Funk was made for bass. To bass players, it seems strange when members of the public don't quite know what you do (this happens depressingly often...). With funk; they know. The late 60s onwards heralded a golden age for bass players with players like Bootsy Collins and Bernard Edwards placing the bass up front.
If you want to play funk bass you need a great groove that's for sure. In terms of note selection, it's crazy how many basslines use the four notes taught in this lesson:
​
Funk Bass Intervals
Intervals are what we're talking about here and it's the root, fifth, minor seventh and octave: the currency of funk bass.
For more bass lessons start here, or browse the back catalog where you'll find lessons on groove, reading, theory, gear, practice, fretboard knowledge, songs to play and more.