3. Get Down and Dirty: The Essential Funk Guitar Licks You Gotta Master:

Posted on by funky

Welcome, groove seekers, to your ultimate funk guitar training ground! We’re about to go deeper than just “Please, Please, Please” and “Purple Haze” (though those are essential classics, of course). Strap on your six-string, grab your picks, and get ready to unleash the inner James Brown within.

1. Funkify Your Rhythm:

It’s all about that groove, baby! Mastering funk rhythm guitar requires more than just strumming chords. Here’s your funk rhythm crash course:

  • Ghost Notes: Let your fingers lightly touch the strings to create muted percussive accents, adding syncopation and spice to your grooves. Practice on funky chords like E9 and add them to your riffs.
  • The Skank: This signature rhythm pattern involves alternating downstrokes on the lower strings with muted strums on the higher strings. Think of it as the backbone of James Brown’s infectious grooves.
  • Palm Muting: Rest your picking hand’s palm lightly on the bridge to dampen string resonance and create a punchier, staccato sound. It’s all about that funky attack!

2. Funky Chords and Scales:

Beyond basic major and minor, funk has its own harmonic language. Dive into these essentials:

  • Dominant 7th Chords (and Extensions): Think E7, A7, D7, your gateway to funky progressions. Learn to add extensions like 9ths and 13ths for added depth and flavor.
  • The Pentatonic Scale: Your blues and funk best friend! Learn to navigate the minor pentatonic and its various positions on the neck to create soulful leads and improvisations.
  • Chromaticism: Add a jazzy twist to your playing by incorporating chromatic passing tones and bends. Think Prince’s “Purple Rain” solo for inspiration.

3. Iconic Licks and Beyond:

Now, let’s get specific and dissect some legendary funk licks:

  • James Brown’s “Cold Sweat”: Master the syncopated rhythm and those tasty double stops for the full JB experience.
  • The Meters’ “Cissy Strut”: Learn the infectious skank pattern and how to build tension with those choppy chords.
  • Chuck Brown’s “Goin’ to Jackson”: Get your swing on with this bluesy shuffle groove and learn how to make your guitar sing.

But wait, there’s more! Here are some bonus tips to supercharge your funk journey:

  • Listen to the Masters: From Hendrix to Prince, Bootsy Collins to Nile Rodgers, immerse yourself in the diverse world of funk guitar heroes.
  • Find Your Groove: Funk is personal! Experiment with different styles, explore funk subgenres, and discover what makes your fingers dance.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Get Crazy: Funk thrives on experimentation. Bend strings, try out unusual chords, and let your creative juices flow.

Remember, funk is more than just notes on a page. It’s an attitude, a feeling, a way of life. So don’t just practice, play with passion, groove with soul, and let the funk flow through you!

This is just the beginning of your funky guitar odyssey. Go forth, practice with passion, and share your grooves with the world! And hey, don’t forget to come back for more advanced lessons on wah-wah pedals, funky soloing techniques, and even exploring the electrifying world of funk rhythm guitar effects.