In this comprehensive article, we will break down everything you need to know about this legendary course, the techniques it covers, the genius of Abraham Laboriel, and why this material should be at the top of every bassist’s learning list.
The instructional series Beginning Funk Bass by Abraham Laboriel is a foundational resource for bassists looking to master the rhythmic and technical nuances of funk. Often accompanied by a PDF booklet (commonly found as -Bass-Lesson-Abraham-Laboriel-Beginning-Funk-Bass-1.pdf
Before diving into the technical exercises, it is essential to understand the man behind the method. Abraham Laboriel has played on over 4,000 recordings, collaborating with legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Al Jarreau. His style is characterized by:
Focus on consistent tone while switching between fingers, mimicking a conga player's rhythmic freedom. 2. Left-Hand Tapping and Independence basslessonabrahamlaborielbeginningfunkbass1pdf top
Understanding how to use quiet and loud notes to create tension and release.
: Demonstrations on how to use the thumb as a pick for a heavy, low-end attack. Snapping & Popping
Laboriel focuses on the percussive nature of the instrument, urging students to think about the groove's structure rather than just the melodic notes. In this comprehensive article, we will break down
The second pillar of Laboriel’s beginning funk method is the mastery of the ghost note . Unlike rock bass, which often holds whole notes, or jazz bass, which walks quarter notes, funk bass treats the instrument as a hybrid of bass and snare drum. Laboriel’s exercises typically involve muting the strings with the fretting hand to produce a percussive "chuck" or "pop" that falls on the backbeats (beats 2 and 4).
If you are exploring this curriculum, here are the foundational pillars you will work on: 1. The Right Hand: The Engine of Funk Funk bass is driven by the right hand. Laboriel emphasizes:
The "funk" often lives in the notes you don't play. Ghost notes (or dead notes) are rhythmic clicks produced by relaxing the left-hand pressure on the strings while maintaining contact. Abraham Laboriel has played on over 4,000 recordings,
: Diagrams for right-hand stroke techniques, including p-i-m (thumb-index-middle) strokes. Artist Biography
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