What are the important techniques to know for playing surf? I know things like tremolo picking and using a whammy bar for effect but whenever I try to play surf on my own I just can't seem to make it sound like I think it should. Any advice at all would be great, I just feel like I'm missing a few pieces of the puzzle.

Tell us your gear setup, and a few bands you'd like to emulate.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

Hey there, I heard these two tracks back to back while driving at work today. I think they kind of fit in the "surf inspirred pop punk" thing.

La Luz - Sure as Spring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sabH3JTvOI
For this track, sounds like a Strat, interesting spring reverb. Doesn't sound like Fender, but fucking rad. I desperately want to get a gig with these ladies.

The other track of Forbidden Fruit by Tijuana Panthers, but I couldn't find that to listen to online(unreleased as of yet).

The trick to surf inspired pop punk is really going to be a long dwell reverb(but not too drippy)in big barre chords or partial powerchords. MoAM was like this and so is that band I linked to above. And then throw in some lead guitar whether or not you throw in any surf technique really won't matter I would think. As long as you got a ballpark sound and good music, that will be good enough for me! You don't need clean guitar, but you also don't want crunching distortion. You don't get the Frontman to break up, but when you get a tube amp the key will be to let it break-up naturally(and boy will it ever at volume).

Youtube has good ideas, I don't know all the technical terms, but as suggested palm mute is good tool to have. Also learning songs you like first at slow than at various speeds works out too in doing that you very well may find the sound or idea that you hear in your head just keep digging . You have already one valuable technique that will serve you well and that is being willing to be taught, best of luck in your surf journey!

JakeDobner wrote:

The other track of Forbidden Fruit by Tijuana Panthers, but I couldn't find that to listen to online(unreleased as of yet).

Found it on Amazon

-Damon.

JakeDobner wrote:

I just e-mailed the La Luz ladies about my selling a double bill gig with them! Cross your fingers for me.

fingers crossed

And thanks everyone for the suggestions and ideas, I'm open to any advice anyone wants to give.

JakeDobner wrote:

Hey there, I heard these two tracks back to back while driving at work today. I think they kind of fit in the "surf inspirred pop punk" thing.

La Luz - Sure as Spring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sabH3JTvOI
For this track, sounds like a Strat, interesting spring reverb. Doesn't sound like Fender, but fucking rad. I desperately want to get a gig with these ladies.

The other track of Forbidden Fruit by Tijuana Panthers, but I couldn't find that to listen to online(unreleased as of yet).

The trick to surf inspired pop punk is really going to be a long dwell reverb(but not too drippy)in big barre chords or partial powerchords. MoAM was like this and so is that band I linked to above. And then throw in some lead guitar whether or not you throw in any surf technique really won't matter I would think. As long as you got a ballpark sound and good music, that will be good enough for me! You don't need clean guitar, but you also don't want crunching distortion. You don't get the Frontman to break up, but when you get a tube amp the key will be to let it break-up naturally(and boy will it ever at volume).

Absolutely Great! Thanks for the tip, Jake.

~ dave

stratomatic wrote:

Picking and or fretting

When you're really trying to maintain a fast tempo while double-picking.... and you feel like you can't keep up, and are losing authority over the guitar.... try relaxing the strength of the attack. Try it home while playing with a quick tempo record. While maintaining the fast tempo, slowly reduce the right hand attack right down to where the pick may fall out of your hand onto the floor. Get into control of being able to play almost where the pick falls, and all points in between up to hard, full volume hits. This will give you the ability to reduce the pain, and make you play more dynamically .
~dw

...and the man knows of what he speaks. Just listen to his playing. Relaxation is the key to control and speed. A tight arm will cramp up and slow you down. Almost-daily practice with a metronome or recording will help forge those synaptic links of deep muscle habit to yield the needed control. Practice, Practice, practice.

...and then more practice.
SlacktoneDave wrote:

stratomatic wrote:

Picking and or fretting

When you're really trying to maintain a fast tempo while double-picking.... and you feel like you can't keep up, and are losing authority over the guitar.... try relaxing the strength of the attack. Try it home while playing with a quick tempo record. While maintaining the fast tempo, slowly reduce the right hand attack right down to where the pick may fall out of your hand onto the floor. Get into control of being able to play almost where the pick falls, and all points in between up to hard, full volume hits. This will give you the ability to reduce the pain, and make you play more dynamically .
~dw

Squink Out!

the most important technique: remember to breathe while playing surf