Drums · Level 6 · Funk
Funk groove with ghost notes
Don’t just read about the funk groove with ghost notes. Play it.
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Very soft ‘ghost’ snare notes between the backbeats fill the groove with sixteenth-note motion.
Tap an instrument name to mute it and play that part yourself.
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a steady groove.
- Press play and listen to the whole groove twice before you play.
- Mute every row except the hi-hat (or ride) and play along with the rest. Play ghost notes from just above the drum, barely touching it, and the backbeats from high up.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 63 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 90 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a big gap in volume between ghost notes and backbeats.
Listen for
Aim for a big gap in volume between ghost notes and backbeats. A common mistake is playing the ghost notes too loud so the backbeat disappears.
Why it works
Ghost notes are felt more than heard. They give funk its tight, busy pocket.
Questions
How do you count the funk groove with ghost notes?
It is in 4/4. Count 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the funk groove with ghost notes at?
Start around 63 BPM and work up to 90 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it four times in a row without mistakes.
Is this drum lesson right for my level?
It is a level 6 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “6/8 groove”.