"Let’s Get Your FUNK ON!”… Bass Riff of the Week #6 (L#124)

This week i’ve been on a “Tower of Power” listening marathon so I thought it would be fitting to model this weeks bass riff around a funk feel with a 16th note groove to it.

If you haven’t heard T.O.P before, you need to come and join the party… these guys are one of the funkiest bands on the planet, and happen to have one of the tightest rhythm sections you’ll have ever heard - the one and only Rocco Prestia on bass and David Garibaldi on drums.

To hear Rocco and David in action, check this out.

Ok, let’s look at the riff.

This weeks riff is based around a D dominant 7th sound with a few sneaky chromatic notes added here and there to spice things up a little. If you’re not sure what a “D Dominant 7th” is don’t sweat it, I run through it in this lesson. But as a caveat, if you’re not working on your chord tones or arpeggios yet, you’re going to need to start prioritising them within your practice time as they are the harmonic foundation of everything you’ll play as a bass player. They are an essential part of the language, and to get your bass playing to the next level understanding them and being able to use them is a must.

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)