific style or genre. IMO, it's about all those little (or maybe not so little) nuances in your playing that move your audience (like making them feel like dancing). You can play a bunch of notes in the right place, with a good tone and in tune, but if your playing is lifeless, there's no groove. I always quote this short bass lick as an excellent example on groove (Paul McCartney on bass). The notes are very easy to play, but giving them the groove that Sir Paul puts on them may be a really tough call for more than one player. James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, Bernard Edwards and Francis Rocco Prestia are other terrific "groovy" players. For examples of great groove with a minimalistic use of notes, I'd say Tony Levin and Donald "Duck" Dunn.

"Funk", instead, is about a style of music which features a solid 4/4 beat with heavy syncopations played over that. There are other key components, but for a brief description I think those two are the most important. Tower Of Power (with Rocco Prestia on bass), Rose Royce (Lequeint "Duke" Jobe), Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea) are just a few examples to check.

I think now of a phrase that summarizes my point of view on this difference: "You can groove with no funk, but you can't funk with no groove" (did anybody say that before? ).

[baba]

Funk and groove are not mutually exclusive. Not only can they co-exist, they exemplify all that is just and righteous in the world.


Groove to me is keeping the line in that feel good spot. Sitting in the music just right with ease of flow.

Funk is it's own reward.

[Flanders]

Originally Posted by baba

Funk is it's own reward.

A sig worthy statement if I've ever heard one

[P. Aaron]

Groove IMO, is the glue (or lube) holding/kicking the song along.

Funk is the style or technique that gives the music its "soul" quality.

[The Clap]

Wait, groove is a style of music now? I think Alvaro Martín Gómez A. has the right idea

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

I always quote this short bass lick as an excellent example on groove (Paul McCartney on bass).

Excellent response Alvaro. I'd like to check out that lick, but the link isn't working for me. Is it live?

[Matt Till]

Depends... do you get up... or get down?

[Juneau]

I get down, then I get back up again!

[Dan1099]

I get up, get up to get down.

[baba]

I just jump around.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by WJGreer

Excellent response Alvaro. I'd like to check out that lick, but the link isn't working for me. Is it live?

Hmm.. it should be working since I just uploaded the file and YouSendIt links work for one week. Here's a fresher one:

http://s65.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1...Q3CV0Q6S0FTF1B

Please let me know if it's OK or not.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Here's another of my favorite grooves. One of the FUNKIEST GROOVES ever to me, courtesy of Mr. Jaco Pastorius.

Link:

http://s56.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0...S0ML71W7861MLA

[GSPLBASSDC]

The way I understand it and grew up with:

"Groove is the pocket Funk rides in"

Some good funkmeisters to listen to:

Parliament/Funkadelic
Digital Underground
Lakeside
Slave
Dazz Band
ConFunkShun
Brick
Cameo
Rick James
Brides Of Funkenstein
Booty's Rubber Band
Brass Construction
D-Train
Average White Band

The list goes on and on and on..................

btw, I get up on the down stroke (some of y'all will get that )

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

"You can groove with no funk, but you can't funk with no groove".

Beat me to it!!

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

In fact, I think that the groove is the soul of bass playing (and this applies at least to any rhythm section instrument). ANY competent bassist should be an example of a great groover. Without the intention of sounding "radical", I think that a bass player may have chops and lots of other assets, but if he/she has no groove, maybe should consider switching to a different instrument. Chops are about technique. Groove is about music, which should be first and foremost.

[de la mocha]

Groove is how the song makes you move!

Funk is the style of music!

A lamborgini (sp) is the Funk

Going 135 Miles Per Hour in the lamborgini is the groove!