Wonder composed, produced and recorded "Superstition" when he was 22 years old, creating a new sound with his innovative use of synthesizers, live drumming and guitar work. I’m sure we will find more tracks … Stevie Wonder is not known as a Funk artist, but he proved he knows how to get down and groove with his 1972 classic, "Superstition." Bass tabs of songs by Grand Funk Railroad - 10 bass tabs including Im Your Captain (closer To Home) 2, Some Kind Of Wonderful and Were An American Band. It percolates with ghost notes, tasty hi-hat openings and a funky bass drum part. Bass Lessons - Easy (funk) Basslines Bass Tab This tab is real beginner material (so don't bitch at me if you find it too easy). Like Motown recordings, funk songs use basslines as the centerpiece of songs. From its stylistic origins in the 1950s, to its electrification in the early 1980s, to its rebirth in the '90s, Funk has been a part of America's urban music landscape for over half a century. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Bootsy Collins co-produced the song which reached number two on the Billboard R&B chart. If you are just beginning your bass playing journey, one of the best ways to test yourself and improve is to learn your favorite songs. Don't all Funk songs have good bass? Features Will Lee on bass (what a career he's had!). It was the number one R&B song for five weeks. Funk is built on the bass. This tab will give an overview of the blues scale, show how to turn blues into funk and will give some of my own improve with funk and blues as an example. © 2020 Online Bass Courses Privacy Policy. What makes the song so addictive is the jauntiness of the line, contrasted with Paul Weller’s lyrical venom about British life in the Falklands War era. It reached number one on the Billboard Dance chart, featuring background vocals by The Temptations. This uses the Dorian mode (as many funk grooves do)with funky octaves. 1980 - "More Bounce to the Ounce" by Zapp, Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, 1969 - "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Sly & the Family Stone, 1978 - "One Nation Under a Groove" by Funkadelic, 1968 - "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" by James Brown, Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, 1979 - "(Not Just) Knee Deep," by Funkadelic, 1976 - "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown, 1973 - "Jungle Boogie" by Kool and the Gang, Sly & The Family Stone's Unforgettable Woodstock Performance, Greatest 20 R&B and Soul Artists of All-Time, 20 R&B Stars Who Made "We Are The World" A Classic. Bassists such as John Entwistle and Cliff Burton helped change everyone’s perception of the bass … It was the number one R&B song for five weeks. The original. You need both those elements though so be sure to work on them every day. From Sly & the Family Stone's 1970 Greatest Hits album, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" was the group's second single to reach the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Clinton hit number one on the Billboard R&B chart for the first time as a solo artist in 1982 with "Atomic Dog" from his debut solo album, Computer Games. May 4, 2009. mellowinman said: ↑ Doves cry out for a funky bassline. Another iconic hit that is defined by the bass line, this easy bass song will energize your listeners. Big Shrek likes this. Start your free trial. It helped propel them into the limelight and it has since been used everywhere from stadiums across the world, to TV shows and movies. Funk music is a great place to start with playing bass. Funk music evolved from blues and soul, and is distinguished by its syncopated rhythms and melodic groove that brought the bass player to the forefront. Uptown Funk 5 String Bass Tab by Mark Ronson learn how to play chords diagrams Uptown Funk 5 String bass by Mark Ronson with chords drawings, easy version, 12 key variations and much more. The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, was also the Godfather of Funk. If you get any value from my lessons and would like to help keep this site running and the weekly lessons flowing, click the button below for a small donation. What makes the song so addictive is the jauntiness of the line, contrasted with Paul Weller’s lyrical venom about British life in the Falklands War era. Bassists are the backbone to any soul and funk track and the bassline has always ruled the dancefloor and we want to celebrate this with a bassline top 10 in soul and funk music. A great groove, when the bassist and drummer lock into one another and get everyone moving, is a beautiful thing, and easier to get ahold of than you might think. 1978 - "Flash Light" by Parliament . If you aren't comfortable slapping/popping, just pluck the strings — sounds good either way you do it. Item 10 of 42 Indeed, funk has been called the style in which the bassline is most prominent in the songs, with the bass playing the "hook" of the song. Top 50 1970s Funk/R&B Songs: It should go without saying that every selection is the long album or extended version rather than single or edited versions of the song, including the top choice being the amazing 12-inch extended recording.Provided links connect to albums of origin, or alternatives when original sources are not available. 1978 - "Flash Light" by Parliament . "Jungle Boogie" has been sampled numerous times, including in The Beastie Boys' "Hey Ladies" (1989), Madonna's "Erotica" (1992), and Janet Jackson's "You Want This" (1994). Seven Nation Army - White Stripes. The title song of Funkadelic's 1978 One Nation Under A Groove album became the group's first number one hit on the Billboard R&B chart. From the 1981 triple platinum Street Songs album, "Super Freak." Nothing but pure funk, this is a great beginning bass song to try. Funk songs formed the foundation for Big Gigantic's rise in dance music -- both saxophonist Dominic Lalli and drummer Jeremy Salken cut their teeth playing live funk … Indeed, funk has been called the style in which the bassline is most prominent in the songs, with the bass playing the "hook" of the song. Syncopated popping! Learn the core principles of good bass playing that will have you grooving in no time! But in all seriousness, the upfront funk-thunder that bubbles up after the iconic intro is some delicious 4001 bass clank, and it gives Roundabout body, depth and a groove not too dissimilar to the Miracles’ Love Machine. If you're new to slap, this lesson's for you. It remained at number one for six weeks on the Billboard R&B chart and symbolized James Brown's reverence as "Soul Brother Number One." In 1980, Billy Squier had a song that gave a name to his style of crunchy, rhythm-driven hard rock: The Big Beat. in the middle. Here are 9 of my favorite easy bass songs to learn as a beginner: Easy Bass Songs List For Beginners 1. Listening to good music is a form of practice and there is a lifetime of great bass playing to be learnt from these songs! Franklin composed the song which featured Donny Hathaway on piano. Back in 2003 the White Stripes released their hit song Seven Nation Army. Like Motown recordings, funk songs use basslines as the centerpiece of songs. It reached number four on the R&B chart and was his biggest hit during the mid to late 1970s. Bass Lessons - Easy (funk) Basslines Bass Tab This tab is real beginner material (so don't bitch at me if you find it too easy). Bootsy Collins became famous for providing the bass for "The Godfather of Soul," James Brown , and the legendary Larry Graham held down "the bottom" for Sly & The Family Stone. The classic has been sampled dozens of times, including songs by Prince, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur,  Dr. Dre, Nas, Aaliyah. Your details will not be passed on or shared with any other party. Bassists are the backbone to any soul and funk track and the bassline has always ruled the dancefloor and we want to celebrate this with a bassline top 10 in soul and funk music. Big Shrek likes this. This was one of the first hits to utilize a "talk box" which modifies the sound of a musical instrument by singing through a microphone. 10 Easy Songs to Learn on Bass. Played ‘Good Times’ from Chic of course and received an email from Pele Raymond in Austin, Texas who said that was the best bassline ever. Subscribe to the newsletter for your exclusive FREE ebook. A year later he delivered his masterpiece, The Stroke. Plus, it’s just super fun to play. Top Picks. Moreover, you can purchase this sheet music in a variety of key signatures. The original version on the Uncle Jam Wants You album is a funkafied 15 minutes long. Funk creates an intense groove by using strong guitar riffs and basslines played on electric bass. This will also sign you up to my weekly newsletter where you will get free bass tips, lessons and advice. Nothing but pure funk, this is a great beginning bass song to try. Released in 1980 as the debut single from the group Zapp led by Roger Troutman, "More Bounce To The Ounce" became popular again a decade later due to heavy sampling by numerous rap acts, including EPMD and the Notorious BIG. 10 Easy Songs to Learn on Bass. If you are just beginning your bass playing journey, one of the best ways to test yourself and improve is to learn your favorite songs. Released in August 1968, four months following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" became an anthem of the civil rights movement. He won Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male and Best Rhythm and Blues Song. The song features the ingenious bass line created by the legendary Larry Graham. 10 Funk Songs For Bass Players. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. On ‘Down 4 Whateva’ Saturday 8th Feb show, we had the ‘baddest basslines’ show, great fun! Item 9 of 42 #34 Best Drum and Bass Song: John B - "Up All Night" 10 / 42. Join 1000s getting free bass tips and lessons every Sunday. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Bass Lessons - Funk'n Blues Bass Tab Funk'n Blues: Improvising with blues and funk modes. From Kool and the Gang's fourth album, Wild and Peaceful in 1973, "Jungle Boogie" was the band's breakthrough hit, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B chart, and number four on the Hot 100. #35 Best Drum and Bass Song: Pascal - "P Funk Era" 9 / 42. Hello :) This is the requested bass transcription I did of the Bruno Mars song "Uptown Funk" that Jamareo Artis played bass on. Bass Lessons - How To Play Funk (for Beginners) Bass Tab Text Bass Tab Learn the song with the online tablature player By Ben Gibson Funk the purpose of playing funk on a bass is the to be the backbone of the band. In 1980, Billy Squier had a song that gave a name to his style of crunchy, rhythm-driven hard rock: The Big Beat. Next up is the bass tab which serves as a Co-text, a written, theoretical description of what is being played that helps you imagine and visualize what you are playing. It was the number one R&B song for five weeks. My weekly newsletter is packed full of bass tips, news, and lessons, plus you'll get an exclusive free copy of The Bass Guitar Resource Book! With good technique and timing, funk is relatively easy. The login page will open in a new tab. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass … Often overlooked, the bass guitar is a key addition to adding rhythm and funk to a song, it is more than just a guitar with less strings, it has a different tone and feeling. The song features the ingenious bass line created by the legendary Larry Graham. Top 10 basslines in Soul and Funk Music. Unsubscribe easily at any time. James Brown has to feature on any funk list. Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg. Billy Squier – The Stroke. I send out a newsletter every Sunday packed full of bass tips, news, and lessons, plus if you sign up you get my free Bass Guitar Resource Book. Slap technique bass lines which are often used in the realms of jazz and funk have become exceedingly popular in rock genres. Listening to the isolated bass track, and it’s remarkable how much teeth and steel is in Squire’s tone. Nine years later, it became the basis for MC Hammer's iconic hit "U Can't Touch This," and James won a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1991 as its composer. Listening to the isolated bass track, and it’s remarkable how much teeth and steel is in Squire’s tone. Many funk songs are based on a strong bass line (melody) played by the electric bass player. Funk is an American music genre that originated in the late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, soul jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. But in all seriousness, the upfront funk-thunder that bubbles up after the iconic intro is some delicious 4001 bass clank, and it gives Roundabout body, depth and a groove not too dissimilar to the Miracles’ Love Machine. 29 pages of fretboard and chord diagrams, scales, modes, arpeggios, groove/technique exercises and life-changing practice tips, Enter your email below to get the 7 day email course and ebook. Funk creates an intense groove by using strong guitar riffs and basslines played on electric bass. My weekly newsletter is packed full of bass tips, news, and lessons, plus you'll get an exclusive free copy of The Bass Guitar Resource Book! Don't all Funk songs have good bass? Privacy policy. Brown released "Get Up Offa that Thing" in 1976 as a two-part single. 10 Funk Songs For Bass Players. Why must I chase the cat?...Bow wow wow, yippe yo yippe yay, Unforgettable lyrics from the 1982 George Clinton classic, "Atomic Dog.". Series: Bass Recorded Versions TAB Artist: Various 32 funk classics transcribed note-for-note with tablature for bass, including: Brick House • Car Wash • Fire • Higher Ground • Le Freak • Love Rollercoaster • Pick up the Pieces • Super Freak • and more. By Scott Goldfine. There are many forms of funk and if you want to learn a little about the history as well as how to play a hundred funk grooves, then take a look at 100 Funk Bass Grooves. The Queen of Soul proved she knew how to funk with "Rock Steady." Bass for your face! I’m sure we will find more tracks with awesome basslines… In funk music, the electric bass has a more important role than in other styles of popular music. Our method is going to focus on first listening to the song in order to explore the Context of the bass parts. The song features the ingenious bass line created by the legendary Larry Graham. It was the group's first million-selling single. This song may be the funkiest song Aretha Franklin ever recorded and Bernard Purdie’s incredible funk groove on this track is one to learn. the way to play funk is to play a emphasised ground note on the first beat, then do the funky impro. Billboard ranked it as the number 12 song of 1974. Mark Edward Nero is an expert on the soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues music genres who interviewed dozens of artists and appeared in documentaries. From Parliament's 1977 Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome album, "Flashlight" reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart. Billy Squier – The Stroke. By Mike Duffy. This superb bass part might have been inspired by any number of Motown hits (You Can’t Hurry Love comes to mind), but it’s perfect for this gritted-teeth slab of post-punk angst. Plus, it’s just super fun to play. Slap technique bass brings forth prominence and warmth in a hard hitting note. Wonder received two Grammy Awards for "Superstition" from his 1972 album, Talking Book. To learn more about what to learn and why head to Bass Guitar Syllabus. This is part of my Bass Guitar Syllabus post where I recommend songs in different genres to listen to (and then ultimately try and figure out by ear). Bass tabs of songs by Parliament - 19 bass tabs including Flashlight, Give Up The Funk and Mothership Connection. A year later he delivered his masterpiece, The Stroke. By Mike Duffy. Grooving your way to freedom is the theme of this song, as evidenced by George Clinton's lyrics: Here's my chance to dance my way out of my constrictions. This superb bass part might have been inspired by any number of Motown hits (You Can’t Hurry Love comes to mind), but it’s perfect for this gritted-teeth slab of post-punk angst. It sits very prominently in the mix, allowing bass players to experiment and use slap and pop techniques to express themselves. It was his first recording to feature trombonist Fred Wesley. The funk formula pattern is used on this one, and it's just a case of moving it from the i to the iv chord. Ignore that this line is played by Herbie Hancock's left hand; it's the epitome of a simple repeating bass line anchoring the song. From Aretha Franklin's 1972 Young, Gifted and Black album, "Rock Steady" became her twelfth gold single. Another iconic hit that is defined by the bass line, this easy bass song will energize your listeners. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. 20. But, other than that, it's a great resource for funky bass tunes. Numerous funk songs have become legendary, through radio, television commercials, movie soundtracks, and by being covered by other artists. All of it you can use in your playing. Your email address is safe with me. From John Lee Hooker to Salt-N-Pepa, here are 10 simple songs you can learn on the bass in minutes. This song is a remedy for anyone suffering from nervous tension, as he sings: Get up offa that thingand dance 'til you feel better,get up offa that thingand try to release that pressure. fresh tabs top tabs lessons submit videos Please log in again. It became the group's second number one hit on the Billboard R&B chart. 20. May 20, 2014 #11. clicheband. My weekly newsletter is packed full of bass tips, news, and lessons, plus you'll get an exclusive free copy of The Bass Guitar Resource Book! Well-known funk bass players include Bootsy Collins, Louis Johnson and Larry Graham of Sly & the Family Stone. became Rick James' signature tune. Send me my free book. Sickeningly funky repetitive groove from one of Prince's lesser known songs. It was their second million-selling single. From John Lee Hooker to Salt-N-Pepa, here are 10 simple songs you can learn on the bass in minutes. Fender Play is the complete app for learning to play acoustic and electric guitar, bass and ukulele. FUNKY BASS Line Every Bass Player SHOULD Know // #TeachMeTuesdayWant This Loop? "Superstition" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This is the main groove, but his bass drum patterns vary slightly throughout the song. 100% Privacy Guarantee. Top 10 basslines in Soul and Funk Music. All of those bands and more are in this definitive list of the 20 greatest funk rock songs ever. Send me my free book. Moreover, you can purchase this sheet music in a variety of key signatures. Get started with step-by-step lessons, expert instructors and 100s of your favorite songs. Join 1000s getting free bass tips and lessons every Sunday. May 20, 2014 #11. clicheband. You can't find this anywhere else so don't miss this special offer! A great range of different funk styles. Then we will focus on a bass cover so that we can analyze the Content that the bassist provides to the song. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"2dd0d":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"2dd0d":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"2dd0d":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Insert details about how the information is going to be processed, 20 Tips For Bass Players (Beginner/Intermediate), Bass Guitar Effects Tip: Use A Looper Pedal, 100 Pro Tips To Improve Your Bass Playing, 7 Metronome Exercises For Bass Guitar To Work On Your Timing And Groove. May 4, 2009. mellowinman said: ↑ Doves cry out for a funky bassline. Like many great musical forms, however, funk bass is easy to pick up and difficult to master. If you aren't comfortable slapping/popping, just pluck the strings — sounds good either way you do it.