How can I "Funk UP" Chameleon

[Joaquin]

What are some good riffs to add to Chameleon.....I got to Funk it up!!!!!!

[SturmUndDrang]

Listen to the original version, it's pretty funky. Otherwise understand the chords and scales that are relevant to the song, add some syncopation, preferably with a good amount of sixteenth notes and try slapping a little. Good luck!

[obimark]

That depends are you playing the actual "bass" part (which is a real high bending part that repeats) or are you covering the "keyboard" bass part (ie the famous walking one)? Watch a live video and you will see exactly what I am talking about. What most people think is the bass part to this song is not, it is Herbie Hancock playing on keys. The part the bassist plays is cool in its own way because it is a real high "lead" type part, except for the end of the song when it changes... IME, either recorded part is pretty funky already, but guess you could pop a couple notes here and there...

[Vince Waldon]

For "funk" inspiration, Maynard Ferguson does a pretty good cover:

http://youtu.be/9SYDO3YE2AI

[halfjackson]

Check out the version on the live album, Flood. Plenty of tasty licks in there.

[Clark Dark]

Originally Posted by obimark

That depends are you playing the actual "bass" part (which is a real high bending part that repeats) or are you covering the "keyboard" bass part (ie the famous walking one)? Watch a live video and you will see exactly what I am talking about. What most people think is the bass part to this song is not, it is Herbie Hancock playing on keys. The part the bassist plays is cool in its own way because it is a real high "lead" type part, except for the end of the song when it changes... IME, either recorded part is pretty funky already, but guess you could pop a couple notes here and there...

you are correct !!! so many people I know are unaware of that little fact. but playing around and changing up that high part is the route I take.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by Joaquin

What are some good riffs to add to Chameleon.....I got to Funk it up!!!!!!

...have you considered "Wiggle Waggle"?
The 'bass figure' is not as iconic as "Chameleon"...more room to take liberties perhaps?
Last time I played "Chameleon" was in a bass-drums-guitar-sax 4-tet. I was "stuck" with the synth bass part...I was supposed to take a "funky"/groove-related "solo" over the verse pattern, though. I don't solo...so that's all that was gonna come out of me anyway.

If you're thinking along those lines-
Keep the original groove going in your head while trying to play a 'funky' drum rhythm with your bass...don't blow your wad in the 1st 2-4 bars. Low strings can = the kick, higher strings can = the snare, etc.

FWIW, it's been eons, but I recall liking Maynard Ferguson's version, too. His "Spinning Wheel" version (in 3?) is also cool, IIRC.

[zfunkman]

As mentioned earlier. Learn the real bass part. Also learn the bass part to the middle section; its way funky; the work with Jackson and Johnson is incredible.

[two fingers]

The funk is in the spaces. The best way to UN-funk something is to put a big fat bass lick where a space should be. With funk music, less really is more in most cases. It's the parts all stacked on top of each other but somehow there are still little tiny moments of space in between. If you start feeling the whole song, rather than just what you are playing, you will get it. Take a solo sometime during the song if you just have to let out your really cool riffs. Other than that, don't fix what ain't broke.

[obimark]

you could use the "loop station" play the main synth bass part one time, then let it loop and start playing the "real" bass part over it, might be kind of cool if you didn't have the keyboard bass... Just a thought.

[mbeall]

Play the B section for a change if you want to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd.

[jcorneli]

Lady can get you an illustration of what you want to do, with the synth line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Lszt2HPK8