G-Funk
A subgenre of hip-hop from West Coast gangsta rap in the early 1990s. Slow synthesized grooves, funk samples, laid-back vocals.
Characteristic: Smooth
The Why
G-Funk uses major keys with extended chords (7ths, 9ths) over a slow, swung groove. Fmaj7 instead of F, G9 instead of G. The synth bass plays root–5th–octave, creating a "bouncing" feel. Swung 16th-note hi-hat and deep sub-bass define the West Coast sound.
Harmonic Analysis
G-Funk's harmonic foundation is major-key funk with extended chord voicings (maj7, 9, maj9) borrowed from 1970s P-Funk. Basslines use the root–octave–fifth pattern (the "P-Funk bounce") on synthesized bass. Tempo is slow (85–95 BPM) with swung 16th-note hi-hats. Harmony is often static — one or two chords for entire verses. The signature "G-Funk synth" (Korg M1 whistle) plays pentatonic melodies.