The core thesis of Laboriel’s instruction is that the bass is a servant instrument. Unlike rock or metal, where the bass often doubles the guitar or plays a melodic lead role, funk bass is about the "pocket." Laboriel emphasizes that technique is merely a tool to express joy and serve the ensemble.
Analyze his recordings to understand how these techniques are used in a musical context. Conclusion
Funk is as much about the notes you don't play as the ones you do. Laboriel emphasizes the use of the left hand (or fretting hand) to lightly damp the strings while the right hand strikes. This creates a percussive, drum-like scratch sound known as a ghost note. basslessonabrahamlaborielbeginningfunkbass1pdf top
Elias plugged in his battered four-string. He started with Exercise One: a basic funk octave jump. But as he followed the PDF's specific instructions on "The Laboriel Grip," the sound changed. It wasn't just a "thump" anymore. It was a percussive, woody growl that felt like it was coming from the floorboards rather than the amp. The Transformation
When studying materials like the "New Bass Concepts" transcriptions , remember these tips: The core thesis of Laboriel’s instruction is that
Ready to get started with Abraham Laboriel's Beginning Funk Bass Lesson? Here are a few tips:
Minute one: boring. Minute five: his index finger felt numb. Minute fifteen: his right hand found a pocket he didn’t know existed. The space between the clicks became a soft, velvet cushion. Minute thirty: he closed his eyes. He wasn’t playing a note anymore. He was listening to the silence around the note. The ghost note—a percussive slap of the string against the fretboard—suddenly spoke. It said: “I am the funk.” Conclusion Funk is as much about the notes
The included lesson book (the sought-after PDF) is not just a transcription of the video; it is a standalone workbook. Based on standard Hal Leonard formats, it likely includes: