Master Funk Bass with This Killer Exercise Inspired by “Play That Funky Music”

Today, we’re diving into something funky, something groovy, and something that will help you build fretboard awareness, improve your technique, and learn how to transpose bass lines like a pro.

We’re using the bass line from Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” as the foundation for this lesson, but we’re taking it a step further – turning it into an exercise that’ll get you moving all over the neck. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be comfortable shifting between positions, incorporating chromatic motion, and really locking into that funky groove. So grab your bass, and let’s get into it!

Step 1: Locking into the Groove in E

We’re kicking things off in the key of E. This is home base for bass players – it’s comfortable, it’s got that open E string, and it just feels good. We’re thinking in E minor, focusing on:

• Root & octave (E – 7th fret on the A string)
• Fourth & fifth (A to B)
• Flat 7 to octave (D to E)

Now, technique-wise, we’re keeping it simple but effective. We’re using our index finger and pinky to lock into a box shape – what I like to call the “Blues Box.” This keeps everything compact and easy to navigate.

Step 2: Nail the Rhythmic Articulation

The key to this groove? Rhythmic articulation.

We’re starting with a punchy, short open E note, moving into a quick hammer-on from A to B, and then another hammer-on from D to E. The trick is that the open E isn’t meant to ring out – it’s more of a ghost note to add feel and momentum.

If you slow this down too much, it won’t feel right. So, once you get the notes under your fingers, work on speeding it up to really lock in that funky pulse.

Step 3: Moving to G Using Chromatic Motion

Once you’ve got the groove solid in E, it’s time to transpose – and we’re doing it with a chromatic walk-up.

We’re going E > F > F# > G to smoothly transition to the new key. When we land on G, we’re playing the same groove, but now everything shifts up to fit in G minor:

• Root & octave: G – 3rd fret on the E string, 5th fret on the D string
• Fourth & fifth: C to D
• Flat 7 to octave: F to G

The cool part? You’re using the same rock and roll fingers (index and pinky) to keep everything comfortable. Plus, the hammer-ons and ghost notes stay the same – you’re just shifting the pattern.

Step 4: Taking It Up to B Flat

Now we’re getting into the fun part – moving by minor thirds.

We started in E, moved up to G, and now we’re going to take it up to Bb using the same chromatic approach. The shape stays consistent, and now we’re playing the groove between the 6th and 8th frets.

• Root & octave: Bb – 6th fret on the E string, 8th fret on the D string
• Fourth & fifth: Eb to F
• Flat 7 to octave: Ab to Bb

Once you’ve got this locked in, you can really start thinking about how these shapes move across the fretboard. This is what makes this exercise such a great fretboard workout!

Step 5: Running the Full Exercise

Now that we’ve established the groove in multiple keys, let’s put it all together:

1. Play the groove in E four times.
2. Walk it up chromatically to G and play it there.
3. Walk it up to Bb and play it again.
4. Work your way back down: Bb > G > E.

This whole exercise helps with:

• Transposing bass lines effortlessly
• Improving position shifts
• Mastering chromatic motion
• Building confidence across the neck

Pro Tip: Make It Groove

One of the biggest takeaways from this lesson? Groove comes from feel, not just notes.

Make sure you’re nailing the dead notes, the punchy articulation, and keeping the tempo up. If you slow it down too much, you’ll lose that funky vibe. Play along with the original song, practice with a metronome, and really dig into the feel of the groove.

Final Tips for Mastering Funk Bass Lines

This exercise is not only a great way to play “Play That Funky Music” but also a fantastic tool for learning to transpose grooves, strengthen technique, and build fretboard fluency.

Happy practicing, keep it groovy, and I’ll catch you next time!