How to Play Guitar Like Cory Wong

Cory Wong is a highly skilled guitarist, known for his signature funky, groove-heavy playing style that blends elements of jazz, funk, and rock. While Cory’s rhythmic playing often feels bass-driven, he is not a bassist—he’s a guitarist who incorporates tight, percussive elements commonly associated with bass into his playing. If you want to emulate his style and sound, there are several key techniques and concepts to focus on. From his rhythmic precision to his smooth, punchy tone, here’s how you can start playing guitar like Cory Wong.

1. Master the Funky Rhythm

At the core of Cory Wong’s playing is his impeccable sense of rhythm. Funk is all about tight, syncopated grooves, and Cory’s guitar work is a perfect example of this. His style leans heavily on rhythm rather than lead playing, often acting as a driving force in the band.

What to do:

• Focus on the off-beat: Cory’s rhythm parts often emphasize the upbeats (the “and” of the beat). Practice strumming on the “ands” to build that syncopated, funk feel.

• Use muted strums: One of Cory’s signature techniques is incorporating muted strums or “chicken scratch” riffs. To achieve this, mute the strings with your palm while you strum, creating a percussive sound that locks in with the rhythm section.

• Play with the pocket: The groove is everything. Make sure your strumming hand is tightly synchronized with the bass, creating a groove that feels effortless and bouncy.

2. Use Clean, Funky Chords

Cory Wong’s guitar tone is clean and precise, with plenty of space between each note. He often uses sharp, clean chords with minimal sustain, which helps keep the rhythm section clear and the groove driving forward.

What to do:

• Incorporate seventh and ninth chords: These chords, often seen in jazz and funk, are staples of Cory’s sound. Experiment with dominant 7ths, minor 7ths, and major 9ths, especially on higher strings for a more percussive effect.

• Choppy chord voicings: Play the chords with a percussive, almost “choppy” feel—this technique helps the notes stand out clearly without getting too muddy. You can achieve this by lifting your fingers off the strings quickly after striking the notes.

• Minimalist chord shapes: Often, Cory’s chords are simple but effective, using small, tight shapes that emphasize the groove rather than complex fingerings.

3. Funky Lead Lines and Single-Note Riffs

When Cory Wong does play lead, his lines are typically short, funky, and precise. His lead work often complements the rhythm rather than dominating the mix, adding subtle melodic flavors that enhance the overall groove.

What to do:

• Use short, syncopated phrases: His lead lines are often broken up into short, sharp bursts rather than long, flowing solos. Play in shorter, more rhythmic phrases to match the vibe of his music.

• Use chromatic runs: Cory frequently uses chromaticism (notes that are a half-step apart) to add tension and flavor to his lines. Try incorporating chromatic notes between key chords to give your riffs a more complex, jazzy feel.

• Use slides, bends, and accents: Make your single-note lines expressive by incorporating subtle slides and bends. Cory’s lead work is full of slight variations in pitch and timing, adding personality to each note.

4. Work with Effects and Tone

Cory’s tone is one of the most distinctive aspects of his playing. He uses a combination of effects, amp settings, and guitar techniques to create his unique sound.

What to do:

• Use a clean, punchy tone: Start by dialing in a clean tone with a slight touch of overdrive. Cory’s sound is punchy but not overly saturated—think clarity and precision, not distortion.

• Add a chorus or flange effect: To get closer to his signature tone, add a subtle chorus or flange pedal. This will give your tone the wide, shimmering effect that complements his funky rhythms.

• Use a compressor: Compression helps tighten up the dynamics of your sound, making it more percussive. Cory Wong uses a compressor to maintain an even, snappy tone that cuts through the mix.

• Set a high midrange: For that crisp, sharp sound, dial up the mids on your amp or EQ pedal. Cory’s tone often has a pronounced midrange that helps his guitar sit perfectly in the mix without sounding too harsh.

5. Focus on Groove Over Speed

Unlike many virtuosic guitarists who prioritize speed or technicality, Cory Wong’s playing is all about groove and feel. His ability to lay down a solid rhythm while adding just enough melodic flair is what makes his playing stand out.

What to do:

• Don’t rush: Focus on timing and precision rather than speed. Play with a relaxed, confident feel and let the groove drive the song forward.

• Lock in with the rhythm section: To truly play like Cory Wong, lock in with the drummer and bassist. The guitar and bass create the backbone of the groove, so practice syncing up with a rhythm section or drum track to get the feel just right.

• Embrace space: Don’t be afraid of silence. Cory Wong often leaves gaps in his playing to let the rhythm breathe. Use rests and pauses to create more dynamic and impactful grooves.

6. Study His Influences

Cory Wong draws heavily from a variety of genres, including funk, jazz, R&B, and even pop. To truly understand his playing, it helps to dive into the music that influences him.

What to do:

• Listen to funk legends: Cory Wong cites funk pioneers like Prince, James Brown, and Nile Rodgers as major influences. Listen to their music to get a sense of the rhythmic foundations and stylistic elements that Cory incorporates into his playing.

• Explore jazz fusion: Cory’s playing is also inspired by jazz fusion guitarists like John Scofield and Pat Metheny. Pay attention to their use of chord voicings and melodic phrasing to get an understanding of his harmonic approach.

• Check out his solo work: Cory’s solo albums are a goldmine of guitar techniques, from funky rhythm playing to virtuosic lead lines. Spend time transcribing his riffs and solos to get a deeper insight into his style.

Final Thoughts

To play guitar like Cory Wong, you need to focus on groove, rhythm, and precision. By emphasizing funky chord voicings, tight rhythm playing, and expressive lead lines, you can start to emulate his unique sound. Above all, remember that Cory’s style is all about the feel—get into the pocket, lock in with the band, and let the groove take over. Cory’s mastery of rhythm and tone shines through in every note he plays. Happy playing!