Super Mega Funky Extra Groove

Forums Listening Lounge Super Mega Funky Extra Groove

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    pekki
    Member

    a lot of challenges for me on this track
    progression I’m really not used to, dealing with chromatic phrases and recording in 4 parts

    consider this a preview and tell me is it any good!

    http://www.box.net/shared/l03ht6zcwc

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    gigibuybuy
    Member

    i’m not a funk expert or anything but that was quite a journey
    the whole thing connects the first time i listened
    and then after repeating 10 times it’s still groovy
    now you make me want to learn some funk basics
    is there any beginner song for practice you would recommend? i usually play metallica and a bit of bach/paganini on electric guitar.

    keep it up man!

    You found a good steady groove there man. However, you are almost only utilizing the 8th’s and 16th note values, and not really getting “funky” with it. One of the MOST important things to consider when playing funk is the ability to play with and against the beat, especially using 16th notes. For example, if you really wanted to make this funk, you could try to play with and against the beat in the backing, as opposed to now, where you’re not really paying any attention to it (apart from in part 3, but then only as a pre-determined line). Also, try to play against the beat on the second 16th note in every grouping. That syncopation is key to grooving.

    Also, try to get some triplets in there, which would spice things up rhythmically.

    You’re note choice is good for the backing, mainly a dorian feel. You might want to try a mixolydian pentatonic, and some altered scales and diminished for passing. Using chromatics is a good idea, bu then you have to have an entry and exit strategy or it will only sound “out” (not in the good way =) )

    Basically, you have good enough note choice, overall clean tech. However, what is missing IMO is in the timing department (plz take this as constructive criticism bro =) )
    Your ideas are good, they just might some refinement to better suit the backing, having a better flow, and more interesting rhythm and note choice.

    A simple enough thing for you to do would be to take all the licks you’ve used in this impro, and run each and everyone of them through my
    “Timing and Note Value Variation” tutorial. https://www.infiniteguitar.com/viewtutorial.php?tutorial=139

    After that, the last parts of my Funk 101 tutorial, could be the next step for being able to get those into a funk groove, and getting into the whole idea of playing with and against the beat, in this tutorial you can also practice with some backing tracks to each idea.
    Just start here, and work your way forward.
    https://www.infiniteguitar.com/viewlesson.php?lessonid=581

    And finally, to go more fusion with it, diving into the use of Line Alternations and cromatics, you can check out my Line Alterations tutorial. When going through the improvised solo, make sure to to see how I’ve altered the ideas in actual improvisation, and think how you could alter your own ideas in that way.
    https://www.infiniteguitar.com/viewtutorial.php?tutorial=122

    Let me know how you fair with all of this, and PLEASE post a new impro later (preferably over the same backing) so we can hear you progress.

    EDIT: what I also want to point out is that once you get as comfortable with rhythmic variations in you improvisation and melodic and technical, you will almost never come across any tracks that will feel uncomfortable to play over. YOu will be able to adapt much easier to any rhythm, tempo, key or style. With that said, it is of course of utmost importance to learn the inherent style of a genre, since what works over a funk backing won’t sound right over a blues backing and vice versa. However, the exact same ideas can be used, you just have have the timing down to be able to alter them to suit any style.

    pekki
    Member

    A very nice and constructive comment, just what I needed.

    As you well noticed, I’m a complete AMATEUR when it comes to funk style tracks.
    For me personally, it felt really funky to play over this one, but speaking in terms of rules and rhythm values that you very well explained, I had no solid ground to stand on.

    Your comment now really helps me to think different about this track, rhythm wise speaking.

    Unfortunately, I’m a basic member so I can’t view the videos you recommended me, so your ”word instruction” will have to do for now

    Thank you very much once again Richard!

    No problem Pekki!
    Let me know if you decide to go Premium,
    and how you fair with the lessons in such case =)

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