Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry - Guitar Lesson Overview
"Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry is an iconic funk-rock track that has stood the test of time. The song’s infectious groove and energetic riffs make it a must-learn for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire and hone their funk and rock skills. This guitar lesson focuses on several key techniques that are essential to mastering the song, including syncopated rhythms, alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato. Each of these techniques is not only crucial for playing this track accurately but also for broadening your overall guitar-playing skills. This lesson is brought to you by Mitch Laddie.
Techniques Used in this Song
Syncopated Rhythms
Syncopation is a rhythmic technique that emphasizes off-beats or weaker beats within a measure. In "Play That Funky Music," the syncopated rhythm is one of the song’s most defining characteristics. The funky, off-beat accents drive the groove and create a dynamic, danceable feel that is irresistible.
Learning syncopated rhythms will significantly enhance your timing and rhythm guitar skills. It challenges your ability to stay in the pocket while adding an exciting layer of complexity to your playing. This skill is crucial not only in funk but in many other genres where groove and rhythm play a vital role.
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is a fundamental technique in which you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick. This method is essential for playing the fast, tight, and precise riffs found in "Play That Funky Music." The song’s main riff, with its quick, staccato notes, relies heavily on this technique.
Mastering alternate picking allows you to play faster and more efficiently, conserving energy and improving accuracy. It’s a versatile technique that is applicable across a wide range of musical styles, making it a critical skill for any guitarist.
String Bending
String bending is used to create expressive notes that "sing," by pushing or pulling the string to raise its pitch. In this song, string bending is employed in the lead guitar parts to add emotion and character to the melody, particularly during the solos.
Practicing string bending helps develop finger strength and control, allowing you to add a vocal quality to your playing. This technique is essential for expressing emotion in solos and is widely used in genres like blues, rock, and funk.
Vibrato
Vibrato is the technique of oscillating the pitch of a note by rapidly bending the string up and down. In "Play That Funky Music," vibrato adds a subtle, yet impactful, depth to the notes, particularly during sustained notes in the lead guitar sections.
Vibrato is a key element in making your guitar playing sound more professional and expressive. It allows you to sustain notes with a richer, more textured sound. Developing a good vibrato technique can greatly enhance the emotional impact of your solos.
About the Guitarist and Their Influence
The guitarist behind "Play That Funky Music" is Bryan Bassett. His work on this track showcases a brilliant blend of rock energy and funk groove, embodying the spirit of the 1970s funk-rock movement. Bassett’s playing is characterized by tight, rhythmic precision and an innate ability to lock in with the groove of the band. His guitar work on this track, particularly the rhythm and lead sections, has influenced countless guitarists in the funk and rock genres. Learning this song is an opportunity to tap into the techniques and styles that made Bryan Bassett's playing so effective and enduring.
Conclusion
Learning "Play That Funky Music" is an excellent way to improve your guitar technique while adding a classic funk-rock track to your repertoire. The song's syncopated rhythms, alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato offer valuable practice opportunities that will benefit your playing in various musical contexts. Whether you're a funk enthusiast or a rock guitarist looking to expand your skills, this lesson provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the essential techniques that make this track so iconic.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Mitch Laddie
Described by Walter Trout as “the finest of the new generation of gunslingers/performers...one of the best guitarists in the world.” Mitch Laddie has cemented his status as a virtuosic hurricane within the guitar world, as well as a well respected tutor and lecturer, with 10 years+ one-to-one tuition experience whilst...