Lesson Overview
At this stage, you’re no longer a beginner—you’re developing the sophisticated skills that separate good rhythm players from great ones. In Chapter 7, funk is subdivision discipline. you’re the rhythmic glue between hi-hat and harmony.
In this chapter, you’ll maintain a 16th-note grid with tasteful scratches and triad comping on strings 1–3.. You’ll apply these skills to “Use Me (Bill Withers),” breaking down exactly how this technique works in a real song context. Through carefully designed exercises, you’ll build muscle memory, timing, and confidence—transforming technical knowledge into practical ability.
Funk demands precision, pocket, and attitude. Chapter 7 is where your technical skills and musical feel must merge completely. Master this, and you’ll be able to handle any rhythmically sophisticated music.
Ready to dive in? Review the chapter goal, work through the exercises systematically, and remember that quality practice beats quantity every time. By the end of this chapter, you’ll have added another essential skill to your musical toolkit—one that will serve you for the rest of your playing career.
Maintain a 16th-note grid with tasteful scratches and triad comping on strings 1–3.
Why This Matters in a Band
Funk is subdivision discipline. You're the rhythmic glue between hi-hat and harmony.
Listen & Understand
Before you play, develop your musical ear
🎵 Song Spotlight
Alternate Songs
- Cissy Strut (The Meters)
🎧 Listen Tasks (5-10 min)
- Count “1e&a 2e&a…” and mark where the guitar doesn’t play—rests are the pocket.
- Note ghosted up-strokes and short chords.
Learn the Material
Build your technique with structured exercises
📐 Chord Shapes
e|---7--- B|---7--- G|---7--- D|---6--- A|---7--- E|-------
The funk chord - 9th adds color and tension
e|---8--- B|---7--- G|---7--- D|---6--- A|---7--- E|-------
The Hendrix chord - maximum funk tension
X X X X X X Left hand mutes Right hand scratches
Percussive scratching - the funk essential
e|---5--- B|---5--- G|---5--- D|---4--- A|---5--- E|-------
Secondary funk chord for movement
🎼 Rhythm Patterns
Basic Funk 16ths
Accent on 1, ghost notes on e-&-a
Syncopated Funk
Emphasis on off-beats within 16th grid
Nile Rodgers Style
Mix of mutes and chords in 16th pattern
🎯 Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: 16th Note Foundation
All muted scratches: play steady 16th notes (1-e-and-a-2-e-and-a). Right hand never stops moving. This is your funk clock. Say the subdivisions out loud while playing. Every note should be a percussive “chk”.
Rock-steady 16th notes|Consistent scratch volume|Never stopping right hand
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Uneven 16th notes|Right hand stopping|Getting tired and slowing down
Exercise 2: Ghost Notes
Play pattern: LOUD-soft-soft-soft-LOUD-soft-soft-soft. The soft notes are “ghost notes” – felt more than heard. Your hand keeps moving but barely touches strings on ghost notes. This creates funk dynamics.
Clear dynamic contrast|Maintaining 16th motion|Ghost notes barely audible
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Ghost notes too loud|Losing 16th grid|Accent notes not punchy enough
Exercise 3: The Funk Formula
Classic pattern: chord on 1, scratch on “e”, chord on “and-a” of 4. (CHORD-scratch-rest-rest-rest-rest-CHORD-chord). This creates the syncopated funk feel. Lock it in until it’s automatic.
Precise syncopated placement|Clean chord/scratch contrast|Feeling the pocket
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Rushing the syncopation|Muddy chord/scratch mix|Losing the 1
Exercise 4: Left Hand Muting
While right hand plays 16ths, left hand controls what sounds: lift fingers for scratch, press for chord. Practice: chord-scratch-scratch-chord-scratch pattern. Left hand is dancing on the strings.
Independent hand coordination|Clean scratch/chord transitions|No unwanted notes
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Hands not synchronized|Accidental open strings|Pressing too hard on chords
Exercise 5: Funk Pocket Lock
Play with drum loop or metronome on 2&4 only. Create different patterns but NEVER lose the pocket. The pocket is that magical groove where everything locks. Move your body – funk is physical. If you’re not moving, you’re not funky.
Deep pocket feel|Body movement while playing|Creating variations without losing groove
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Stiff body position|Overthinking patterns|Losing pocket when varying
Practice Plans
Choose your time commitment
15-Minute Practice Session
- 8 min: Right-hand ghosting on muted strings
- 7 min: Add triad pops
Master & Check
Apply your skills and verify your progress
🎸 Band Lab (15-30 min)
Time to put it all together with your band!
Bass Player:
You and drummer create the pocket. Play on the 1, leave space. Your notes are events, not a stream. Lock with kick drum.
Drummer:
Kick on 1, snare on 2&4, hi-hat playing 16ths. The hi-hat is the guitar’s best friend – lock together.
Everyone:
The “1” is sacred in funk. Everyone must agree where it is. When in doubt, less is more. Space is funky!
🔧 Gear Tip
A cleanish amp + light comp + hint of delay (slap <120 ms) = tight but alive.
✓ Self-Check Gate
Before moving to the next chapter, make sure you can:
Pocket Cartographer