Learn to Play Top 20 Funk Basslines
If you're a bassist looking to dive into the world of funk music, or a seasoned player hoping to add some new tunes to your repertoire, our "Learn to Play Top 20 Funk Basslines" course, taught by Phil Williams, is your ultimate resource. This in-depth course provides note-for-note lessons for iconic songs including "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder, "Good Times" by Chic, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, "Brick House" by The Commodores and many more.
"I Wish" - Stevie Wonder
"I Wish," a single by Stevie Wonder, features an unforgettable, catchy bassline played by none other than the legendary Nathan Watts. This song is characterized by its bouncing, syncopated bassline that anchors the song's melodic structure. It is an excellent example of the use of the Mixolydian scale in a funk context, with Watts skillfully dancing around the D Mixolydian scale, while adding distinctive embellishments. His rhythmically dense style adds to the groove, making this bassline one to aspire to.
"Good Times" - Chic
The Chic classic "Good Times," provides a rhythmic playground for bass players. Bernard Edwards' bassline is one of the most sampled basslines in popular music. His iconic bassline emphasizes the root and fifth of the E9 chord and is played primarily in the E Mixolydian mode. Edwards' use of octave melodies and galloping rhythms throughout the song demonstrates his tight rhythmic precision and melodic sensibilities.
"September" - Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" bassline, played by Verdine White, is an incredible blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic brilliance. The song revolves around an A major scale, with White utilizing a combination of open-string riffs and syncopated rhythms to create a vibrant, dancing bassline that complements the song's bright, joyous melody. His energetic stage presence and passion for his craft resonate in his playing, truly embodying the essence of funk.
"We Are Family" - Sister Sledge
In "We Are Family," Bernard Edwards of Chic fame once again proves his mastery. The song incorporates the use of chromaticism within the bassline, creating a unique texture within the E major scale. Edwards' creative use of slides and hammer-ons amplifies the groove, serving as a textbook example of a driving disco-funk bassline.
"Brick House" - The Commodores
"Brick House" by The Commodores is another iconic funk anthem with a bassline to match. The bassist Ronald LaPread, with his keen sense of rhythm and a knack for creating punchy, tight lines, uses the E minor pentatonic scale as the song's basis. His approach to the rhythm, which combines syncopated rhythms with clever slides and pull-offs, showcases the versatility of the bass guitar in a funk setting.
Each of these songs, with their own unique and characteristic basslines, represents the wide variety of styles and techniques that make up the rich tapestry of funk music. The featured bassists - Nathan Watts, Bernard Edwards, Verdine White, and Ronald LaPread - have made invaluable contributions to the world of funk, each bringing their distinct styles, rhythmic intuition, and technical skills to the table. Their legendary performances serve as the perfect platform for any bassist looking to delve deeper into the realm of funk.
Techniques Used
Throughout the course, you'll be introduced to and guided through the application of various bass techniques which have been used by the greats, helping you enhance your bass playing skills. Let's summarize the techniques covered:
- Syncopated Rhythms
- Octave Melodies
- Galloping Rhythms
- Open-string Riffs
- Chromaticism
- Slides
- Hammer-ons
- Pull-offs
With "Learn to Play Top 20 Funk Basslines," you are not only learning these basslines, you are learning to incorporate these techniques into your own playing. This makes the course an invaluable resource for anyone looking to develop their bass playing skills while having a lot of fun in the process. Dive in and let the funky basslines flow!
