The best thing about learning to play funk guitar is that you will have so many new tools in your guitar playing arsenal that you can apply to all kinds of genres. We tackle the rhythms, chords, lead lines and subtleties you need to play in this style.

  • Lesson 1 - Dominant 9th Chords
    In this first lesson we take a look at two shapes for the dominant 9th chord. This is a great introduction to funk chords as it is used so often. We then apply the chord to a cool funky groove.

  • Lesson 2 - 16th Note Strumming
    In our second lesson we take a look at the most essential rhythm style in funk playing, the 16th note subdivision. As always, we will back up all the theory and teaching with a cool song to practice your new groove on!

  • Lesson 3 - Major Triad Chords
    In the third lesson of this course, Simone shows us how to use 3 note triad chords to their fullest in funk music. Think major chords are boring and too easy, think again! You'll fall back in love with major chords after this lesson!

  • Lesson 4 - Ghost Notes
    In this lesson we build on our 16th note strumming skills by starting to add in some ghost notes! These are subtle rhythmical slaps, pops and crunches that bring the groove to life!

  • Lesson 5 - Minor Triads
    Time to add more chords to our funky repertoire! This time it's all about the minor triads (root, minor third and fifth). Simone will show you exactly how to use these awesome chord shapes in a more funky way, using just three string chord shapes.

  • Lesson 6 - Strumming Masterclass
    In this lesson Simone really takes a good look underneath the hood of advanced funk strumming. We see how to move your wrist properly, how to get loose and many more cool tips to take your rhythm to the next level.

  • Lesson 7 - Minor 7th Chords
    We are now ready to tackle the awesome minor 7th chords, which are so important in funk music (As well as so many other genres). We take a look at the two main positions for the chords and how to play them with a funky feel!

  • Lesson 8 - Single String Melodies
    We will now take a break from the chord playing, and start looking at single string bouncy melodies. The idea is to bring the 16th note groove and rhythm into your lead approach, which Simone walks you through here.

  • Lesson 9 - Two String Melodies
    We continue where we left off in the previous lesson with two string melodies. We therefore need to take a close look at how to maintain your bouncy alternate picking whilst crossing individual strings. This is probably one of the most important funk lessons for any lead guitar player, so strap in and take note!

  • Lesson 10 - Putting It All Together!
    In our final lesson from this course we will be putting everything we have learnt together in one super cool track. We'll be including a variety of chord shapes, 16th note strumming, ghost notes, double string melodies AND learning how to combine all of these techniques fluently!