10 Beginner Funk Drum Beats | Go From "No" To "Pro"

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_______________ 10 MUST KNOW Easy Funk Drum Beats | Stephen Taylor Drum Lesson -- Download the sheet music here: stephensdrumshed.lpages.co/10...
Subscribe to my channel here: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb
I discovered funk drumming when I first began learning the funk drum beats that many of the songs I played on Bourbon Street in New Orleans required. I had never listened to ANY of this funk music, so it was a complete schooling in and of itself. Remember, this style is meant to GROOVE. Pocket is your friend. To quote Parliament...One nation, under a groove. This is a quick lesson on 10 easy and fun funk drum beats you can learn and use today.
Oh, and my apologies for not filming the last drum beat. COMPLETELY dropped the ball on that one but I had already told you at the beginning that I would teach you 10. So, snag the sheet music at the link above and check out that 10th drum beat. Don't worry, I fired myself. But then I had to rehire myself because it's my business. So...you're stuck with me lol.
Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite funk drum beat!
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Cymbal Setup From Left To Right:
All Zildjian
Hats:
16" EFX Crash on top
16" K Light Top Hat on bottom
18" Kerope Crash
22" K Custom Dark Complex Ride
22" Renaissance Ride
Drums:
Tama Starclassic Bubinga with Tiger Wood finish
Sticks:
Vic Firth 5A
Drumheads:
Aquarian
Classic Clear on toms and snare resonant
Response 2 on toms batter
Hi-Velocity on snare batter
Regularor (Ebony) on kick resonant
Super Kick 10 on kick batter
Alclair In Ear Monitors

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Download the sheet music here: bit.ly/2FSG5QU Subscribe to my channel here: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb I discovered funk drumming when I first began learning the funk drum beats that many of the songs I played on Bourbon Street in New Orleans required. I had never listened to ANY of this funk music, so it was a complete schooling in and of itself. Remember, this style is meant to GROOVE. Pocket is your friend. To quote Parliament...One nation, under a groove. This is a quick lesson on 10 easy and fun funk drum beats you can learn and use today. Here's a playlist of all of the songs I cover in this lesson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4qrqXp4fZuiaq8 Oh, and my apologies for not filming the last drum beat. COMPLETELY dropped the ball on that one but I had already told you at the beginning that I would teach you 10. So, snag the sheet music at the link above and check out that 10th drum beat. Don't worry, I fired myself. But then I had to rehire myself because it's my business. So...you're stuck with me lol. Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite funk drum beat!

[@ericmaynard6497]

I want to learn " I'm losing you" (Rod Stewart & The Faces). Any guidance or suggestions? Thanks!

[@alfredosincovich5744]

With this 10 beats you can play the 90% of pop and rock music

[@aaronjennings8385]

No wonder I feel like an imposter just playing the same pattern

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

These funk beats go begging for a bass guitar player. I just play my cheap bongos and enjoy it very much. This was nice to understand what goes on behind the scenes a little. Thanks.

[@gmoney1592]

Theses grooves are definitely all funkified . A lot of classics here man. These are all gonna be great to learn and break out. These are all a lot of fun. And everybody knows the songs . Great stuff as always . Maybe you can do a lesson on the fills that go with these songs. Thanks Stephen as always

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You read my mind lol...coming soon brotha. And thank you for the kind words

[@thomasbentin2205]

Stephen Taylor Still waiting for the fills here! 😉 Thanks for great videos!

[@markricher7362]

Stephen my man, Funk drumming is my thang baby! I was in a Funk band in the 1980's. We had male & female lead singers, backup singers, horns, keyboards the whole 9 yards, we killed it!!! We had paying gigs every weekend for over 3 years until the two lead singers got married and moved out of state (assholes) lol! The female (Robyn) sounded just like Chaka Khan! I still own over 300 Funk/Disco albums! Thank you for including the sheet music and for doing this - Funk Lessons! You da man!

[@BrandochGarage]

3 types of drummers, those who can count, and those who can't... I really enjoyed this video. Took me almost an hour to watch it because I checked out those other songs, and also got stuck listening to the Funkadelic album, "Funkadelic..." -Peace.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Oh, Parliament is a deep black hole that will keep you tied up once you fall in lol

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

1:15 That’s THE band right there! Nice work dude.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Oh, they where it's at!

[@johnellwoodtaylor4769]

I know it’s technically not funk but one of the greatest grooves ever was Alex Van Halen on Mean Street. Not only the funky bass but the fact that he could add ride cymbal on top of that.

[@jeffjohnson2218]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I don’t play drums but I’m researching drum beats in search of inspiration for my own productions. Never realized how much funk I’ve had in my life!

[@MrWCL3]

I love the short format of this video! So many drum instructional videos have gotten really long and boring to watch. Great job making yourself different!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

MrWCL3 working on varying up what I do. Def starting to include some much shorter and to the point lessons.

[@VW.907]

Lol oh stevie. I was playing to a funk backing track. Thought...okay this isnt sounding right, let me see what Steve has..and as soon as your video started playing, so happy....your spirit, energy. So good, thanks man.

[@remoskins1437]

I've always liked the staple singers song respect yourself. Thanks for introducing me to some new songs. Good video, Stephen.

[@socialrehab9234]

Thank you. That has improved my drum programming hugely

[@safi3149]

Love these excellent videos without a lot of information between the beats. Thank you so much Stephen Taylor. As always an awesome job and a great help dor a beginner.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks...so glad it helped

[@uhoh007]

Best pre-beat descriptions I've heard on a drumming tutorial. I don't have drums, but I have an 808 I'm learning, and I can program it from your descriptions alone. No accident I suspect, since I heard the S word ;)

[@hiptoalieu]

Thanks for doing some CLASSIC, GROOVY funk grooves!!! The challenge is making these feel SOOOOOOOOOO good as you are doing! Killi'n swagger and pocket!!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

DWmusic That truly is the challenge. And thank you

[@dirtydave2691]

I seriously recommend learning some funk grooves to young/beginner and novice drummers. It will zazz up your playing quite a bit and its also incredibly fun. Your band mates will look at you in awe!

[@VUKE_fn]

I like how these beats are actually easy unlike some other ones that are like Oh yeah these beats are easy and when you click on the vid the beats are damn hard

[@deepbluntman___8650]

Thanks for your Inspiration allways❤️

[@elmoomle4565]

That was Funk-ing awesome...thanks!

[@gavinvonmeyer3746]

I can't remember what lead me to discover this channel, but I am so very glad that I did and that I subscribed to it. Invaluable, to the point, life changing lessons.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

So glad they help that much my friend!

[@legacykev]

Loving the vids. I am brand new to this, but have been playing guitar and bass for years. Just starting and this is really helping me along the way. Just picked up a Roland TD17K-L set. Following your stuff. Thanks.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad its helping Kevin!

[@drummaman1]

Must wear red codpiece when playing any Cameo. Sorry, I don't write the rules, I just enforce them. ;-p Honorable (important) mention - Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine by James Brown. Jabo and/or Clyde play that groove on many JB tunes. Funk!

[@JorgeChavesAbogado]

Great selection. Muchaa gracias!

[@MattMusicianX]

Love this format. God bless.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Matt Musician X glad you dig!

[@thearthurmigliazza]

Love love love! Thanks Stephen!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad you dug it Arthur!

[@ZeusNasty]

Thanks ST! I’m super glad you offer the sheet music. A a student it helps me a ton to visualize what’s goin on :)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

jesus martinez you bet!

[@tekkau2]

Watching this gives me a lot of fun and inspirations . Thanks man ! Awesome lesson

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad to hear it!

[@DrGray_Drummer]

Would it have been to much to ask to have dressed up like Rick James for this one?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I came THIS close to it...I kid you not...

[@GhostNote42]

@@StephenTaylorDrums 😆😂🤣😅😊😉

[@classixdrummer]

Do the hair treatment to the beard and you are halfway there, Stephen.

[@iansullivan9738]

Have you ever tried playing drums in a coffin? Shit's hard.

[@blablablugh]

WE LOVE THE FUNK! Great videos, Sir!! Thank You.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Michael!

[@salvatorerotondo1068]

Thank you! Stephen, this is a wonderful video. Just starting out on the set and love the funk beats.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet my friend!

[@joejazz67]

I'm glad you have the sheet music I can't stop dancing to these beats

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

joe b glad that sheet music helped Joe. And I’m with you on the dancing lol

[@ABCXYZ-fo4zw]

Your videos are Super Energetic!! I'm watching with my 7 yrs old son.big chunk of his improvements we owe to you . 🤝🥁👍. fantastic work . ones again Big Thanks .

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

So glad they're helping!

[@ComplacencyKills1]

Subscribed man, keep rocking!

[@daft4343]

Great to hear some of the funky Stephen. Great as always!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

daft73 thanks!

[@PavelLitkinBorisovich]

Love this drums sound

[@jasonbigg8341]

Thanks mate. Presented exactly how I like it, clear and concise. Cheers

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Jason...glad you dug it

[@playapat2052]

I appreciate you keeping it funky

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

Love it ! Thank you, Stephen :D

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet Debra

[@andreaperez2690]

Awesome👍

[@roblabig]

😊👍🏼 Great stuff as always, Stephen

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you Rob!

[@chezchezchezchez]

Awesome Steven! Love funk and disco

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Me too. Holds a special place in my heart even though it was well before my time.

[@Julie_Music_Channel]

I ❤️ Funk Thanks for sharing 🙏🎶✨☕

[@DerekTJ]

Superb lesson.

[@johngavin1448]

Great video as always brother

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks John!

[@rye_mac5526]

all very similar..rad none the less!

[@erinrosehubbard]

# 8 is by far my fave!

[@renjo12]

Thank you for the beats man.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jeremy Hamlett you bet!

[@MegaDRUMBASHER]

I play most of these grooves every weekened at gigs!....nice vid!....ALL bout the space

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Oh yea, super useful grooves. And yes, the space is so underrated

[@mbastos71]

Essential.✌️

[@GMaster]

good sound~~~ 멋지레슨 영상이네요~ ^^

[@remygaron8311]

Very informative like always thank you i love it👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦🥁🥁

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Remy, glad it helped

[@tylerspatafore9315]

Perfect video! Straight to the point with so much funky information! Thank you!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Tyler Spatafore You bet Tyler

[@kitgroovemachine]

Great job ! Still working on your motown grooves video too ! Back in the 70’s my buddy Mike used to play drums at a disco on a platform high above the dance floor ! He was playing a lot of these ...

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

This and Motown hold a special place in my heart

[@shivam-tiwari19]

Do you have a video where you demonstrate how to tune your drums like yours and what drumheads you use? I absolutely love the way your kit sounds! Keep up the great work!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks! I have some tuning vids on here but not of my current setup

[@colenavarro9412]

Very funky. Great work

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Meat DP thanks!

[@diddybones]

great format!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

diddybones glad you dig it

[@aquaman22095]

Great stuff as always Stephen

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Andy's Sights and Sounds thank you!

[@omarnajam]

this is one of the most helpful videos I've ever watched

[@sunset6222]

My favorite genre

[@areaboy777]

Good stuff

[@SteveCoxDrums]

Awesome video Stephen! Should totally do a break down of the drum tom groove during the chorus of Give It To Me Baby!! One of my favorite licks to play!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

That makes that song!

[@SteveCoxDrums]

@@StephenTaylorDrums yeah it does!

[@benchapman7586]

Great grooves Stephen!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Ben Chapman indeed they are Ben!

[@J0intV3nture]

Funk yea!

[@chicanochops]

Nasty, these are IT

[@Peter-iq9yy]

Best funky/jazzy/souly beat ever has gotta be diggin' on James Brown by Tower of Power

[@aaronjennings8385]

Solid.

[@dwaters60]

Now you are talking the shit man! Well done!!!

[@zislec]

Nice one buddy 🤘🏾😎🤘🏾

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

zislec thanks!

[@tobyhelgie2029]

Very useful, thanks very much

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet!

[@w00x360]

2:07 that wink/crash sync-up though

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

🤓🕺🏻

[@xxhank]

Haha, excellent stuff....especially Groove #10 ;o)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol...I couldn't BELIEVE I forgot to record that groove.

[@johncuscaden2021]

Stephen for the higher up jazz band at my high school I need to know jazz and latin for an audition can you make recommendations if where to start?

[@wesleydukesapp197]

Thanks

[@josevivacqua3828]

Nice

[@MorgothValar666]

Yo man! Definitely my favourite drum teacher on KZbin!! I've found my own ideas around the kit have been flowing since watching you!! Was wondering if you would do some tool? You're explanations would be handy and would probably provide you with a challenge also :) Cheers for the lesson aa always

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Ryan...I’ll see what I can do

[@joanab5384]

Hello! I also enjoy your lessons. Thank you!

[@anderso59]

Hi Stephen, Thanks for a great channel. I wonder if you can show me how to play ´ You to me are everything´ with the group The Real Thing. It`s some kind of shuffle going on and I need some advice to do it right. Thanks and best regards Anders

[@kimjohnson3802]

Great job

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Kim!

[@jimmydunn2231]

Cool video buddy!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad you dug it Jimmy

[@1TreukFlyyy]

Great lesson ! ,👍😉

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Fresh thanks my friend

[@1TreukFlyyy]

@@StephenTaylorDrums Funk groove is my fav grooves ! Def a good idea if you make a tutorial on the fills that go with them ! I wish I had more time to practice. I am learning piano and it takes so much time !!!

[@tyishameadus4972]

Awesome vidieo and i subscribed

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@Drazer012]

Great video, i've been watching some of your older videos and i have a SUPER important question...when will we be seeeing some of those SUPER deep V-neck shirts again ;) haha

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

TheMMOptimist lol

[@instrumentenfreak]

Dat snare! :-o

[@Teatro47Solis91]

many thanks mast!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

👊🏻

[@danec1384]

You have ridiculously consistent playing!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Dane Colless Thank you Dane

[@danec1384]

2 minutes before you replied, I had just clicked on one of your Stewart Copeland videos!

[@megaforse]

Yay funk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@meekoloco]

Dude! Cool vid! You GOTTA start throwing some glitter in that beard like RJ used to roll!🤣 Great grooves man!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

meekoloco already ordered a glitter set from amazon yesterday. Really getting inspired by this funk stuff...

[@meekoloco]

Stephen Taylor awesome!!! I’m a get me some!!!!!

[@redtailhawk5310]

Groovy!(pun totally intended)

[@willco5431]

Hey, are funk and rock any different when it comes to drums? I was running rocks song over these beats in my head. Seem to fit.

[@club805clothing]

Hi do you have a lesson video that has bass drum patterns like on "Hollywood Swinging?" Thanks

[@VickyVicky-bm7et]

K nice video man

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Vicky!

[@kenfu9334]

sweet like sugar thanks sir

[@junebugsmithington]

Most of these are very basic, but that's ok, people gotta learn from someone!

[@chrismyersdrums]

Yeah Stephen, give it to me baby!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

chris myers always 🕺🏻

[@therealspooks]

Man I learned on a LOT of these songs!! GREAT video!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@benjaminpeternorris]

Love the lesson, and love these funk grooves! Also loving the sound of your snare - I don't see your wallet taped to your snare, so would love to know how you got that groovy funkadelic sound!! - Cheers!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks so much Ben! That's the Tama bubinga snare with a HiVelocity head on top, bottom cranked high, and two small size drumdots on it. Tweaked the top head until it sounded how I liked.

[@benjaminpeternorris]

Ooh very nice @@StephenTaylorDrums definitely will have to experiment with my snare sound.

[@kimjohnson3802]

Check out Dennis chambers on Stanley Clarke and George Duke mothership connection

[@MrSpikebender]

Got a new set in Jan. 2020 because of this covid shit I had extra time to play. Rick James is one of my faves to jam to. As far as my neighbors liking R J. not so much now. LOL

[@markomarkovic5729]

Another great lesson, Stephen! I always tend to add ghost notes to my funk grooves, and I overuse them sometimes, but there's a catch - I often play some (soft) press rolls instead of standard ghost notes. Is that wrong or it can be considered as ghosts? I also like to do accents by playing rimshots in order to increase the contrast between the accent and soft(er) notes

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Nothing wrong with some buzzes thrown in there. They’re still ghost notes. It’s the volume that is the decider. And yes, easy to overplay the ghost notes and let them get in the way of the pocket.

[@mrzachwright]

I’m just imagining Stephen in the Jay and Silent Bob scene: “You don't know Jungle Love? That shit is the mad notes. Written by God herself and sent down to the greatest band in the world: The MF-ing Time.”

[@jeredalmeida1880]

"Fifteen bucks Little man Put that shit In my hand If that money doesn't show then ya Owe me Owe me Owe My Jungle Love!....... Oh wee Oh wee Oh Think I wanna know ya know ya