With so many genres of music and the ever-expanding and evolving music scene, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish one style from another. There have been so many overlaps that it is now possible for a song to have multiple sub-genres. However, despite the fact that this is so, there are still some characteristics in funk music that clearly differentiate it from the rest.

In a nutshell, funk music is described as having a heavy beat through the use of heavy bass riffs and funk basslines. But it’s impossible to understand this without first identifying the instruments that are most often used in this genre of music. The most common are the bass -which is considered paramount-, the electric-rhythmic guitar, the drums and a brass section, normally made up of trumpet, saxophone and trombone. Identifying these components is vital because each one plays a very important role in the overall sound of the music.

As mentioned above, the bass is a prominent element in funk. Before this genre came to the fore as a favorite in popular music, the bass was largely unincorporated by other styles. But it’s what gives funk the melodic foundation that is often the centerpiece of the song. It also gives funk music the rhythm that is crucial to its dance ability.

Apart from this, the slap bass method of playing the guitar has become fundamental in the definition of funk music. This technique is performed by using the joint bone of the thumb to strike the lower strings near the neck of the guitar, allowing the vibrating string to come into contact with the metal frets. This provides a prominent buzzing tone with a sharp connection and higher frequency vibration.

The electric guitar is another key instrument in the interpretation of funk music, although it does not share the same role as the funk bass. Its main goal is to be rhythmic, repeating the same simple chord or sequence of chords for most of the song, without variation. This type of playing is reminiscent of a percussion style in which riffs are used to strengthen the drum elements.

Because the guitar takes over the rhythmic role, it is the brass section, primarily the three aforementioned horns, that provide the main work. Although uncommon, horns are also used for soloing in songs more than any other instrument.

There would be no funk music without the drums. While this instrument is naturally part of the rhythm section of any band, its importance in funk is exceptional. The key to the steady rhythm of the music genre is the ability to adapt to the repetition of drumming.

But these self-playing instruments can’t capture that upbeat, rhythmic funk sound. Even more important than each individual instrument is the funk music principle of a strong, steady rhythmic line that each player adheres to. That’s the real thing about funk: making funk bass, drums, electric guitar and brass make music as a team. Funk music does not have soloists, rather it has the sound of an ensemble.