Tutorial: Learn 5 funk licks on keyboards!

Want to learn some funk licks on keys?
Here I show you 5 simple ones that you can easily slot into your playing style.

[@stupid4President]

1:36 First lick 2:58 Second lick 4:35 Third lick 6:30 Fourth lick 9:55 Fifth lick

[@kiko1935]

Pretty dope to see a successful musician who doesn't need to make videos like this sharing the knowledge

[@lincolnmmitchell]

Yes!!!

[@ricoF71]

I so agree! He is such a nice guy isn't he!

[@user-xx6wd5cs7j]

Totally!!

[@peterwelsh1932]

Dope to see a mutha' like this (who doesn't need to make videos) sharing the wealth.

[@JoeyJustJoking.]

Successful people dont settle , everydays a hustle

[@812cp]

I had to watch parts of this over and over again because I kept getting so distracted by that stunningly beautiful Vintage Vibe EP that I didn't really hear what he'd said.

[@taubennedjensen]

Amen! That looks soooo sweet

[@norakat]

The color! Oooh

[@davidbaker231]

So, checking out the licks--it's actually the left hand stuff and the chord fragment rhythmic stabs that make them so cool. So maybe talk about that stuff in future. Maybe take some stock chord changes and show a couple of cool left hand things and some right hand rhythm stabs. I would dig that. Like a bed to drop those licks into. What you played at 4:25-4:35 was super cool. I'd love to have that in my toolkit.

[@AndreaAustoni]

I agree. It's the bouncy left hand stabs that make "simple" blues phrases very funky.

[@bhmi9090]

+1

[@drummadave]

Same here. Great vid- but would love to get a breakdown of the left hand.

[@orcsong]

Absolutely. The right hand lines are impressive but the left hand give it all a place to live. So good!

[@FlatTire]

Same here... I can play right hand easily but left is where I suck 😬

[@DaraM73]

A lot of folks would appreciate thought process behind left hand riff & chord progressions.

[@filtafacta]

Yeah for sure! Mine is stuck playing octave on the root or root and fifth too much. Many thanks :D

[@DaraM73]

@@filtafacta it’s just a question of walking the fingers and signposting the next progressions, if that makes sense. Slow it all down and listen to some soul, repeat!

[@hermeslord]

yes, thats interesting me more than the solo licks

[@jtcarpenter6357]

I’m assuming everyone else is loving the left hand work in this video?

[@AndreaAustoni]

Yes. I guess there's lots of us with a very white left hand :)

[@StudioBonn]

...there's a left hand...?

[@aslegu]

This is brilliant! Thank you, Matt, for showing it slowly so that slow learners with 9 thumbs like myself have the chance to pick it up. 🤗 Kenny Werner’s technique of effortless mastery always resonnated with me and being able to figure out the muscle movements are great value!

[@richardperry2421]

I don't mean to bore you but I have a testimony. I started playing for church when I was 13, have been to service (Navy) played there too. Now, unfortunately when I was 42 I had a 5way by-pass, 7 strokes & a few TIA's (I'm 54 now). My timing is slightly off, stopped playing in 2012. Now, I'm trying to get back in the groove again. Thanks to a neighbor & friend who comes by and pick me up every now and then to give me some therapy & keep me active (had to stop driving). My style of playing was gospel, jazz, funk, but I wanted to give you props for giving me inspiration & a GOOD tutorial on playing "funk licks" on the piano, Thanks a lot.

[@itsgoubie]

Lovely! For a beginner on the keys like myself, to see how simple the licks actually are is an encouraging thing. Agility comes with time.

[@cp-the-nerd]

You have a wicked left hand. I really gotta work on that more than anything.

[@PutItAway101]

In one of these videos, Matt talks about spending a lot of time playing live in a duo where he was doing basslines with his left hand, it really got him to the next level.

[@cp-the-nerd]

@@PutItAway101 I saw that one, it came out recently!

[@unclemick-synths]

@@cp-the-nerd I really took that to heart. I've stopped playing basslines with my right hand.

[@user-nl9sx2hy1e]

I really appreciate you. Since I went to music school long ago as a bassist and guitarist and I have been learning keys and singing over the past decade, I am hip to music theory and theories of learning and your presenting a lot of technical knowledge you have rather set me free to plug in the different keys and intervals as necessary in my own evolution which is what seems to be your point. Extremely helpful!

[@luihtuckwell9863]

Please could you make a tutorial on chord progressions? either some of your favourite or how to make them. Thanks!!

[@nikoxkain]

Yes, great idea!

[@ToniJXN]

Oh yeah 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Pettemusic]

Yes, please chord progressions!! ✌️✌️✌️ thank you!!!

[@mmr291194]

Yes! All the voicing selection process and theory stuff its so nutritive to me

[@christofferainek]

”...and then you just speed it up” - proceeds to turn the speed up from challenging to beyond ludicrous in a heartbeat 🤯😆 Quite impressive sir. Thanks for these! This is just what a self taught keyboard nerd like me needs to break out of ruts and really push my limits.

[@Williamk492]

I could watch and listen to this all day 👍🏻

[@christopherhammell9904]

Went to the comment to ask for some left hand work and found that it is filled with the same idea. You are so great at this. I’m learning and that is the fun part. Thanks

[@frederickobrien48]

You are amazing ! I grew up on Lee Michaels, Rascals, Doors and played key bass (Hohner) with my B 3. thanks for keeping the fires burning.

[@edouardmusic]

This has to be the greatest music channel.

[@mikebedik3686]

Yay! finally found a channel for keyboardists that feels like Nashville session man Tom Bukovac's channel for guitarist! Thanks Matt!

[@theaudioeng]

Cheers Matt, it's raining cats here, so something to lock myself away with in the studio.... and practise those funky licks!! Have a great weekend!!😎🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹👍🎶🍻

[@JerseyPB]

Counter rhythm playing is so important to have in the tool box. Great vid. Cheers.

[@thejakeyboi]

I am in no way a keyboard player, I'm just here to listen to you play. Thanks man.

[@arkeys74]

That Vintage Vibe sounds and looks amazing! 😃👍

[@sanmarinojr]

The Deluxe sounds amazing

[@MJ98774]

Reminded me of Bob James' theme from "Taxi", when slowed down, but a lot cooler and more modern Thanks Matt for the great tutorials. There are not enough funk keyboard instructional vids out there, let alone taught by one of my favorite group's keyboard player. Awesome!

[@renerenatorivera9062]

I thought the very same. TAXI theme!

[@williamgraham8761]

Think I'll ask matt if he would do "taxi" breakdown.😊

[@Allsystemsaredown]

Great licks played with superb feel. I also love the way they are sensitively incorporated into the parts you play.

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Thanks Matt! Your generosity with the wisdom is greatly appreciated! Best, Daniel 🙏🏼

[@tonisiret5557]

Last lick is almost "Cissy Strut". And I've always loved the "Blow Your Mind" intro. Thank you sir!

[@marcuskingstanley9522]

jazz, funk and blues. what a trio! yes i got something out of that......joy!

[@guilhermepaulino6778]

Matt, you're so inspiring to hear and see. Please keep this kind of content coming. Could you share with us how you developed your musicianship and piano technique and any practical recommendations and insights that might be helpful to us mortals?

[@raymondgreene9600]

What you have just shared is rock solid advice. God bless you and yours.

[@tessabendelow5438]

Matt same here I was 5 when I started playing piano. Made the mistake of not playing for a few years during my teens. Thankfully started playing again early twenties and haven't looked back since. Would love to get a career in music preferably singing.

[@Hamfantasy56]

Great musician, player, teacher

[@Alguandre]

That piano sounds as great as it looks! It deserves your hands. Congrats!

[@EuphoniaPooch]

You've got a Vintage VIBE!!!! I am a big fan of that channel. So cool to see one featured in vid like this.

[@NickCapron]

Thanks Matt, these tutorials really help me out by picking up some new tricks/techniques.

[@thejamifan-os4oh]

Just awesome to watch n enjoy let alone learn! Love the tone of these keys 🎹🙌🏻🙏🏻😎

[@katiebyrne9441]

Matt is pure.

[@AlexFCarl]

The lows from these keys are soooo crunchy. Awesome.

[@LocaliLLocano]

Thank you Matt. You are a gentleman and a scholar

[@jeffwackenthal7725]

Thanks Matt!!! great!!!!its great to have a real great musician givin us all this!

[@VK2XXL]

I'm a long time jazz enthusiast (Miles Davis, Erroll Garner, Ahmad Jamal etc) and listened to your music since I was in high school and now taking up piano in my 30s again, just for a bit of fun, time to get some keyboards as well! Thanks! Andrew.

[@ginamisramusic]

I've been improvising on keys for over 20 years (as long as I've been a jamiroquai fan!) and these videos have really improved my playing. I legit take notes while I watch. Thank you!!!

[@DonaldWaughmusic]

That left and right hand bouncing lick is so cool. I am trying it out on other lick I use, also in different keys. It is a whole world of ideas. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Amazing!

[@olgalanaki]

Yeeessss!!!! Super!! Like all of them!!! Thank you!! ♥️

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Just found your awesome video this morning! Looking forward to more. Subscribed. Pairs really well with my morning coffee btw. Thank you.

[@AncientEnergyEyesOpen]

I really enjoy following along with your tutorials. My biggest issue is fingering. I slow your videos down to watch your hands. It helps quite a bit. Thank you for these.

[@williamgraham8761]

Loved the licks tutorial, No 4 sounds great, I'll have a go, be back to your videos soon.thanks. Billy Graham from bonnie Scotland.😊

[@chemsilva]

What a surprise, a tutorial from a professional fellow! Many thanks from Brazil!

[@louspicks7261]

This is great but the left hand changes are what really makes these licks sound great, IMO!

[@aaronrivers64]

Awesome and more awesome tutorial video. I'm more motivated to play after after watching these videos from you. Thanks for sharing!

[@adamf2951]

My funkiness level just improved at least a zillion times!

[@davidsummerville351]

Stumbled on this video and decided to subscribe. Great tone on that piano. Thanks

[@humanze]

Oh man I love that Vintage Vibe! It's dreamy. My skill level prohibits me from ever making the investment😭. Such great tutorials, so generous of you🙏

[@homar68]

I was very impresed by your groove and clarity of sound (congrats!). Can you show or explain the chord progression you used with the licks?

[@josephwright5921]

Great tips and killer chops! Sweet looking electric piano . . .so shiny!💥💥💥. I think I would get one in cobalt blue!

[@joshjamesuk]

Hey Matt I'd love to see a tutorial on Jazz/Funk/NeoSoul chord Progressions!

[@thepartimemusician65]

Ooh Yes Matt,lovin this funk adventure you have got going,LOVE IT.

[@WayTwo]

These videos are great. Keep em coming!

[@MusicFed]

The intro to blow your mind blew my mind

[@ruudvincent6078]

Thanks a lot again for these fantastic tutorials. As other people also mentioned the left hand chords makes these licks so complete. Some specific chords I am searching for. Love these funky chords!

[@summerlaverdure]

hey thank you so much for all your videos? i appreciate this so much!

[@cashnasty7]

Hey, we really appreciate these tutorials more than you can imagine. Keep them coming!

[@888berg]

More Please -- these videos are the Goldilocks zone of ultimate funk flex

[@ericthielmusic9897]

Great licks! LOVED this lesson. We need more like this on KZbin - the great ones are hard to find. I'd love for more just videos like this, and how to construct a solo from beginning to end would be awesome too. Maybe come up with a 16-bar solo and teach us the whole thing? ;)

[@oriomenoni7651]

Hello, great licks! I have a request, I would like this same tutorial but focused on the left hand: how do you choose the voicings that you use for your comping to these licks, and why. Left hand comping is often neglected compared to right hand work, but I feel it is essential! I see that you change and alternate comping shapes, inversions, notes... left hand comping tutorial please!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

I will think on that. The problem is it's very instinctive so hard to explain!

[@oriomenoni7651]

@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai From a player of your caliber, any advice will help!

[@tdzucker]

Matt Johnson Jamiroquai what do you contribute to the instinctive nature? Especially regarding rootless voicings - what aspect of your background really helped you solidify those skills?

[@blehoo1]

Completely agree here. Great to see your right hand lighting the fireworks but the LH stuff for me is even more impressive. I'd like to get better and more fluent with more complex chord voicings.

[@mijaatin]

This was ace! More than I dared to hope for. Couple of ideas for videos: how about your personal idols. How they’ve influenced your choice of harmony and rhythym playing and what is your own current approach - is there any Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway inspired licks that we all could learn from with respect to harmony and rhythym?

[@mainmajo]

First Time i love „Slow-Motion“ on the Tube. L G Majo 🎹🎼❤️👍

[@andrekriening1]

Absolutely crazy hands. Currently writing funk tune for the band. Not sure our piano guy can pull this off. Brilliant.

[@chriscastellon6970]

don't know if I want to go practice, or quit right now! LOL thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent with us!

[@Roland_Tr909_Swing]

Thanks for sharing the dark arts of playing.most musicians are very secretive

[@philippezsiga1125]

thanks a lot for the time you take to make these videos and for your empathy. when i was a teenager i would never have thought that one day Jamiroquai keyboardist will give keyboards lesson! It would be even more great if you could had some tips for the left hand or the left hand chords that match the licks. Thank you so much , your videos are very refreshing and interesting. Philippe from France

[@Joshuanyc73]

Thank you for all the sweet riffs. You're a great teacher.

[@kamilkrzys]

That last left hand lick reminds me a drum fill 😁 superb! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@thiagobraga7664]

Brasil here!!😁 thank you for lessons!

[@anthonypocetti]

Awesome licks! I hope we get to hear more!

[@lucasmendes2705]

Matt! i'm not Kplayer! but i'm loving to see you're teaching! Congrats! Big Fan!

[@rbzbsb]

Couldn't help but start humming the rest of Blow Your Mind.

[@Williamk492]

Thank you for this clear lesson! 👍🏻

[@Funkybassuk]

I enjoyed that. Had to pause the video in the middle to listen to some Bob James. 👍🏽

[@Connie-bf3vb]

You're awesome mate! Thanks heaps! Can use for myself as well as students. Cheers & all the best! Connie from Australia

[@kyle.esmithmusic]

Awesome! I just started learning the intro of Blow Your Mind on keys, that's one of my favorite tunes! Thanks!!

[@Brucenator100]

Thanks... nice teaching... basically how I think... and struggle... you are so fast on the keyboard... I will be back...🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@elasticoGomez]

I love all your videos; especially the funk videos

[@thomasbraune2923]

Very good, please more !

[@LiberLotus]

Wonderful tutorial Matt, thank you again! That Vintage Vibe Rhodes just knocks it out of the park. I'd love to hear more of it; you're doing exactly what I'd like to learn.

[@acheron4444]

So grateful..! Thanks Matt for share your knowledge and skills

[@DJSidhu24]

I'm very glad i found this channel

[@user-sg5jg6eh9c]

Great!!! Thanks Matt 😊

[@VintageVibePiano]

Thanks Matt! Great lesson! especially liked when you started throwing in the left hand to go along with the right.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Chris!

[@claudiobenitez6665]

Incredible thanks thanks!!!!! more videos like this chord progressions and licks!! please!!

[@Art-zs6sl]

You drop the deepest, most directly helpful stuff. Thanks!

[@DJ_Detox]

loving you videos matt! very useful tips + very good principles of teaching and as if that wasn't enough it gets presented as beautiful funk licks. priceless work you're doing, big ups!

[@mmr291194]

Please more tutorials! Awesome to see them coming from someone who plays that good. Everything you play is so inspiring, it make me instantly want to go try everything!!!!

[@UandMisterG]

Thx Matt, generous and precious

[@JakeFS]

This is really wonderful! I would LOVE a video demoing some of the bass lines you're playing in your left hand! Or even just a tutorial fixated on left hand techniques!

[@heisenbergwalter3363]

the sound of the vintage vibe.....better than a rhodes to me :) I don't have the "real" keyboard but i have keyscape by spectrasonics and the vintage vibe sounds pretty good ! Thanks for the lesson maestro!

[@douglascoleman1252]

Yes! We DO dig the hell out of the tutorials...

[@gtoctane]

Love that Vintage Vibe Matt! Absolutely magnanimous of you to be taking the time to do these videos and I completely love your comments and expressive gesturing to how to you play and feel music. Please don't stop doing these cause I probably speak for many that these are wonderful.

[@henningriez7655]

this content is pure gold!

[@yaronbrecher7397]

matt is simply number one the best