Rhythm and Blues (R & B) is a term that is often associated with Soul music and 60s hits on labels like Stax and Motown. What all of these influences have in common is a strong groove. Although R&B is an abbreviation of Rhythm and Blues, R&B can be as far removed from 1960s Soul as Hip Hop.

Example F1

Examples F1 and F2 share the same backing track. The first example uses a minimalist approach. After an initial slide down the E string, the root note (E) is the only note played. Example F2 interacts more closely with the guitar riff by following certain parts of it.

Example F2

Example F3

The first example demonstrates how important the interval of a fourth below can be when setting up a simple rhythm. This was also pointed out in the Country section. Example F3 at full speed would suit an up-tempo R&B tune like "River Deep, Mountain High" but slowed down, it's the same line as "My Girl".

Example F4

This example has Country, Rock and Blues influences.

Example F5

Example F5 is a one bar fill. It's often good to use a short funky fill if the bass is entering after an intro.