funky bass

[basikmuzik]

i can do funky basslines but usually they are too busy. how should i simplify them? should i omit notes other than the 3rd and the 5th? are there any basic unsaid guidelines that would usually make a bass line funky as long as you sorta adhere to them?? in dior need of funky tips. anything greatly appreciated

 

[Wrong Robot]

Don't worry about the notes, just worry about the feel. For me at least, funk is ALL about feeling, and grooving with the music, in fact, I find playing "wrong" notes off time can be funky as all hell, if it's done with passion ya know?

hell if you're REALLY funky you can get away playing no notes

 

[wulf]

Originally posted by basikmuzik
i can do funky basslines but usually they are too busy. how should i simplify them?

If they're too busy, simply play less

Actually, a better way to go is to learn some basslines that you regard as 'funky', trying to 'get inside the head' of the artists playing them. As you do that, you'll start to get ideas for improving your own vocabulary.

Wulf

 

[JimK]

Originally posted by basikmuzik
i can do funky basslines but usually they are too busy. how should i simplify them?

Sounds like you're playing for a 1/16th note feel.
I agree with the 'feel' advice from WR....in this case, getting a little analytical won't hurt.
So, instaed of playing a 1/16th note feel, try for an 1/8th note feel & a 1/4 note feel.

Another suggestion: Count in halftime

Try leaving a LOTTA SPACE.
Example: Try playing ONLY on the "& of 4" and the "1" of the following bar. Looks like this(ONLY play the BOLD type-
l1&2&3&4&l1&2&3&4&l1etc

Eventually, you can add little, subtle fills, like maybe-
l1&2&3&4&l1&2&3&4&l1&2e&a3&4&l1&2&3&4&l1&2&3&4&l1 etc

 

[ConU]

Learn James Brown tunes.
Note for note.

 

[BustinJustin]

Less is more!
Leave space.
I agree, funk is all feeling. Spend lots of time with your drummer, (as well all should).
James Brown... ok
Try P-Funk, note for note.
Listen to lots of funk all the time, it gets in your blood.
There are so many good examples of different funk, i.e. Tower of Power- East Bay Grease! on the other hand, any Sly Stone stuff bassist Larry Grahm (spell?)
The Brothers Johnson- anything
Red Hot Chilies - One Hot Minute (some good stuffs)
METRONOME!!! Use it all the time!
Turn your slap lines into finger lines, good practice!
Eat your greens, they get ya funky!

 

[JimK]

Originally posted by BustinJustin
Less is more!

"If 'less is more' then just think how much more more will be"-
Frasier Crane

 

[BustinJustin]

Correct!.... More or less.
Wait... huh?.