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View Full Version : The 15 Funk Grooves - Variations and Experiences


ricoche
12-07-2008, 11:21 PM
Hi there,

I thought I would start a thread about the 15 Funk Grooves. I just completed the first Groove and enjoyed it very much. Here are a few notes about it.

1. This Groove ( probably like many ) felt a little like a tongue twister at first. Willie broke it down by measures, but I actually did something a little different and created a couple of patterns to help me remember this Groove. I then was able to play Willie's version. Simple Groove, but tricky to remember in the beginning but of course plus I was practicing late and tired a bit...laugh.

2. It is a really fun Groove when you dig in and mix it up where you want to accent the notes. I even dropped a note or two in order to sustain a couple of notes to mix up the groove. I definitely found 2-3 distinct points to break up the groove creating new ideas. Willie's idea of using bits and pieces for separate grooves was excellent too. Willie uses a drum machine which I always use myself, but also try without any drum machine too. Try as a challenge to mix the groove with your own percussion feel using accents.

3. Finally since I use keyboards and sound modules, I had great fun playing Groove #1 using different sounds. I used some rhodes, organ, and even a few funky synth bass sounds ala Bootsy Collins style. This really opened up things and really helped to take Groove #1 to new heights.

Now I'm on to Groove #2 which I see is going to speed the tempo up a little bit. Cool!

If anyone has any other thoughts, experiences, or ideas about the 15 Funk Grooves, feel free to post your notes. I did notice by the way a notes section for each Funk Groove but I am not sure if that is public or not.

Thanks!

Jim

wmyette
12-16-2008, 08:08 PM
Thanks Jim. I like how you bring up the use of modules and other sounds. This is a great way to breathe new life into these grooves!

gillespie1983
05-10-2009, 10:00 PM
Upon joining, I decided to try the funk grooves first. I went through the 1st three and thought of how I might apply what you taught. By practicing them in all keys the thought processes begin to flow and I can see how this type of groove can be useful. I also tried different chord types (major, added 2/no 3rd).