Prolifically utilized in pop, funk, soul, and R&b, the “bubble part” is a populular guitar technique. Characterized by it’s rhythmic potency, the bubble part is a single-note line that is often repetitive and relatively simple. Yet, this part has the potential to sit in the pocket and drive a groove to new levels.
In his course, Funk House: Bubble Parts, Carl Burnett reveals the essentials when it comes to creating your own bubble parts.
Here are 10 video bubble parts rhythm guitar lessons from the course. For the full course, check out Carl Burnett’s Funk House: Bubble Parts on TrueFire!
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Feelin’ Lucky: Track Analysis
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Firstly when talking about the bass motion I said BbMaj7 when clearly it’s Cmaj7 🙂 Continuing on with some similar concepts, once again time and groove is everything. Watch my hand as I am about to play. You will see it moving before a note is even played. Take away the ability to jump right in on a part and make it groove! Though you may find it not as exciting as a blazing solo, being able to lock these grooves will make your lead playing better too. You don’t have to be a Madonna fan to take away something from this one. “Lucky Star”
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Feelin’ Lucky Bubble Part 1: Performance
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Since I’ll be showing you two parts here, let’s take a look at the first one. I’ll play it up to tempo first, and then break it down for you!
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Feelin’ Lucky Bubble Part 1: Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Now, lets break this down before I show you part number 2!
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Feelin’ Lucky Bubble Part 2: Performance
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Here, we’ll look at part number 2. I’ll perform it for you first, and then break it down!
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Feelin’ Lucky Bubble Part 2: Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Lastly, let’s break this part down. Feel free to jam on this using the backing tracks on TrueFire.
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Funky Five: Track Analysis
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Lock in the time all the time! The first part uses a single note with scratch to add more energy. The 2nd part is back to the percussive bubble style. Pay attention to my right hand rhythm and articulation.
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Funky Five Bubble Part 1: Performance
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Here we go! I’ll play part number one for you so you can hear how it sounds, then we’ll break the rhythm and articulation down.
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Funky Five Bubble Part 1: Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Let’s break this down. This one is a single-note line as to stay out of the way of the bass player, who has a busier line to play.
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Funky Five Bubble Part 2: Performance
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
Here’s part number two! Watch me play, and try to get a feel for it. Then we’ll talk about it in-depth.
Rhythm Guitar Lesson – Funky Five Bubble Part 2: Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this rhythm guitar lesson
This part is to compliment the other part that landed more on the downbeat. Lets take a look!
Digging these free bubble parts rhythm guitar lessons? Check out Carl Burnett’s Funk House: Bubble Parts.