Master Louis Johnson's Fingerstyle Groove On This Michael McDonald Tune
Feb 04, 2025
Are you ready to groove like a legend? Louis Johnson, the bass powerhouse behind countless funk classics, is best known for his thumping slap technique. But here’s the twist—today we're diving into a hidden gem of his: fingerstyle bass mastery.
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In this lesson, you’ll discover how Johnson’s fingerstyle playing is a masterclass in articulation, note length, and groove-tight coordination. Whether you're a beginner or dusting off your bass after a hiatus, this breakdown will sharpen your skills and get you locked in with the beat.
Why This Groove Matters
Louis Johnson’s fingerstyle groove isn’t just cool to play—it’s a blueprint for:
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Perfecting Articulation: Learn to control note length for a punchy, clean sound.
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Locking in with the Kick Drum: Discover how bass and drums form the heartbeat of any groove.
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Pentatonic Simplicity: Use simple scales to create jaw-dropping runs.
Step-by-Step Groove Breakdown
1. Listen First, Groove Later
Start by just listening. Notice how Johnson’s bass locks perfectly with the kick drum. That’s not magic—it’s intentional timing.
2. Intro Groove
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Open E sets the stage.
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Add open A to C, then slide to D and E.
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Focus on how your fretting hand controls note length—think of it like opening and closing a faucet to control water flow.
3. The Pentatonic Spice
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Simple E minor pentatonic run starting with G.
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Play: G - E - D - G - E - B with a quick dash of open E - G - E.
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It’s not about speed—feel the groove.
4. Pre-Chorus (B Section)
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A classic 2-5-1 progression common in R&B and soul.
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Target chord: G major with a slick hammer-on from the 4th to the 5th.
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Play around with G - G# - A - D, keeping it tight.
5. The Bridge
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Starts on D, with a slightly tricky timing.
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Pro Tip: Loop this section using SongMaster Pro for focused practice.
Practice Like a Pro
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Slow It Down: Use SongMaster Pro to loop and slow tricky parts.
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Kick Drum Buddy: Practice with drum tracks to lock in your timing.
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Articulation Focus: Mute and release notes intentionally—clean beats make a clean groove.
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Chromatic Walks: Add flavor with approach notes from above or below your target.
Common Groove Pitfalls
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Rushing the Beat: Don’t race the groove. Stay chill.
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Sloppy Note Length: Cut notes with purpose. Sloppy articulation muddies the sound.
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Overthinking Runs: Keep pentatonic runs simple. Groove over complexity.
Ready to Groove?
Rewatch the video, loop tricky sections, and most importantly—have fun with it. Grooving isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling the music.
Want more? Join Groove School for lessons that'll keep your bass journey exciting.
PS: Recommended Tools & Resources
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SongMaster Pro: Loop, slow down, and master songs.
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EarMaster: Boost your ear training and theory chops.
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Tomplay: Interactive sheet music with adjustable tempo.
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Essential Bass Accessories: Must-have gear for every bassist.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember—you’re one groove away from your next breakthrough.