Vulfpeck and Funk Technique

[zacharybass76]

I've recently been really digging some Vulfpeck, and Joe Dart's playing is tremendous. I am more of a rock/metal/country style player, but I am interested in expanding out and learning some finger-style funk method. Any books out there that are recommended for an advanced player just wanting to learn some funk technique? Thanks in advance.

 

[Aeroflot]

Scott's Bass Lessons are likely the best thing to explore. For an advanced player, the best thing to do is transcribe stuff that you like.

 

[zacharybass76]

Scott's Bass Lessons are likely the best thing to explore. For an advanced player, the best thing to do is transcribe stuff that you like.

I can do that, no problem, but I am wanting to incorporate funk technique in my writing style, and I could use some direction.

 

[eJake]

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I think this will help. Not many words but a whole boat load of funk.

 

[Panda73]

 

[Pumpkin]

One thing Joe does frequently is to use chromatic accidentals (Minors 6th, Accidental, Minor 7) to create little funky runs. Definitely something you shouldn't over use, but it's a solid place to start. Another thing to be aware of is the use of the roots and octaves to mimic kick/snare and create funky rhythms.

There's a lot more than that and Joe is a beast in terms of his mobility around the neck and using all notes available to him, but those should be enough to get you started.

 

[Kevin Lynch]

I've been playing funk style bass for 20 plus years now and have found that there are tons of great resources out there, especially on YouTube. Along with the aforementioned Scotts Bass Lessons, there's also Andy Irvine, Cody Wright, & Nik West all of whom have YouTube channels and all here have a different approach to playing funk style bass. Bobby Vega is another great resource, although I'm not sure if he has his own channel or not.

 

[Kevin Lynch]

That's the first I've ever heard of those guys and they're great! Love that bass players groove!

 

[Ing]

Learning by immersion is a great way to become familiar with a particular genre of music and understand the different nuances associated with that genre. Pick out songs which make a strong impression on you (Dean Town, It Gets Funkier, Beastly) and learn them note for note.

Also, Paul Jackson is a phenomenal bass player. I like to throw this video on sometimes and just listen and try to really dissect what Paul is doing because within the different styles which Paul masterfully showcase you can hear much of what Jaco did and what Joe Dart does presently.



Good luck and don't forget to spend hours in the shed!

 

[Jacob Fischer]

Cant help you with a book, but I've got some great online resources for you.

Joe's style HEAVILY influenced by James Jamerson. Jack Stratton of Vulfpeck has visualized and isolated some Jamerson lines on youtube. Especially useful if you're helped by a visual.

For Once in My Life:



Collectively, Vulfpeck has a massive ear. They've listened to and analyze tons of funk music. Jack Stratton has playlists on Spotify that I'd recommend checking out.

This playlist features a bunch of stripped mixes. Easier to identify what's going on with the bass:

 

[Pbassmanca]

Joe Dart is a great player, and Vulf is a great band, but IMHO, he tends to overplay quite a bit live. Don't have a book to recommend but, for tasty in the pocket funk grooves, I recommend making a detailed study of George Porter Jr.

 

[Geri O]

Some folks may consider Rocco Prestia pretty outside on the funk scale, but he's definitely worth listening to for some great finger style funk bass lines,