Funk Guitar: The Essential Guide by Ross Bolton is an electric guitar instruction book in the Private Lessons Series that explores the rhythmic and harmonic techniques of authentic funk guitar through practical examples and professionally produced online play-along audio. Combining standard notation, guitar tablature, chord names, chord diagrams, and instructional text, it provides a structured resource for guitarists interested in developing funk rhythm and groove.
The book covers movable 7th, 9th, 13th, and sus4 chords, 16th-note scratching, straight versus swing rhythms, slides, single-note skank techniques, palm muting, songs, chord progressions, and additional stylistic concepts associated with funk guitar performance. Online audio is accessed with the unique code included inside the book and features 70 full-band tracks that can be streamed or downloaded. The included PLAYBACK+ audio player allows users to slow recordings without changing pitch, create custom loop points, change keys, and adjust left-right balance for more flexible practice and study.
By pairing written instruction with full-band accompaniment, this edition helps guitarists hear rhythmic details in context while exploring groove, timing, articulation, and chord movement within authentic funk arrangements. The combination of notation, TAB, diagrams, and interactive audio encourages focused practice while providing a practical reference for private study, lessons, rehearsal preparation, and expanding a funk guitar repertoire.
Song List
Brick House * Cissy Strut * Shining Star
Whether used during regular practice sessions, as a companion for private instruction, or as a thoughtful gift for a guitarist interested in funk music, this edition delivers a well-rounded learning resource that combines written guidance with immersive audio examples.