Library   /   Courses   /   Funk Improvisation

Funk Improvisation

Get instant access to the videos, sheet music, and backing tracks for this course with a PWJ membership!

Start Your Free Trial
Instructor
Jonny May
Course
Intermediate
02:12:42

The most comprehensive Funk improv course! Learn the Funk progression, how to build sweet 4, 5, & 6-note lines, funky riffs, and funk left hand bass accompaniments.

Course Objectives
  • Learn the left hand 7th chords and 4 grooves
  • Discover funky melodies with 3-note, 4-note, 5-note & 6-note concepts
  • Learn how to play in multiple octaves
  • Learn Jonny's top 6 riffs
Learning Focus
  • Groove
  • Improvisation
  • Riffs
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Excellent course
Great content. Amazing explanation. Thank you Jonny May.
Great reminders
I am a veteran gigging musician and I found this course to be a bit slow at first, especially the first lesson, but like all of the content I've found at PWJ, it provided a solid foundation for the rest of the lesson. I needed to hear again that a three-note melody can be just as interesting as a melody that has a ton of notes in it. Forcing myself to stay "locked" in one grip position really unlocked my creativity. I have been stymied by feeling like I am playing the same thing up and down the keyboard. By staying in one spot, I was able to come up with new ideas! So important and so needed. Thank you Jonny!
So fun
I loved learning the short riffs and overcoming the challenges of putting them with the 4 backing grooves
Challenging rhythms with cool funk sounds!
This course eases you into funk improvisation with only two chords, lots of riffs using anywhere from 3 -6 notes (which can be mixed and matched for a great solo), playing in multiple octaves, and discovering you have learned the blues scale without knowing it ahead of time. A great way to impress your family and friends. No need to wait till you have mastered easier courses, and will greatly assist you in feeling rhythms and syncopation without constantly counting. Also, frees you to create your own rhythms and riffs. A definite confidence builder!

Course Lessons

1
Funk Improvisation – Lesson 1
20:28

The Chord Progression, 4 Left Hand Grooves

View lesson
2
Funk Improvisation – Lesson 2
45:09

Slides, 3-Note Melodies, 4-Note Melodies

View lesson
3
Funk Improvisation – Lesson 3
40:43

5-Note Melodies, 6-Note Melodies

View lesson
4
Funk Improvisation – Lesson 4
26:22

Multiple Octaves, 6 Super Funky Riffs

View lesson
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Excellent course
Great content. Amazing explanation. Thank you Jonny May.
Great reminders
I am a veteran gigging musician and I found this course to be a bit slow at first, especially the first lesson, but like all of the content I've found at PWJ, it provided a solid foundation for the rest of the lesson. I needed to hear again that a three-note melody can be just as interesting as a melody that has a ton of notes in it. Forcing myself to stay "locked" in one grip position really unlocked my creativity. I have been stymied by feeling like I am playing the same thing up and down the keyboard. By staying in one spot, I was able to come up with new ideas! So important and so needed. Thank you Jonny!
So fun
I loved learning the short riffs and overcoming the challenges of putting them with the 4 backing grooves
Challenging rhythms with cool funk sounds!
This course eases you into funk improvisation with only two chords, lots of riffs using anywhere from 3 -6 notes (which can be mixed and matched for a great solo), playing in multiple octaves, and discovering you have learned the blues scale without knowing it ahead of time. A great way to impress your family and friends. No need to wait till you have mastered easier courses, and will greatly assist you in feeling rhythms and syncopation without constantly counting. Also, frees you to create your own rhythms and riffs. A definite confidence builder!
Related Courses
Funky Blues Soloing 1

Master the soloing techniques of Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, & Richard Tee with this comprehensive course.  Learn soloing scales, lower/upper position, line building tips, riffs, & more.

Funky Blues Soloing 2

Master the sounds of Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, & Richard Tee, with this funky-blues improv course. Learn left hand grooves, scale for soloing, slides, turns, riffs, & runs.

The Bible of Blues Riffs 1

The most comprehensive course on Blues licks and riffs! You'll learn 60 essential riffs, including single-note riffs, double-note riffs, ostinatos, runs, & how to combine riffs.

Join Us

Get instant access to this Course and other member features with a PWJ membership!

Guided Learning Tracks

View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels

Progress Tracking

Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress

Downloadable Resources

Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks

Community Forums

Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums

Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!

Get Started