Funk instruction

[finfrocka]

Hey guys, looking for a good book for learning some of the finer points of funk. I've been playing for quite some time so I am past some of the basic principles such as learning how to slap. I am very proficient at slapping and don't need a book that is dedicated to teaching the method.

However what I am looking for is something that goes in depth. For example, dorian and mixolydian are commonly used for creating fills such as in the song "Funky Stuff" by kool and the gang which incoroporates dorian...


g----------6 7--------------------------------6 7
d
a
e 0-----------------33 33-----------0------------------33 33 0

I want to know why these work so well. I also want to learn what are common chord structures and how to structure very grooving lines over the changes.

In other words, I'm not in the dark, but I want to expand my knowledge much farther than the basic understanding.

Thanks guys.

[bass12]

You might want to check out the book "The Funkmasters: The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections" by Allan Slutsky and Chuck Silverman. I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for but it's a great book that you'll learn a lot from.

[finfrocka]

I have seen a lot of people mention that book. I don't listen to much james brown so I wasn't sure how much that book would apply to me personally. However I am not one to knock it if I don't try it so if more people chime in suggesting that book I'll have to give it a look. I do however enjoy sly stone and brothers johnson.

Also may sound cliche but I am a huge chili peppers fan too and if I had a choice I would start a band with a similar feel. But don't misunderstand me, I'm not an ignorant fan who thinks flea is the end all be all to funk bass playing, I just really like his grooves.

I saw a book that was funk/disco basslines and I was wondering if anyone had something to say about that book.

[Spaldo]

You'll find the I, VI, domVII from the mixolydian in a lot of funk basslines.

The dom7 usually creates tension towards the end of the bar before falling back to the I on beat one.

'....then we haul off on the one...'

BTW...you don't have to thump/slap to play funk. It's not a requirement.

[finfrocka]

Thanks for the info. I know its not required and its normally not what I do. But when searching for reviews on the funk books on amazon, a lot of people complain about the books focusing too much on slap, which wouldn't be a problem but i already own the slap bass bible and slap bass lines books.

[bass12]

Honestly, the best thing you can do for your funk playing is to listen to as much funk/funky stuff as you can get your hands on. The fundamental idea of funk was outlined by James Brown: the whole band is part of the rhythm section. Chord changes are not the main focus with a lot of the classic songs. You need to listen to more James Brown, in my opinion, because that was the jumping off point for so much of what followed (and J.B. continues to be a primary reference point). If you need suggestions for recordings there are a ton of people here who will point you in the right direction.

[finfrocka]

OK I'll bite, if I were to buy a JB album what would be the best choice?

[GeoffT]

Originally Posted by finfrocka

OK I'll bite, if I were to buy a JB album what would be the best choice?

If you have to ask....your best bet is probably a compilation to start. 20 All time Greatest Hits has some good funky stuff. JB 40 is a double disc that covers a wider range of his 50 years or so making funky music, most of the first disc might not be considered funk but it shows a good progression of where the funk came from, the second disc is the whole funk and nothing but the funk and goes a bit deeper into some of his funky stuff. His music evolved a great deal and he had many great rhythm sections, find some tunes you like and dig in deeper within that time period and rhythm section.

You mentioned that you like Flea, another band to check out that influenced him would be the Meters. More great funky stuff there too.

[wrench45us]

If you're going record shopping check the all music guide listing for George Clinton
George Clinton | AllMusic

I also have heard that Flea has acknowledged Gang of Four as an influence (punk funk)
but I've never seen any direct confirmation of that

[gmahoog]

I'd suggest getting "The Funkmasters" as suggest in post #2. There are recordings of the songs presented and the degree of difficulty ranges from easy to hard. Some great stuff in that book.

Buying albums is great and I wouldn't discourage that, but you can check out a lot of JB on youtube right away.

[Infrasonik B.]

Originally Posted by finfrocka

OK I'll bite, if I were to buy a JB album what would be the best choice?

This is a mostly instrumental CD. The best of the JB's (James Brown's backing band). Tons of nasty funk on there, highly recommended (Check out the track The Grunt).
Funky Good Time Anthology: J.B.S: Amazon.ca: Music


This is a good start, but will most likely leave you wanting more.
1970s Funk Classics: James Brown: Amazon.ca: Music


If you're willing to spend a bit more - and it's 10000% worth it - I'd get this. A 4 CD set, covering pretty much everything James Brown.
Star Time (4CD): James Brown: Amazon.ca: Music

[Groove Master]

Check this book

It will provide you professional tools and the best system to improve your groove, your time,your inner clock, your vocabulary, your language, your knowledge about theory and harmony and more.
260 grooves and more then 1,000 mp3 files to work with!

The best book out there, garanteed!

[bass12]

Originally Posted by finfrocka

OK I'll bite, if I were to buy a JB album what would be the best choice?

My recommendation would be a compilation called "In The Jungle Groove". A lot of the stuff on that album features Bootsy on bass and his brother Catfish on guitar. Other J.B. tunes to check out (tunes that aren't on that album) are:

"Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine" (Bootsy on bass)
"Don't Tell It"
"The Payback"
"Cold Sweat" (considered by many to be the first "funk" record)
"Funky President"
"Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose" (original version)

And some cuts from the J.B. stable:

"I Know You Got Soul" - Bobby Byrd
"Rock Me Again And Again And Again And Again And Again And Again" - Lyn Collins
"From The Love Side" - Hank Ballard
"The Message From The Soul Sisters" - Myra Barnes
"Doin' It To Death" - The J.B.s

[mambo4]

It is debatable that slapping is fundamental to funk.

Understanding rhythm, down to the sixteenth note level , however , is.

check out Anthony Wellington's lesson on subdivisions form Victor wooten's Groove workshop DVD.

[Crazyeelboy]

Get the instructional materials, but more importantly, listen to a lot of this stuff. Let it sink in.