Top Funk Guitar Riffs Of All Time - James Brown - Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine

Licklibrary.com proudly presents a comprehensive guitar lesson that explores the iconic funk sounds of James Brown's "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine". This lesson dives into the intricate guitar work that has influenced countless musicians and continues to inspire guitarists across the globe. Here, we dissect the techniques that make this song a masterpiece of rhythm and groove.

In this detailed tutorial from Mitch Laddie, students will have the opportunity to learn some of the most essential guitar techniques featured in funk music, particularly those showcased in "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine". Our lesson focuses on three main techniques: barre chords, syncopated rhythms, and double stops. Each of these techniques contributes to the unique sound and feel of funk guitar playing.

Techniques Used in this Lesson

Barre Chords

Barre chords are a fundamental aspect of guitar playing across various genres, but in funk, they take on a rhythmic and percussive role. In "Sex Machine", barre chords are used to create a thick, full-bodied sound that supports the song’s driving bassline. Learning these chords not only enhances your chord vocabulary but also improves your finger strength and dexterity, enabling you to play with more precision and confidence.

Syncopated Rhythms

Funk music heavily relies on syncopated rhythms to create its characteristic "groove". This song is no exception, featuring rhythms that emphasize the off-beat, making the music feel more dynamic and alive. Mastering these rhythms can significantly improve your timing and rhythmic accuracy, essential skills for any musician looking to play funk or any rhythmically complex music.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously and are used throughout "Sex Machine" to add harmonic depth and interest to the guitar parts. This technique can bring a richer, more layered sound to your playing, useful in not just funk but in nearly any musical style. Learning double stops can also enhance your understanding of the guitar’s fretboard and how different notes interact harmonically.

The Guitarists of "Sex Machine"

The original recording of "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine" features the masterful guitar work of both Jimmy Nolen and Alphonso Kellum. Known for his "chicken scratch" style, Nolen’s playing on this track is a perfect example of how rhythmic precision and minimalist chord usage can result in a sound that defines a genre. This lesson provides insight into the techniques that these guitarists employed to create such a timeless track, offering students a chance to learn from some of the pioneers of funk guitar.

Conclusion

This guitar lesson not only teaches you how to play one of the greatest funk riffs of all time but also equips you with skills that are applicable in various musical contexts. Whether you are looking to improve your funk playing or expand your overall guitar abilities, this lesson provides valuable techniques that will enhance your musical repertoire.

Guitar Techniques Used

At the end of this series, students will have learned various techniques integral to guitar playing. Here’s a list of techniques covered across our lessons, complete with helpful links for further learning:

• Barre Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Double Stops

By mastering these techniques, you will not only be able to play along with "Sex Machine" but also enhance your ability to adapt these skills to other songs and genres. Dive into the lesson today and start grooving like James Brown’s legendary guitarists!