Funk Drumming Archives - Modern Drummer Magazine

Funk Drumming

Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

Half-Time Shuffle-Funk Exercises in African-American Funk

This month, we move the backbeat of the shuffle groove over to beat three. What this does is transform the shuffle into a half-time, triplet-based funk groove, which we’ll call “shuffle funk.” The Purdie shuffle made famous by the legendary…

By Jonathan Joseph
Mar 31, 2023

"Rock Steady" Demystified - Four Steps to Mastering an Advanced Funk Groove

Have you ever checked out Bernard Purdie’s beat on Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady”? And what about the classic drum break that includes Purdie’s signature hi-hat bark? That’s one of the most recognizable funk licks of all time, and we’re going…

Jim Payne
Feb 23, 2017

"Rock Steady" Demystified - Four Steps to Mastering an Advanced Funk Groove

Have you ever checked out Bernard Purdie’s beat on Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady”? And what about the classic drum break that includes Purdie’s signature hi-hat bark? That’s one of the most recognizable funk licks of all time, and we’re going…

Jim Payne
Feb 23, 2017