This is something that I learned a couple of weeks ago.Being a person who ussually play Hard Rock and Blues on the guitar, playing funk has been a whole different world to me.The Above diagrams shows some simple funk chords that I believe is the easiest way to kick-start your fingers funking along the fretboard.Most guitarist who play blues or hard Rock will normally have a different style of play, the guitar becomes the star of the show with all its heart-pounding riffs and licks while playing funk is a different style by itself. Normally funk songs gives the other members of the band more room to express their music.Its very important for guitarist to cool down their ego and just step back to the beat of the band,relax and play the chords as funky as possible.
Playing funk on the guitar is not very complex, its simple and its great to jam. One of the ways to learn funk guitar style is to listen to some great grooves by artist like james brown and KC & The Sunshine band and many more.But taking your axe to a studio and jamming with your band will definately improve your funk style as funk music is all about feel just like the blues.
For begineers, just learn some simple chords above and improvise them to give a funky sound.Normally funk guitarist play their music in their own personal style, but they normally play the chords partially. For example, the 9th chord above, they concentrate more on playing the higher notes compared to the lower notes giving it a funky feel and sound.Its best that you pick up your guitar and start exploring.
