Lesson Outcomes
At the end of this module, you should be able to do the following:
- Describe what Funk Music is
- Tell what instruments are usually used in Funk Music
- State the characteristics of Funk Music
- Name some popular funk artists
Watch Video on Funk Music Below
Origin of Funk Music:
- African-American communities in the United States in the mid-1960s
- Created from a mixture of Soul, Jazz, R&B & Afro-Cuban
Characteristics of Funk Music
- Rhythmic
- Danceable
- Emphasizes Melody and Chord Progressions
- Strong rhythmic groove of bass line
Dominant Instruments in Funk Music
- Electric Bass
- Drums
- Acoustic Piano
- Hammond B-3 Organ
- Electric Piano
Other Instruments used in Funk Music
- Horns Section
- Saxophone
Artists who have greatly influenced Funk Music
- James Browne
- Michael Jackson
- Isaac Hayes
- Stevie Wonder
- Chaka Khan
- Patti Labelle
- Aretha Franklin
- The Temptations
- Paliarment
- Cool and the Gang
G-Funk Music
This has been mostly used by secular artist, Dr. Dre. With this kind of funk music, he raps over an underlying funk beat. Gospel Artist Toby Mac also does this in some of his songs.
Gospel Funk Artist
- Toby Mac