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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | With a younger (than me) band director who grew up in the 70's and 80's, we’re now playing a lot more funk these days, and its kinda fun. At first, I found myself struggling with the oddball chord mixes and speed of the changes. The technique of sliding from one chord into another is not particularly difficult, but the style is a lot different than I was accustomed to. After spending time reviewing alternate chord charts, I’ve found different patterns for the chords that are easier for the transitions required for funk than what I might use for, say, a blues-based or power chord rock-based tune. Funk seems more dependent upon right-hand rhythm technique with lots of muting than on left-hand chord precision that might be required for, say, folk ballads and jazz. I’m also using a flatter sound with almost no effects, excepting, of course, the requisite wah which is almost non-stop (get those legs in shape ‘cause you’ll be standing on one for a long time as you work the wah with the other).
I know many folks here have said it before, but one of the best ways to improve your playing is to join a band, and if possible, one with better musicians than you. It’ll push you to play better, more precisely, and more consistently. You’ll be forced to play outside your comfort zone, but in time, you’ll improve your skills, gain confidence, and be playing stuff beyond what you thought you were capable of. Even funk! |
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Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | http://dai.ly/9bbz9B
Parliament Give up the Funk :D |
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Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | Hey Professor I thought you would like the link. I guess it would be like trying to learn some Bob Marley music. Your right hand does so much work, palming, up stroking, Muting, ect, as apposed to your left just hitting the right chords. It would be a riot to learn how to play funk, I would think. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Good link. It has been a challenge, but also rewarding. People love funk. You can't listen to it (nor play it) without moving. I also forgot to add that we have an excellent bass player who is a great slapper, and good funk requires a master slapper on bass. Your link demonstrates this quite well. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I grew up with a lot of that funk influence in southern CA. One of my favorite funk bands was AWB (Average White Band). I have always loved funk and love to funk every time I get the chance. Like you said, it takes a lot of rhythm and percussion in the right hand. :D |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...so, Proff.... ya gonna get da hair for it?
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | WOW! ... I Love that Eldorado! |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by bvince:
WOW! ... I Love that Eldorado! Now we have Beal's attention. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Yeah........mine too!!!!
I used to have hair like that..red...and I was 19........
AJ :D |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I don't think that's an El Dorado, but it is a Zaballac. One of the de Villes from the 70's. Nice car. |
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Playing funk
