20 minutes from class - Chord Theory

 

Boogie Funk Style Overview - Scroll Down for Audio Demo

In this session we'll explore the world of Boogie Funk, where deep synths, silky basslines, and raw groove come together. Inspired by the modern funk pioneer DāM-FunK, this workshop explores the art of creating infectious, synth-driven beats that pay homage to the ‘80s Boogie Funk and 90's G-Funk while staying fresh and futuristic.

From lush chord progressions and bass-driven grooves to analog synth textures and that signature drum machine beats, you’ll learn how to craft tracks that feel alive with funk energy. Whether you’re a producer, beatmaker, or just a fan of that unmistakable bounce, this session will give you the tools and mindset to bring Boogie Funk concepts into your own productions.

The Funk Philosophy

• What makes Boogie Funk unique and how DāM-FunK revitalized the sound.
• The role of synths, drum machines, and live synth feel in the genre.

Groove & Swing Secrets

• Programming basslines that lock into the pocket.
• Drum machine beats: how to make it bounce just right.

Synths & Chords

• Smooth, expressive chords and lead lines.
• Extended Chord Theory
• Using Ableton's Poli and Bass Synths

Bass That Talks

• Crafting basslines that drive the groove.
• Velocity Programming

Signature FX & Textures

• Spacey Arp Runs
• Vibrato Accents
• Bass Slides

 

Although prior music theory knowledge can help, this workshop is for all levels, so whether you’re diving into Ableton for the first time or seeking to refine your skills, you’ll leave with techniques to elevate your production game.

 

2 Ableton Project Examples

 

2 Boogie Funk examples using the 1st and 2nd chord progressions from the MIDI Pack.

 

Boogie Funk Ableton Template

An empty project loaded up with all the sounds you will need to create a Boogie Funk and/or G-Funk track. Including Drums, Bass, Synths for chords, Leads, Arps, Vibrato accents and more. All tracks are mixed and panned accordingly with Tape effect and mastering limiter.

Don't forget to go under File -> Save Live Set as a Template

 

Project from Class

Follow along with everything we did in class. Drum Programming, Chord Progressions, Bass, lead, riffs and arps.

 

Drum Machine Selector Kit

Each pad of this special drum rack holds up to 128 samples. Use the Sample macro for each pad to quickly change the drum sound in context or even automate for quick drum variation. This custom selector kit is loaded up with all the classic vintage drum machine sounds used in Boogie Funk.

 

Chord Progression MIDI Pack

A collection of chord progressions specially for the style. Works great with keys and/or pad sounds like the ones loaded up in the template.

 

Synth FX

Most modern synths today come built-in with internal FX. These FX are now an essential part of synthesis and sound design.

When using Ableton’s synths we don’t have built-in because we have al the effects separated and need to load manually.

I’ve created this rack for the most essential effects to make your synth patches sound bigger and more impressive.

Macros

Comprss – One-knob smart synth compressor

Saturate – Harmonic Booster

Low Cut – High Pass filter up to 250Hz

High Cut – Low Pass filter down to 250Hz

Phaser – Phasing amount

Chorus – Classic chorus Effect

Echo – Stereo Echo

Plate Verb – Convolution plate reverb

 

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• 3 Boogie Funk Ableton Projects
• Boogie Funk Ableton Template
• Vintage Drum Machine Selector Kit
• Synth FX Audio Effect Rack
• Boogie Funk Chord Progressions MIDI Pack
• PDF with a list of Sample Packs & Free Plugins for the style

 

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.