Getting an Authentic Funk Sound on Guitar

Exploring Funk and Jazz Influences in Guitar Playing

The Birth of Funk and Jazz Fusion

At the time when funk was emerging, it was also coming out of a significant jazz scene. A lot of jazz had been happening, and many funk players wanted to delve deeper into jazz.

• Wes Montgomery: Known for his octave style played with his thumb, he was an incredible player. His techniques were not overly complicated.
• George Benson: Later employed similar techniques in his playing.

The Impact of Iconic Musicians

James Brown often featured guitarists in his shows, asking them for "a bit of Wes" to elevate his performances.

Jimi Hendrix's Funk Influence

• Jimi Hendrix touched on funky elements, exemplifying skills in rhythm.
• The essence of true funk lies in a stripped-back, prevalent beat.

Iconic Riffs

The guitarist in James Brown's band nailed a particular riff that can be played over virtually anything, including house music.

"Always smile when you're playing and look into people's eyes. That's really important."

• Maintain a confident posture: shoulders back, head straight, and keep the funk alive.
• Notable guitarists to explore include:
  • Earth, Wind and Fire
  • Kool & The Gang

Techniques in Funk Guitar

Playing in funk involves either chords or picking. The picking technique is particularly useful for moving into jazz funk.

James Brown's Influence

One can draw inspiration from James Brown's groove, like in the song "Baby, Give It Up or Turn It Loose." Here's how to develop a rhythm:

• Start in any key and feel the flow.

The Evolution from Funk to Disco

Funk's evolution saw it waning as the disco scene emerged, yet it was incorporated back into the disco sounds through:

• Timpanis
• Strings

However, the break in a song would catch the attention of hip-hop artists, leading to the creation of tracks that started with beats.

"It originally was ah F Off, which became Freak Out. Le Freak say Chic and Ain't that a Story Adversity Once Again."

This iconic record blew them up and led them to produce for artists like Madonna, Bowie, and Sister Sledge.

Guitar Selection for Funk

Let's take a moment to introduce you to the Fender Stratocaster:

• An excellent choice for funk with its bright sound.
• Comparatively, a Les Paul has a bassier tone and is also suitable for rock.

The Meters: Early Funk Inspiration

Reflecting on riffs from bands like the Meters can offer insights into early funk's simplicity, often consisting of just drums and bass.

• Music is best created collaboratively, in a room filled with friends rather than enemies.

The Essence of Groove

Pleasure in music drives creativity and success. With the Brand New Heavies, there's an element of repetition but also a constant reinvention.

• Intensity can vary based on the crowd:
  • If someone plays loudly, you may respond with increased volume, and vice versa.

Technical Insights for Playing

Using the same gear as Nile Rodgers can yield recognizable sounds:

• Simple riffs that are clear and pure often resonate in pop songwriting.

Developing the Groove

The groove is pivotal; it emerges when everyone fits together seamlessly. It's akin to a heartbeat that continues until it stops. When crafting a tune, like "Sweet Freak," focus on:

• Minimalism: Stripping down elements to allow vocals and drums to breathe.
• The Chug Technique: Utilize basic up and down movement on the strings.

Amp Settings for Funk Guitar

A top tip regarding amplifier sound:

• Since the Stratocaster produces a thinner sound, warming up the amp is advisable:
  • Experiment with smaller amps (around 22 watts) to achieve more drive while maintaining clarity.

Adjusting the master volume down and turning the other volume up can help introduce a slight distortion, ensuring your sound cuts through nicely without being overly clean.

"It just makes it cut through a bit better than just a straight, clean sound."

By applying these principles and techniques, you can enhance your funk guitar playing and develop a unique sound that resonates with audiences.