Funk Studies.

Mike M. · #1 07-19-2010, 12:11 AM

Any suggestions for some great, in depth instruction book/CD packs or DVD's on fingerstyle and slap funk? There is SO much stuff out there, thought I'd ask here first to see what's recommended.

DVD's are great to watch and learn from, while CD's are great to jam along with if they have good backing tracks.

Thanks for your time.

trayner1 · #2 07-19-2010, 12:27 AM

Get the Francis Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power) VHS, if you can find it...

MisterV619 · #3 07-19-2010, 12:28 AM

If you are looking for basslines similar in sound to late 70's early 80's old school funk, the books by Anthony Vitti are really good. No tab though, but cds are included.
http://www.anthonyvitti.com/home.html
Although a lot of folks recommend the Tony Oppenheim book for slap technique, the Vitti books have more recognizable licks that I've heard used in quite a few of the songs in the Funk 101 thread. Get the Oppenheim book for slap technique exercises, the Vitti book for licks. Vitti's fingerstyle book is good too.

Eminentbass · #4 07-19-2010, 12:30 AM

I used to have Rocco Prestia's instructional video back in the days of VHS. It demonstrates his funky fingerstyle 16th picking and ghosting quite well. It's not a theoretically comprehensive video but worth the watch for stylistic nuances.

**colcifer** · #5 07-19-2010, 12:38 AM

Modern Electric Bass. No slapping but it's the best on finger style.

Mike M. · #6 07-19-2010, 02:56 AM

Thanks, gang. This is good for starters!

Zitch · #7 07-19-2010, 03:00 AM

You just missed the start of Bootsie Collins Funk University, started July 1st. Price was reasonable too, Around $350 if I remember right.

fivaras · #8 07-19-2010, 03:28 AM

I recommend Slap it! by D Oppenheim. So many good phrases in this book and its really demanding...

bassdog · #9 07-19-2010, 06:35 PM

http://www.anthonyvitti.com/home.html

Anybody notice the typo in this guy's name on his website?

sonofabass · #10 07-27-2010, 11:38 AM

I would stay very very very far away from Bootsy's Funk University!!!!

PauBass · #11 07-27-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonofabass

I would stay very very very far away from Bootsy's Funk University!!!!

Can I ask why?

Electric_Spank · #12 07-29-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PauBass

Can I ask why?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHE6hZU72A4

Is this worth $350 to you?

bassdog · #13 07-31-2010, 05:59 AM

Don't know what the Univ. is teaching for $350 but that little clip is a gem. So simple but effective. Good little excercise is to play that idea for about 5 minutes with a metronome or drum machine and really focus on good time. Don't rush or drag licks. Change chords for a bridge and there ya go. Good groove for a jam.

lynnt · #14 08-01-2010, 12:01 PM

Just was breezing through tb, and felt i needed to register based on this thread.

Bootsy's Funk U. is the place you want to be. It has CHANGED my playing already and its giving access to so much i can't even keep up.

clearly this sonofabass guy isn't on this thing cuz i'm looking at more than 80 videos in the first month that have me trying to keep up.

if you want to learn the funk, and i did want to learn the funk that's why i signed up, this is the place. NO DOUBT!!! Best 35.00 you can spend for funk.