Funk music originated in the 1960s as a form of dance music with influences from soul, jazz and R&B. It has a strong emphasis on the groove laid down by the bass and drums.

Example 29a

The technique section on strumming patterns also covers funk rhythms.

Example 29b

Ghost notes and hammer-ons are used throughout Example 29b.

Example 29c

Example 29c uses more ghost notes with a 16th note strumming pattern. The whole piece is done by adding and removing your middle finger on the B string which creates a G7sus2 chord.

Example 29d

The guitars in Example 29d were double tracked which means that they were recorded twice. Often this is done to thicken up a part by playing in unison with yourself but in this case the two guitar parts are different and complementary.

Try jamming over some more funk grooves in the Session time section.