Does Slap equal Funk?

[Rayjay]

I'm probably just re-hashing, but my opinion:

-FUNK can be a genre unto itself (insert favorite list of funk players here)
-FUNK can also be a flavor you add to other styles (ex live Led Zeppelin, the band would funk up their songs in the context of rock)

Slapping, in and of itself, is a funky sounding technique. But like anything "funk," it has to be played in the pocket or it won't add any actual funk.

Forgive my unscientific generalization: sounds like you are adding a funky element to your metal band, and that's totally fine and in fact probably really cool. Don't be embarrassed of the word "funk" when describing your role in the band, as its generally among musicians meant as a term of endearment. Sure, there are plenty of embarrassing funk songs and acts out there, same goes for metal but we're all cool with that word. Bassists: embrace the funk!

 

[Eric Swaim]

Jaco Pastorius was one "Funky" bassist and he never slapped the bass. It's like the question, "what's the difference between a violin and a fiddle"?..... very little (the bridge mainly), it's how it's played.

 

[bass12]

The funkiest bassist on the planet doesn't slap.

She most certainly does :

 

[Nev375]

If you are trying to make a math equation out of it you're doing it wrong.

Just lay down the boogie and play that funky music til you die.

 

[ahc]

And now ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Wonders of funk with no bass at all...

 

[cnltb]

Does Slap equal Funk?
No.

 

[vdbass]

16ths laid down with the hi-hat, guitar, tambourine or all the above PLUS the kick and bass hitting on the one (plus everyone else) Go do what you gotta do during the other 3-7 beats, but make sure let's meet back up on that big ONE!

That's FONK!

 

[Thumper19605]

Rocco is funky. He doesn't slap, doesn't solo, but he lays down the groove and it works.

Agreed, Rocco is the man, James Jamerson, Bobby Vega.
Slap has a place but has gotten old for me.

 

[Alex J]

Funk = Funk. That is to say, it's a style. Does using a pick = rock? Of course not.

Use any technique you want. How you get there doesn't matter. If the whole band are working a groove, and people are dancing, it's cool!

 

[vdbass]

Exactly! There is also a big difference between funky and FUNK. Every song listed here on this thread is funky but not funk....[/QUOTE

Agree!
Frankie Valli has a knack for coming up with some pretty funky riffs (bridge on "Grease" for example), but he is no Dr Funkenstein.

 

[gommer]

So many times I’ve heard that to add some Funk to song you have to slap.

Slap who?

 

[PJ Muzikmansky]

Fast staccato notes equals funk, not necessary slapped

Not quite: playing on the ONE equals funk... just ask the man himself .

 

[PJ Muzikmansky]

Yaooooo!
Now THAT is funk! Funk is a FULL band element. The horns, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, keys, etc.. This is a perfect example of funk. Just like Tower of Power, James Brown, The J.B.'s and so many others, what made them funky was all of the members working together to make an infectious groove.

Thanks for the clip
FF

Absolutely... and so is this

 

[rico bass]

Slap is not funk most guys use it in an unmusical way to impress , usually making the music suffer , control yourself nobodys impressed.

 

[Alex J]

Slap is not funk most guys use it in an unmusical way to impress , usually making the music suffer , control yourself nobodys impressed.

Sorry, but that's just not true. Define 'most'? People at Guitar Center? People on Youtube? Watch any decent band with a bassist worth their salt and I bet if they slap, it'll be killin' and the crowd will love it.

 

[Ric5]

slap is a technique

funk is a feel

 

[10cc]

Jaco Pastorius was one "Funky" bassist and he never slapped the bass. It's like the question, "what's the difference between a violin and a fiddle"?..... very little (the bridge mainly), it's how it's played.

You can spill beer on a fiddle.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

I've said this before in another topic- Bootsy is the funkiest man on the planet and he doesn't slap at all.

 

[Alex J]

I've said this before in another topic- Bootsy is the funkiest man on the planet and he doesn't slap at all.

Yeah he does. Quite a lot:

 

[Helix]

Exactly