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This concept is deceptively simple. Laboriel teaches that funk is not about what you play, but when you play it. By delaying ghost notes and syncopations around a rock-solid downbeat, the student learns that tension and release begin with the assurance of the tonic. The "one" becomes the anchor from which all rhythmic deviation (the essence of funk) is measured.
Specifically how he uses the Pentatonic and Blues scales to build funk riffs. The Impact
Abraham Laboriel Sr. is the most recorded bassist in pop music history. With over 4,000 albums and 10,000 sessions (including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder), he didn't just play bass—he redefined it. basslessonabrahamlaborielbeginningfunkbass1pdf top
Funk is an auditory tradition. Always try to pair written exercises with audio or video examples to capture the subtle swing and phrasing that standard notation cannot fully convey.
The dedicates an entire page to this:
Abraham Laboriel Beginning Funk Bass instructional materials, including the lesson booklet (PDF) Or do you want to add some hashtags
| Category | Techniques & Concepts | | :--- | :--- | | | Thumping (the slap), Snapping & Popping (the pull) | | Right-Hand Mastery | A key focus of the lesson, covering fingerstyle and percussive mechanics | | Rhythm & Groove | Developing a solid funk rhythm and the crucial skill of playing with a drummer | | Essential Theory | Application of pentatonic scales and triads , which are the lifeblood of funk basslines |
To truly grasp the Beginning Funk Bass curriculum, listen to Laboriel’s work on albums like Dave Grusin’s Friendship or his sessions with Steve Khan.
Funk is as much about the notes you don't play as the ones you do. Laboriel emphasizes the use of the left hand (or fretting hand) to lightly damp the strings while the right hand strikes. This creates a percussive, drum-like scratch sound known as a ghost note. The "one" becomes the anchor from which all
This article will provide a complete guide to this classic lesson, covering its content, why it remains a gold standard for funk bassists, and how to get the most out of it.
When studying materials like the "New Bass Concepts" transcriptions , remember these tips:
The search for reveals a deeper truth. You aren't just looking for a file. You are looking for permission to play less and feel more. You want the "top" level of instruction because you want to skip the noise and get to the soul.