What the Funk?

Larry Graham invented the slap bass technique that became iconic to funk. He was playing in a duo with his mom, who was a talented musician, at the time and in the absence of a drummer Larry started slapping and plucking to emulate drum sounds. Larry brought this new sound to the masses while playing for Sly Stone. Bootsy Collins, Flea, Les Claypool and many others built off of Larry's innovative bass technique.

Larry with Sly and the family Stone.

Rufus and Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good