Mastering the Basics Isn’t Basic

"I’m still trying to figure out why Cory Wong is a famous guitarist playing basic funk guitar." This YouTube comment raises an intriguing question about the perception of mastery in 2025.

Minneapolis-born Cory Wong is best known for his funky guitar work and for touring worldwide playing his original music with his own band or collaborating and performing with Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers. While many consider him to be a modern master of his craft, others criticize his playing and writing as "basic".

Take the most famous band he plays with, Vulfpeck. Arguably, none of the players are virtuosos, but when they come together under the leadership of Jack Stratton, they create magical performances like their headline at Jazz à Vienne in 2024 (link in comments). Very few would argue that Vulfpeck aren't at the top of their game, despite not being individually the best technical players around or collectively redefining technical brilliance.

So what's going on? At the heart of this is an undervaluation of the talent, commitment, and practice required to unlock the maximum impact from the basics. Mastery does not need to be about pushing the art of the possible.

What both Cory and Vulfpeck share is a commitment to precision and simplicity, where each instrument contributes without dominating, allowing them to transform simple rhythms into unforgettable grooves, resonating with audiences worldwide. Does Cory play the best guitar solos ever recorded? No. Does he have the flashiest rhythmic parts? Also no.

Perhaps, then, working to become the "best basic funk guitarist" is as valid and laudable a goal as pushing the envelope of what's possible with a guitar in your hand.

How might this apply in your work? Are there areas in your field where mastering the basics creates results that are anything but basic?