More of this Feature • Part 2: funk chords • Part 3: funk rhythms • Part 4: funk riff tabs

Join the Discussion "What songs groove the most? Add your opinion to a list that includes Cut the Cake, Sissy Strut, Green Onions, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, and other funk classics" SONIC93

Related Resources • Play Like B.B. King • Learning to Love Jazz • Beginner Improvisation

From Other Guides • Be an 80s Funk Star • Car Wash MP3 • Prince Links • Mayfield Remembered

Elsewhere on the Web • Funk Shuffle Lesson • Essential Funk Albums

So, ya wanna play funk guitar? Cool! Playing funk music can be one of the most challenging, yet ultimately rewarding experiences a guitarist can have. Many rules of rock guitar just don't apply to funk music, and in order to play this music well, you'll have to un-learn some of the habits you've picked up over the years. This lesson should help provide you with the basic requirements needed to get your start playing funk guitar.

Here are a few concepts to keep in mind before we begin:

Basic Technique

The technical key to playing funk guitar is contained within your fretting hand. Although most of the chords and riffs you'll play will be rather simple, you need to learn to deaden strings with your fretting hand, to create a more rhythmic sound. Rarely in funk music is a guitar chord allowed to ring, as it is in pop/rock music. Rather, the note or chord is struck, then almost immediately deadened, via releasing the pressure on the string(s) with the fretting hand. Practice this technique with various chords.
Of course, as always, the picking hand is also very important. Strings should be played firmly, with great attention to rhythmic detail.

Ego Check

The role of the guitarist in funk music is quite different from his/her role in pop music. The funk guitarist's function within the band is mainly rhythmic, and will therefore tend to have a lower profile then he/she may be used to. Often, a funk guitarist will repeat one simple rhythmic figure for five minutes at a time, without variation. Guitarists looking for the spotlight on stage often don't make great funk musicians. Great discipline is necessary.

Give the Drummer Some

Your role as a funk guitarist is essentially the same as the role of the drummer. It's not about notes - it's about how you fit in with the rest of the band rhythmically. Turn your attention to the drummer, and focus intensely on what he is doing. Concentrate on making what you are playing "groove" with what the drummer is doing. If you can lock with a drummer, you can bet you'll be called first when other musicians are looking for funk guitarists to play with.

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