16th note funk right hand technique

[jpgetty2win]

Hi guys
Want to improve my 16th note funk playing (Bernard Edwards type funk). Wondered if you guys concentrate on your right hand technique by making sure you only use your index finger on the down beat and your middle finger on the offbeat…???

like this:
(all 16th notes)
-|-6-----
-|-------
4|4-4----
-|-------
M IMI

I=index finger
M=middle finger


or do you just play the finger thats available and not worry about what finger is playing on which beat..?

thanks guys

[John Wentzien]

I usually (not always) keep the rhythm straight 16ths alternating index and middle fingers--"ghosting" any note I don't want to sound in the pattern.

[JustinCase]

There is a pattern for disco that goes one dotted eight note and two sixteenth notes, like in ELO "Last Train to London" chorus. For that one I use my index for the dotted eight and my index and ring finger for the sixteenths.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by JustinCase

There is a pattern for disco that goes one dotted eight note and two sixteenth notes, like in ELO "Last Train to London" chorus. For that one I use my index for the dotted eight and my index and ring finger for the sixteenths.

Not a dotted eighth but a (plain) eighth note followed by two sixteenths. You can see how I play that pattern here.

[John Wentzien]

+1
That's the way I do it for that pattern also.

[John Wentzien]

Its a good workout to get used to starting patterns with either finger.

[John Wentzien]

Here's a good example of fingerstyle funk br Rocco Prestia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6x--c9SZak

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Here's a good example of fingerstyle funk br Rocco Prestia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6x--c9SZak

And here you'll find the transcription for that bassline, just in case you are interested.

[Mark Wilson]

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

And here you'll find the transcription for that bassline, just in case you are interested.

Just curious Alvaro, how long did it take you approx to do that transcription?

[lfh]

I use strict alternation (also for the aforementioned disco pattern), i.e. no raking and repeated patterns containing an odd number of notes start every second time with "I" and "M" respectively.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Just curious Alvaro, how long did it take you approx to do that transcription?

I can't remember precisely right now but I think around half an hour, Mark.

[jpgetty2win]

thanks for the input guys.
the reason i ask is cos ive been readnig some of chics bass parts sheet music and placed an I and M under the on and offbeat notes and followed them.. when i follow them it all seems to fit togetehr nicely and ive always got enough time to move about and get to the right notes etc... so im thinking.. should i bust my b*lls making sure i do this now with every piece i play? working out where the notes fall and making sure i use the correct fingers...??

what ya think?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by jpgetty2win

thanks for the input guys.
the reason i ask is cos ive been readnig some of chics bass parts sheet music and placed an I and M under the on and offbeat notes and followed them.. when i follow them it all seems to fit togetehr nicely and ive always got enough time to move about and get to the right notes etc... so im thinking.. should i bust my b*lls making sure i do this now with every piece i play? working out where the notes fall and making sure i use the correct fingers...??

what ya think?

I think you should until you're able to figure it out naturally. It won't take long.