Rhythm Notation
1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a (mixed playing and muting)
Strumming pattern notation
Time Signature:
4/4
Recommended Tempo:
90-120 BPM
Rhythm Character
The percussive, syncopated rhythm that drives funk music. All about the pocket and making the guitar percussive.
Techniques
- •Scratch Technique
- •16th Note Precision
- •Pocket Playing
Common Genres
- •Funk
- •R&B
- •Soul
- •Disco
- •Funk Rock
Rhythm Variations
Single Note Funk
advancedNote-x-Note-x pattern
Funk rhythm on single notes
💡 Application: Lead/rhythm hybrid playing
Chord Stabs
intermediateHit-rest-rest-Hit pattern
Short, sharp chord hits
💡 Application: Horn section style rhythm
Wah Funk
advancedOpen-close with rhythm
Funk with wah pedal
💡 Application: 70s funk and disco
Famous Songs
"Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine"
by James Brown
Used in: Main groove
"Le Freak"
by Chic
Used in: Rhythm guitar
"Superstition"
by Stevie Wonder
Used in: Guitar part
"Give Up the Funk"
by Parliament
Used in: Rhythm section
Practice Exercises
Scratch Isolation
80 BPMClean scratch sounds
Perfect the scratch technique
Steps:
- 1.Mute strings with left hand
- 2.Practice percussive strikes
- 3.Alternate with fretted notes
- 4.Work on quick transitions
- 5.Develop personal scratch style
Focus:
Clean scratch sounds
16th Note Workout
90 BPMRhythmic precision
Build 16th note stamina and precision
Steps:
- 1.Play all 16th notes on muted strings
- 2.Accent different subdivisions
- 3.Add fretted notes gradually
- 4.Practice common funk patterns
- 5.Build up speed slowly
Focus:
Rhythmic precision
Funk Chord Progression
100 BPMMusical application
Apply funk rhythm to chord changes
Steps:
- 1.Use E9-A13 progression
- 2.Practice clean chord stabs
- 3.Add scratches between chords
- 4.Work with drum loop
- 5.Develop groove variations
Focus:
Musical application
Technical Tips
Playing Tips
- •Lightly touch strings with left hand
- •Don't press down to fret
- •Strike strings percussively
- •Mix fretted notes with scratches
- •Keep wrist moving constantly
- •Ghost notes maintain rhythm
- •Every 16th note has motion
- •Practice with metronome subdivisions
- •Listen to the drummer's hi-hat
- •Feel the one - strong downbeat
- •Leave space for other instruments
- •Less is often more in funk
Common Problems
- •Scratches sound muddy or unclear
- •Can't maintain 16th note consistency
- •Losing the funk feel
Metronome Practice Guide
Time Signature
4/4
Suggested Tempo
90-120 BPM
Rhythm Pattern
1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a (mixed playing and muting)
D = Down, U = Up, - = Rest
Master More Guitar Rhythms
Expand your rhythmic vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar rhythms and strumming patterns.