Learning funky bass

[phektus]

Hello, I've been playing bass for half a year now. I would wish to learn how to make funky grooves and even improvise on some . What would you recommend as good songs to start with?

I can read tab good but I would like to develop my ears by listening to tracks. I know there are already posts here on the technique side of things (slap etc.), though additional info on that would also help.

I would just like to be more familiar with what funk really is, as I seem to like the sound very much. Right now, all I've heard was early Flea bass lines and that of Bootsy Collins.

I'm really a beginner at bass, but I am already regularly playing with live audience though nothing too special or big. I get my practice routine everyday (thanks to TalkBass community), but I would like to narrow down my playing style to a genre, and funk is the one I like. My inspiration was Flea playing in an old MTV show (with host River Phoenix) and he talks about funk, and his spontaneous way of playing. I'd like to feel that too but he spoke of learning nothing about theory etc., which I didn't actually follow because my ears are not that good (yet) and I have to rely on some math to make the tunes.

 

[JimK]

,,,but I would like to narrow down my playing style to a genre, and funk is the one I like.

Is that a good idea?
FME, being (at least somewhat) versed in many styles is the way to go. IMO, this will aid in playing with others throughout your life.

My inspiration was Flea playing in an old MTV show (with host River Phoenix) and he talks about funk, and his spontaneous way of playing. I'd like to feel that too but he spoke of learning nothing about theory etc., which I didn't actually follow because my ears are not that good (yet) and I have to rely on some math to make the tunes.

The 'math' is the theory-part...right?

Anyway, a good exercise for 1/16th note finger Funk-
For now, MUTE the strings with your fretting hand(would not hurt to have your fretting hand fingers at 1-per-fret for this).
Use the "E"-string & alternate your plucking fingers(Index & Middle)...KNOW where the Downbeat is for each beat-
l1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&al

So, that's-
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle

The reverse it...Middle-Index-Middle-Index, etc.

You can think about accenting certain 'plucks'-
l1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&al

Eventually, start adding actual pitches/notes & RESTS...while keeping some muted plucks.
l1e&- -e&- 3-&a -e-al
lEEG- -AA- B-BD -D-El

You will need some coordination going between both hands, yer brain & ears.
Good luck.

 

[phektus]

Is that a good idea?
FME, being (at least somewhat) versed in many styles is the way to go. IMO, this will aid in playing with others throughout your life.

Point taken. I guess I just need somewhere to start where I can enjoy.

The 'math' is the theory-part...right?

Yep. Reading here in TB and around the Internet. Still on the beginning lessons.

Anyway, a good exercise for 1/16th note finger Funk-
For now, MUTE the strings with your fretting hand(would not hurt to have your fretting hand fingers at 1-per-fret for this).
Use the "E"-string & alternate your plucking fingers(Index & Middle)...KNOW where the Downbeat is for each beat-
l1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&al

So, that's-
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle
Index-Middle-Index-Middle

The reverse it...Middle-Index-Middle-Index, etc.

You can think about accenting certain 'plucks'-
l1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&al

Eventually, start adding actual pitches/notes & RESTS...while keeping some muted plucks.
l1e&- -e&- 3-&a -e-al
lEEG- -AA- B-BD -D-El

You will need some coordination going between both hands, yer brain & ears.
Good luck.

I'll be putting this into my everyday practice routine. Thanks a million!

 

[funkybassplayer]

I think that one of the best things you could do to learn how to play funk is to research what funk is. You mentioned that all you have heard is early Flea and Bootsy. Both men are great bassists but there is a lot for than them. There's a veritable treasure trove of funk out in the world today. Tower of Power, Wild Cherry, Earth Wind and Fire, Average White Band, Doobie Brothers, 311, James Brown, Rick James, Chicago, Parliment, Funkadelic, Janes Addiction, Larry Graham, The Meters, Sly and The Family Stone, and the list goes on and on (and on, and on).

The more i listened to funk and different kinds of funky music i was able to gain a idea of what made all of these men and thier bass lines "funky". IMHO and IME funky things make me want to move (groove, dance, smile). When i am trying to write a funky line i usually ask myself "what is gonna make me move to the music?" Wheter it is the syncopation, or a fill, or a break i do what i can to find what will make the others groove too. I have found that funk makes people happy. This is all just my opinion. Hpe i could help.

 

[hunta]

Also if you want to check out some more modern "funk", look at Addison Groove Project, Screaming Headless Torsos, Schleigho, Oshe, Yolk (Jim Lomanoco was/is a beast). You can find a lot of this stuff for free (and legal) on archive.org's live music archive. Today's funky music may not fall strictly into the "funk" genre as defined by all the well-known 70's + 80's funk groups, but if all you listen to is the old school stuff you're going to sound very dated. The best approach is a mix of old and new styles to create your own funky sound.

I highly recommend checking out all those bands, and as for old school stuff lots of good groups have been listed, but I'll give an extra thumbs up to Tower of Power (Rocco Prestia grooves hard even if the band is pretty cheezy at times), Jaco (particularly Teen Town, Birdland, and Palladium), Funkadelic (everything they ever made), Rick James (Give it to me Baby!), James Brown (pretty much everything), Curtis Mayfield (Superfly, Pusherman)...

As for "limiting yourself" by focusing on funk, kinda. Just keep your ears open to different styles, borrow from what you like, and incorporate it into your sound. I mix things I learned playing hardcore and classical into my funk sound.

Good luck, keep it funky!

 

[T. B. Player]

I think that one of the best things you could do to learn how to play funk is to research what funk is. You mentioned that all you have heard is early Flea and Bootsy. Both men are great bassists but there is a lot for than them. There's a veritable treasure trove of funk out in the world today. Tower of Power, Wild Cherry, Earth Wind and Fire, Average White Band, Doobie Brothers, 311, James Brown, Rick James, Chicago, Parliment, Funkadelic, Janes Addiction, Larry Graham, The Meters, Sly and The Family Stone, and the list goes on and on (and on, and on).

The more i listened to funk and different kinds of funky music i was able to gain a idea of what made all of these men and thier bass lines "funky". IMHO and IME funky things make me want to move (groove, dance, smile). When i am trying to write a funky line i usually ask myself "what is gonna make me move to the music?" Wheter it is the syncopation, or a fill, or a break i do what i can to find what will make the others groove too. I have found that funk makes people happy. This is all just my opinion. Hpe i could help.

I've always liked these discussions - so here's my 2 cents worth. These artists provide great exemplars of "groove" - and "funk" just happens to be one of those "grooves." When someone's in a "funk," they're kind of depressed, which is an interesting juxtaposition with the comment that it "makes people happy." Having the "blues" evolved into a musical style just the same way that being in a "funk" has done likewise.

I had the good fortune of playing in country band (wait...let me finish) which finished all its gigs with "Play That Funky Music" (but they changed the lyrics to "Play That Country Music Cowboy" - which was very creative) - and kept the funk groove. One gig, we had a fill in drummer...the original drummer from Wild Cherry that made Play That Funky Music famous (proof that "all you need is one."). When we got to the last song of the gig, the tempo he set for it was the original tempo of the tune - much slower than we were used to playing for a gig ender. It went from being a very "lively" piece to something incredibly sensual - the best way to describe it would be the scene in the move "Drumline" where Nick Cannon is trying to describe the proper way to "bang the bass drum." That was the groove that was conveyed through the music. To me, that was the essence of "funk" - a little slower, a little more emotional, a little more enjoyable rather then "energetic."

Of course, you can combine grooves to create styles like "funk rock," and "jazz funk" (which would be akin to Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon").

Z

 

[JimK]

I had the good fortune of playing in country band (wait...let me finish) which finished all its gigs with "Play That Funky Music" (but they changed the lyrics to "Play That Country Music Cowboy" - which was very creative) - and kept the funk groove.

One the bands I'm in is a New Country parody band...we used to OPEN with "Play That Funky Music" (changed to "Play That Country Music, White Boy").
Here's the part that killed people-
The chorus was done in a hokey Country Root-Five feel.

...then there's the jazzy band I'm in that grew weary of the requests for "SKYNYRD!!!!" after each tune.
So we played them "Sweet Home Alabama" with a Disco-fied chorus.
Glad they had a sense of humour about that.

 

[phektus]

There's a veritable treasure trove of funk out in the world today. Tower of Power, Wild Cherry, Earth Wind and Fire, Average White Band, Doobie Brothers, 311, James Brown, Rick James, Chicago, Parliment, Funkadelic, Janes Addiction, Larry Graham, The Meters, Sly and The Family Stone, and the list goes on and on (and on, and on).

Great! This maybe a long list, but I think I have time to listen to their music, even just the most popular or generally recognized 'funky' ones. I'd have to agree with you, to better appreciate a music style one needs some immersion. Thanks for this starting list.

The more i listened to funk and different kinds of funky music i was able to gain a idea of what made all of these men and thier bass lines "funky". IMHO and IME funky things make me want to move (groove, dance, smile). When i am trying to write a funky line i usually ask myself "what is gonna make me move to the music?" Wheter it is the syncopation, or a fill, or a break i do what i can to find what will make the others groove too.

I could also feel that when listening to some known songs. It almost makes you feel you want to dance, but not that much. I could also feel I want to bang my head, but not that much. I simply feel like doing what Mumble did in Happy feet. I think it's funky

I have found that funk makes people happy. This is all just my opinion. Hpe i could help.

It has same effect on me too. Thanks for sharing some philosophy.

 

[funkybassplayer]

Glad i was able to help.

So what did this Muble do insaid movie? THe electric slide? Now THAT is funky

 

[phektus]

Also if you want to check out some more modern "funk", look at Addison Groove Project, Screaming Headless Torsos, Schleigho, Oshe, Yolk (Jim Lomanoco was/is a beast). You can find a lot of this stuff for free (and legal) on archive.org's live music archive. Today's funky music may not fall strictly into the "funk" genre as defined by all the well-known 70's + 80's funk groups, but if all you listen to is the old school stuff you're going to sound very dated. The best approach is a mix of old and new styles to create your own funky sound.

Thanks for sharing that site, so these are new bands who are into funk. I can see what you mean when you say that I must not sound 'too dated'. I could very well use some new ideas.

As for "limiting yourself" by focusing on funk, kinda. Just keep your ears open to different styles, borrow from what you like, and incorporate it into your sound. I mix things I learned playing hardcore and classical into my funk sound.

Yeah I also play other music, I like listening to other styles too. It's just funk makes me feel very good! I know, too much focus can be very limiting, though I'm always open to other ideas, so I'll keep that in mind.

Good luck, keep it funky!

I will! thanks!

 

[phektus]

When someone's in a "funk," they're kind of depressed, which is an interesting juxtaposition with the comment that it "makes people happy." Having the "blues" evolved into a musical style just the same way that being in a "funk" has done likewise.

That's an interesting view. I also see funk as a state of feeling that is quite low yet can help you make that very subtle monalist smile. I also listen to blues btw

When we got to the last song of the gig, the tempo he set for it was the original tempo of the tune - much slower than we were used to playing for a gig ender. It went from being a very "lively" piece to something incredibly sensual - the best way to describe it would be the scene in the move "Drumline" where Nick Cannon is trying to describe the proper way to "bang the bass drum." That was the groove that was conveyed through the music. To me, that was the essence of "funk" - a little slower, a little more emotional, a little more enjoyable rather then "energetic."

I really liked the term you used to describe the speed - "incredibly sensual". I feel that transcends tempo as it is, but it really is not too energetic as you said. Much like in the middle, if there's such a thing. [/QUOTE]

Of course, you can combine grooves to create styles like "funk rock," and "jazz funk" (which would be akin to Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon").

Yeah in my area I seldom hear of funk bands, even ones for covers. I can see that it will help if I can also 'adjust' to the other styles whilst retaining the funk.

 

[chicagodoubler]

Learn old tunes from the generation that inspired today's funk.

Graham Central Station, Brother Johnson, Earth Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, Pleasure, etc...

Even better

Get lessons from the baddest funk player you can find. Esp with slapping, there's alot you just can't figure out on your own without wasting ALOT of time with guesswork.