Elixir® Strings artist and session ace Greg Karas believes the James Brown band's Jimmy Nolen is one of guitar history's most underrated players, and we're inclined to agree. You can learn so much from the late funk musician's approaches, and while it isn't hugely technical playing, it's all about feel; you just need this short lesson and a metronome to develop it.
How Jimmy Nolen played his parts every single time, that's really the big deal here
Greg Karas
In the tutorial video, Greg has partnered with Elixir® Strings to take you through the key elements to playing on top or behind the beat, and how these small changes in timing make a huge difference to the feel and groove of your funk rhythm guitar parts.
You'll need be to be consistent, just like Jimmy Nolen was. "These parts he played were never super-challenging but it's just the consistency," Greg notes. "How he played his parts every single time, that's really the big deal here."
The OPTIWEB® series has been a total game changer
On the subject of playing consistency, Greg relies on 10-46 gauge Elixir® OPTIWEB®Coated electric strings. The OPTIWEB® series has been a total game changer," says Greg. "My level of trust in my instruments has increased exponentially with the total consistency that this new line of strings has provided!"
For more information on the Elixir® Strings range of electric, acoustic and bass guitar strings visit elixirstrings.com