In the realm of guitar playing, mastering various strumming techniques can significantly enhance your musical expression, captivate your audience and honestly, just have a lot of fun.
One such technique that can breathe life into your playing is funk strumming,
This article will take the previously taught concepts from the previous funk strumming article and apply them to real world settings.
The topics covered in this article:
Understanding Funk Strumming
Funk strumming is renowned for its emphasis on rhythmic complexity and groove.
Unlike straightforward strumming patterns commonly found in pop music, funk strumming utilizes syncopated 16th note rhythms, incorporating unexpected accents and rhythmic variations to keep listeners engaged.
It also employs a rhythmic interplay between muted strokes and accented hits.
Incorporating Funk Strumming into Pop Songs
To illustrate the power of funk strumming, let's consider the great “Nile Rogers’ and his work with Chic & Sister Sledge which exemplifies the fusion of funk and pop, with infectious rhythms and dynamic strumming patterns.
Here’s a Nile Rogers inspired pattern - We’ll use a chord progression of IV / V / VI / I in A Major - I’ll use only static A shape chords
Example 1
Central to the groove is the use of groups of 3 to create interest in the accents, lending it a distinctively funky feel.
Now the same progression with harmonic extensions (7th & 9th) and moving between shapes
Practical Application: Funkifying Your Pop Songs
Example 2
To incorporate funk strumming into your pop song playing, follow these steps:
Master Basic Funk Chords:
Start by familiarizing yourself with fundamental funk chords such as dominant 7th and 9th chords.
These chords provide the harmonic foundation for funk strumming and lend themselves well to syncopated rhythms.
In pop music, you could only use these chords on the V chord.
So in G major it would be D7 / D9 etc
This gives a nod to ‘funk’ in a pop context
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Explore Ghost Notes / Muted Strokes:
Example 3
Experiment with incorporating ghost notes (lightly muted or percussive strokes) into your strumming patterns.
These subtle nuances add texture and groove to your playing.
Example 4
I believe you must physically engage with the music, moving your head / tapping your foot whatever it takes, just move!
This way even if you make a mistake / miss your mark, it’ll still be in time.
Embrace Variations and Dynamics:
Don't be afraid to experiment with variations in dynamics and articulation. Incorporate dynamic contrast by alternating between soft, subdued passages and bold, energetic accents.
Example 5
This depends on context, the more you’re physically engaged with the music, the easier this is, the more informed your choices are, as they’re coming from your heart (and hips) not your head.
Groove is in the body not the mind.
Maybe try standing up and dancing to the beat a little.
Groove Is Movement!
Study Funky Grooves and Rhythms
Take inspiration from classic funk tracks and study the rhythmic nuances employed by legendary funk guitarists.
Analyze their strumming patterns and incorporate elements that resonate with your own musical style.
All the greats learn by transcribing & learning the masters who came before them.
By embracing funk strumming techniques, you can elevate your pop song playing to new heights, infusing your music with infectious groove and undeniable charisma.
With practice and dedication, you'll unlock the power of funk strumming and unleash your creativity on the guitar.
So, grab your guitar, embrace the funk, and get ready to take your right hand on a rhythmic journey! I hope this was useful and ill see you in the next article!
