The Origins Of Funk Guitar

The Origins Of Funk Guitar. Funk guitar is a rhythmic and percussive style of guitar playing that emerged in the mid-1960s, primarily in African American communities. It has its roots in the blues, jazz, and R&B music of the time and was heavily influenced by the James Brown’s music.

Funk guitar typically features staccato rhythms, chord progressions with extended and altered chords, and heavy use of syncopation. This style of playing often utilizes percussive techniques, such as muting and palm-muting, as well as slapping and popping the strings.

One of the pioneers of funk guitar was Jimmy Nolen, who played in James Brown’s band and is known for his distinctive “chicken scratch” rhythm guitar style. Another influential figure in the development of funk guitar was Eddie Hazel of Parliament-Funkadelic, who was known for his psychedelic guitar solos and use of wah-wah effects.

Funk guitar had a significant impact on the development of popular music, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Many guitarists, such as Prince, Nile Rodgers, and Ernie Isley, incorporated funk guitar techniques into their playing and helped to popularize the genre. Today, funk guitar continues to be a popular and influential style of guitar playing, and its influence can be heard in a wide range of music genres, from hip-hop to pop.

The Origins Of Funk Guitar

How to put the funk in your guitar playing

If you want to put the funk in your guitar playing, here are some tips to consider:

Use percussive techniques: The funk guitar style often incorporates percussive elements like muting, palm-muting, and staccato playing. Experiment with these techniques to create rhythmic patterns that drive the groove.
Emphasize the off-beat: In funk music, the emphasis is often on the off-beat. Try playing your guitar parts slightly ahead or behind the beat to create a sense of tension and release.
Use syncopation: Funk guitarists often use syncopation to create interesting rhythmic patterns. Experiment with different syncopated rhythms to create a unique sound.
Incorporate slapping and popping: Slapping and popping techniques are often used in funk bass playing, but they can also be incorporated into guitar playing. Try slapping and popping the strings with your fingers to create a percussive sound.
Use chord extensions: Funk music often uses extended chords like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. Experiment with these chord voicings to create a jazzy, funky sound.
Play with a tight rhythm section: Funk music is all about the groove, so playing with a tight rhythm section is essential. Make sure you’re locking in with the drummer and bass player to create a solid foundation for the rest of the band.
Listen to funk music: To really get a feel for the funk guitar style, listen to and study funk guitarists like Nile Rodgers, Eddie Hazel, and Jimi Hendrix. Pay attention to their rhythmic and harmonic choices, and try to incorporate some of their techniques into your own playing.

5 funk chord progressions for guitarists

Here are five funk chord progressions for guitarists:

Em7 – A7#9 – D7#9 – G7 This is a classic funk progression that can be heard in songs like “Maggot Brain” by Funkadelic. The chords are played with a staccato rhythm, and the #9 extensions give it a jazzy, dissonant sound.
Dm7 – G7 – C7 – F7 This is another common funk progression that can be heard in songs like “Brick House” by The Commodores. The chords are played with a syncopated rhythm, and the dominant 7th chords give it a bluesy sound.
Am7 – D7 – G7 – C7 This is a funk progression that can be heard in songs like “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. The chords are played with a tight rhythm, and the minor 7th chords give it a soulful, funky sound.
C#m7 – F#7 – B7 – E7 This is a funk progression that can be heard in songs like “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament. The chords are played with a percussive rhythm, and the dominant 7th chords give it a funky, groovy sound.
Gm7 – Cm7 – F7 – Bb7 This is a funk progression that can be heard in songs like “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly & the Family Stone. The chords are played with a syncopated rhythm, and the minor 7th chords give it a mellow, soulful sound.