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Understanding Funky Playing: The Power of Repetition

One thing to bear in mind when playing funky music is that repetition is key.

Finding Your Groove

• Settling on a Part: Once you settle on a part, whether that's layering up two guitars, three guitars, or four guitars, or playing with another guitarist in a band context with keyboards and horns, find a part that you can stay on.

• The Funky Element: The magic lies in not moving from that part.

Example Breakdown

For example, the second part I did was a single note. You can put little inflections in as the song builds. You might insert:

• Little licks
• Additional rhythms

However, it's essential to stay on the money with that main part.

Layering Guitars

• The first part I did was a real simple motif.
• What makes it funky is that the two guitars work against each other.

In the studio, if I were doing this by myself:

• I'd layer it up, possibly panning one left and the other right.
• Think of opposites tonally: one guitar could be round and warm, while the other is sharp, angular, and on the treble pickup.

Textures and Sounds

You can hear this concept in D'Angelo's track "Chicken Grease," where a really funky nine chord is played without moving.

• By combining these elements, you create a rich palette of different textures and sounds.
• On their own, neither part may do much, but together, they create a dynamic interplay.

Creating Space

It's important to leave space for other elements to happen. When you have three or four parts doing something different:

• They harmoniously play off each other.
• You might find one part is hard and staccato, while another is soft and warm.

The Funky Principle

Staying on the same thing for an extended period is among the funkiest things you can do. Practicing this at home to a drum loop or a click is crucial.

Finding the Pocket

1. Use a Metronome: One of the best things to do is have a metronome going and try to feel where the music sits.
2. Push and Pull: You can push and pull either side of the beat.
   • You don't want to be too behind or too ahead.

Building with One Chord

Many funk genres focus on repetition.

• For instance, in the style of Fela Kuti, you can hang on one chord for an extended period.

Feeling the Music

It's all about the feel:

• Finding your pocket and being comfortable with that rhythm.
• Having an inbuilt metronome allows you to push and pull as you play.

If you just stay rigidly on the beat, that's not funky. The essence is about movement:

• You might rush and catch up or pull back a little.
• It's about building tension and then releasing it.

In conclusion, embrace that tension and find your unique pocket within the groove for truly funky playing!