This is by no means a comprehensive overview of Funk guitar playing. The goal here is to establish a series of fundamental techniques that can serve as a solid foundation. With that foundation in place, you’ll be better equipped to deepen your understanding of the style by learning and playing songs.
A strong connection to meter is essential in all styles of music, but in Funk, it’s absolutely critical. Time, feel, and groove are the driving forces of the genre.
We’ll begin by focusing on dividing the beat into eighth notes and sixteenth notes. Funk rhythms are primarily built on sixteenth-note subdivisions.
The two examples represent common Funk guitar rhythm patterns. They’re intended to provide a starting point from which you can expand.
