Funk drumming often incorporates clear syncopation and rhythmic permutations, fun sticking patterns, hi-hat barks and openings, ghost notes, linear patterns, and a strong sense of one. Combine some of these elements and add your unique blend of groove sauce, and the dance floor will surely move.
For educational purposes, let’s go straight to the masters and check out some hip 16th-based groove sample transcriptions. In Beat Note, you can slow them down, loop them, and shed along. These drummers are incredibly unique and have their own sense of feel. Let’s dissect these in straight 16ths; then, you can hear where the masters take them with their lilt and deep pockets.
In This Article
“Unwind Yourself” by Marva Whitney with master Clyde Stubblefield on drums
Unwind Yourself - Marva Whitney
Clyde Stubblefield lays down a killer track here. His sly syncopations on any recording are a benchmark.
Open Unwind Yourself - Marva Whitney in the Beat Note app to change the tempo
“Take Me To The Mardi Gras” by Bob James with master Steve Gadd on drums.
Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Bob James
Steve Gadd is the pillar of groove and feel on anything he touches.
Open Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Bob James in the Beat Note app to change the tempo
“Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin with master Bernard Purdie on drums.
Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin
Bernard Purdie is a charismatic R&B, soul, and funk legend with groove style for days.
Open Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin in the Beat Note app to change the tempo
“Cissy Strut” by The Meters with master Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste on drums.
Cissy Strut - The Meters
Zigaboo Modeliste is innovative beyond any other and a New Orleans legend.
Open Cissy Strut - The Meters in the Beat Note app to change the tempo
“Squib Cakes” by Tower Of Power with master David Garibaldi on drums.
Squib Cakes - Tower Of Power
David Garibaldi’s iconic sound and feel is unprecedented. Check out any of his recordings for groundbreaking control and innovation.
Open Squib Cakes - Tower Of Power in the Beat Note app to change the tempo
To hear the originals, I have compiled these in a Spotify playlist.
I hope you enjoyed this beat collection with the greats.
Happy drumming! -Z