Cover Photo
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Series
- Song Lessons (Grouped by Technique and Difficulty)
- Technique Lessons
Overview of the Series
Bassist Larry Graham contends that the track featured the first instance of the “slap bass” technique, which would become a staple of funk and other genres. The technique involves striking a string with the thumb of the right hand (or left hand, for a left-handed player) so that the string collides with the frets, producing a metallic “clunk” at the beginning of the note. Later slap bass songs – for example, Graham’s performance on “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)” – expanded on the technique, incorporating a complementary “pull” or “pop” component.
Song Lessons
Each song has a video lesson, tabs, chord diagrams, and insightful tips (if I got around to finishing it). The songs go in order from easy to more difficult and are grouped by the techniques they use. There is also a planned sequence for learning different techniques, so the easiest way to master the technique is to follow the songs in order.
Technique Lessons
The Songwriter’s Grooves Project – How to Sing and Play Guitar at the Same Time in As Many Ways As Possible