When people tell me that they wish they could just "strum" on piano like they do on guitar, I always tell them they NEED the Funky Piano Accompaniment. This magic rhythm shows up EVERYWHERE! Think 60s soul and R&B, 90s pop, singer-songwriter songs...the list is endless. In this tutorial and video lesson I break down the Funky Piano Accompaniment groove down and show you exactly how to use it. PLUS I show you some song tutorials where I use this groove. Let's go!
What is the Funky Piano Accompaniment?
The funky groove shows up absolutely everywhere - from Otis Redding to Harry Styles. There was a period in the 1990s where this groove was in nearly every dang song on the radio.
Remember that we are not replicating a piano part; rather, we are replicating the drum groove on the piano. You can think of it as L - R - RLRL - R.
Subdivision of the Funky Piano Accompaniment
Here is the same rhythm with a sixteenth note subdivision underneath it. This may help you to subdivide the rhythm more effectively. Consider using the metronome or a drum app like the iReal Pro to subdivide the sixteenth notes for you.
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Variations on the Funky Piano Accompaniment
In this version you can see that we have an extra articulation at the end of each bar. This one works just as well!
Song Tutorials that use the Funky Piano Accompaniment
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