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What Do I Want to Learn to Get Funky?

#63
wes stephenson said:
From Wikipedia:
"The song's distinctive bass line is often attributed to Bootsy Collins and was originally written for him. However, the line was actually performed by Bernie Worrell on three connected Minimoog synthesizers.[3] Collins still contributed to the track by handling drum duties. Lead vocals were by bandleader George Clinton, while Bootsy's older brother Catfish Collins played rhythm guitar. "Flash Light" continued the "Fake the Funk/Your nose will grow/Sir Nose D'Voidoffunk" concept that began with Bootsy's Rubber Band's "The Pinocchio Theory". The success of "Flash Light" would greatly influence not only funk music, but also new wave and hip-hop."
Could totally be wrong but even when Bernie does all those embellishments the tone never changes.
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Touché! :thumbsup: Interesting, I never heard that before. If it's Bernie, he kills it on that song, but I'm sure Bootsy would've killed it as well!
 
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#68
Funk bass is all about feel. Syncopation is the goal. Some great examples posted above but for someone getting their feet wet in da fonk, the best would be to find a drummer that plays that style and get in them groove pockets. It's great to play along to the funk greats and there is some learning with that, but IMO a real drummer/band is what will learn you the fonk.
 
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#69
Bassic Playing said:
Hey all,

I mostly play metal on bass, generally of the stoner variety, but I'm keen at the moment to play some stuff on the side that's just a bit of fun. The kind of stuff people can dance to, funky dancy discoey stuff. Problem is, I don't really listen to stuff like that, apart from perhaps early RHCP, which I like very much. What songs/artists can I learn to help me get my groove on? Jamiroqui? Other stuff? I listen to metal, jazz, and southern soul kind of stuff, so I am a pretty naive about this area of bass playing. Any help appreciated.
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I'm in the same boat as you. I take lessons from a very funky pro bass player, and I'm going to learn it via his curriculum. In general terms, funky bass lines teach you that "less is more", which is the polar opposite of metal. Fewer notes, more relaxed feel, more danceable music.
 
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#70
bdplaid said:
Actually I think he's right on - Play on the one and then play what you feel. Meaning, if you don't feel the funk, you'll never have the funk.

May the Funk be with you.
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You know, I tried to think of some good funk tunes that aren't on the one, and I couldn't think of any :D
 
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#72
First and foremost it's about listening to a lot of funky music. And it doesn't have to be straight up funk. There was plenty of 80s pop, for example, that had a funky feel to it. Don't just focus on the bass but also on the drums, guitar, percs, etc. Some people here have suggested you check out Chic for Bernard Edwards but Chic is equally useful to you for Nile Rodgers' guitar work and Tony Thompson's "I'm not getting in anyone's way, I'm just laying it down hard" approach. Check out the drums and percs on these tracks:





 
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#78
I'm not really even a bassist, but I was a long-time paid set of "ears," and must say: the end of "Don't Leave Me This Way" will absolutely blow your mind. Seriously. That is the shiznit.

Now we can argue about whether it was Henry Davis, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye .... LOL.

Just start letting your mind implode around the 3:55 mark ....
 
#79
I'm also going to make one additional suggestion: volume. I have hearing loss from my former work, and was a participant in the great "volume wars" of the 90's, and am usually about the last person to suggest turning up.

But great funk bass is about timing and feel, and if you can get it pushing through your entire body, you will be getting closer and closer to godhead.

Carry on.
 

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