The vital components of funk guitar aren't just about rhythm, you'll need melodic hooks to reel the listener in too. In this lesson, Elixir® Strings player Colin Poulton breaks down the harmonic and rhythmic elements of a four bar phrase that features 16th note syncopation.
Your teacher Colin is a voice of experience, playing 200 shows a year since 2013 and sharing stages with the likes of Earth, Wild & Fire, Heart, Blackberry Smoke and Snarky Puppy. He's also played in the lineup with musicians including Megadeth's Dave Ellefson and Kris Myers of acclaimed progressive rock band Umphrey's McGee.
With so many annual gigs, Colin needs gear that will deliver onstage every night and relies on Elixir OPTIWEB® Coated Electric Nickel Plated Steel Strings in Medium Gauge to bring out the best from his workhorse T-style electric.
“They offer a lot of snap, more pop and a really smooth feel – plus they last forever,” he tells us.
Colin's accessible funk lesson will get you playing the kind of rhythm that works especially well in a band situation, as showcased by the great funk masters including Prince, Jimmy Nolen (James Brown), The Meters' Leo Nocentelli, as well as key contemporary players like Vulfpeck's Cory Wong and Snarky Puppy's Mark Lettieri.
For more information on the full range of Elixir® Strings, visit Elixir Strings.com/guitar-strings.
Colin Poulton plays on the new album from Americana singer-songwriter Skylar Gregg, coming later in 2020. Visit colinpoulton.com for more info.