Spy music

dontrunfrombears

Joined: Nov 05, 2021
Posts: 62

Posted on Jun 18 2023 05:05 AM

For any of you guys that have written surf songs with a spy element to them

Have you got any tips about how to get the spy vibe?

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psychonaut

Joined: Dec 08, 2007
Posts: 1303
2 Download Pins

Posted on Jun 18 2023 03:28 PM

dontrunfrombears wrote:

For any of you guys that have written surf songs with a spy element to them

Have you got any tips about how to get the spy vibe?

A good chord to explore is the famous "James bond" chord, spelled minor7/major9 .

The similar minor/maj7 chord works well for spy stuff too

Diminished chords can add a lot of suspense also

—

https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger
http://coffindaggers.com/
http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com

Last edited: Jun 18, 2023 15:33:05

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DannySnyder

Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11045
Berkeley, CA
United States

Posted on Jun 18 2023 07:29 PM

Victor is absolutely right, those chords create that air of mystery and intrigue. Why? That's the magic of music.

To piggy back some more tips. Spy music is more dynamic and has more space in the arrangement than your typical surf song. Rarely are there rhythm guitars chugging along. There's judicious use of vibrato/tremolo and the lower registers of the guitar twangy leads. Often there's a jazzy feel to the bass parts, like walking bass lines. There's a sweet spot with the reverb too, the equivalent to onboard reverb moderate versus stand alone heavy drip. There's tons of great examples, and there's really no rules other than do what sounds right to you.

couple old threads...
https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/29102/
https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/3701/
https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/30811/

—

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

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Reverbenator

Joined: Jul 26, 2015
Posts: 258
San Diego, Ca
26 Security Pins

Posted on Jun 18 2023 09:35 PM

+1 To the above comments. I also like to sneak in some chromatic riffs, with the passing sharps/flats creating a little tension within the melody.

As Danny stated above, the judicious use of reverb/tremolo is important, too. Back in the late 90’s, The Aqua Velvets recorded an album called Guitar Noir. While it isn’t strictly a Spy album per se, it was a departure from their usual Surf Music format. The songs have little if any reverb, and most of them lean heavily on the use of tremolo. That gives the album the dark and moody feel, where it gets its title.

If you can listen to some to some of them, you should be able to glean some good examples of how to incorporate the Spy feel or element into your compositions.

—

-Cheers, Clark-

-Less Paul, more Reverb-

Last edited: Jun 18, 2023 21:36:32

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synchro

Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4417
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
United States

Posted on Jun 19 2023 12:04 AM

There’s definitely a different approach between Surf and Spy. Clean guitar sounds are common to both, but the feel is quite different, with suspense being the dominant feel of Spy music.

The two best examples I can think of, from the standpoint of learning about the genre, could be found by watching Goldfinger (and perhaps some of the other early Bond films). Spies In The Night (the James Bond Theme) is rendered through out the Bond films and you can take in how the brass parts are used to punch up the parts. There are a lot of variations used throughout these movies, and there’s a lot to learn from.

A few years ago, I watched the movie Charade. The theme song opens the movie, as a choral piece, in a lush arrangement. But throughout the movie, that theme is repeated, using some tremolo guitar, and the song takes on a completely different character. I’ve been playing Charade as a Jazz Waltz for years, but the same changes and melody can be very suspenseful with light ‘verb and a tasteful amount of trem’.

It might be worthwhile to search out some of the ‘60s TV Spy series, such as the Avengers, and just take in the music. Even the theme from Get Smart is pretty cool.

Apart from that, brush up on harmonic minor scales, because a lot of the Spy music lives in them.

Psychonaut: I love that Em nat 9 voicing.

—

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

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dontrunfrombears

Joined: Nov 05, 2021
Posts: 62

Posted on Jun 19 2023 03:52 PM

Wow thanks for the advice and tips guys

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murph

Joined: Dec 16, 2010
Posts: 340
Chapel Hill, NC
4 Calendar Pins

Posted on Jun 20 2023 07:21 AM

My humble attempt at something with a spy-noir edge to it. The title is a nod to Bond's drinking game in Skyfall.

https://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy/song/27648215-scorpions-kiss

-murph

—

http://www.reverbnation.com/elmiragesurf
http://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy

"I knew I was in trouble when the Coco-Loco tasted like water!" -- morphball

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Phrygian

Joined: May 31, 2021
Posts: 24
Chicago
United States

Posted on Jun 20 2023 07:54 AM

Another element to incorporate for a spy sound is liberal use of the tritone - #4/b5. Here is one of my favorites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUaFqvfgLRQ

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dontrunfrombears

Joined: Nov 05, 2021
Posts: 62

Posted on Jun 20 2023 09:43 AM

murph wrote:

My humble attempt at something with a spy-noir edge to it. The title is a nod to Bond's drinking game in Skyfall.

https://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy/song/27648215-scorpions-kiss

-murph

that’s great

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Padraig

Joined: Feb 26, 2022
Posts: 389
Dollars, Taxes
United States

Posted on Jun 20 2023 11:07 PM

Murph, that is rather good. I really liked Phantom Waves as well!

—

Patrick

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bigtikidude

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25531
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
United States

Posted on Jun 20 2023 11:29 PM

Not spy really,
But I like to think of some Tremolo Beer Gut
As dark evil spy music.

—

Jeff(bigtikidude)

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dontrunfrombears

Joined: Nov 05, 2021
Posts: 62

Posted on Jun 21 2023 05:05 AM

bigtikidude wrote:

Not spy really,
But I like to think of some Tremolo Beer Gut
As dark evil spy music.

yes I think so too, their song Las Vegas is amazing

Top

murph

Joined: Dec 16, 2010
Posts: 340
Chapel Hill, NC
4 Calendar Pins

Posted on Jun 21 2023 06:40 PM

Hey, thanks guys, glad you dug it... much appreciated!

-murph

—

http://www.reverbnation.com/elmiragesurf
http://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy

"I knew I was in trouble when the Coco-Loco tasted like water!" -- morphball

Top

dontrunfrombears

Joined: Nov 05, 2021
Posts: 62

Posted on Jun 23 2023 08:20 AM

Do the major minor 7 chords fit well together? Like for example if you played in a e minor key you’d use the equivalent grouping?

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psychonaut

Joined: Dec 08, 2007
Posts: 1303
2 Download Pins

Posted on Jun 23 2023 10:17 AM

dontrunfrombears wrote:

Do the major minor 7 chords fit well together? Like for example if you played in a e minor key you’d use the equivalent grouping?

Just treat it like you would any other minor chord. Harmonic minor scale works over it.

—

https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger
http://coffindaggers.com/
http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com

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dontrunfrombears Joined: Nov 05, 2021 Posts: 62	Posted on Jun 18 2023 05:05 AM For any of you guys that have written surf songs with a spy element to them Have you got any tips about how to get the spy vibe? Top
psychonaut Joined: Dec 08, 2007 Posts: 1303	Posted on Jun 18 2023 03:28 PM dontrunfrombears wrote: For any of you guys that have written surf songs with a spy element to them Have you got any tips about how to get the spy vibe? A good chord to explore is the famous "James bond" chord, spelled minor7/major9 . The similar minor/maj7 chord works well for spy stuff too Diminished chords can add a lot of suspense also — https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger http://coffindaggers.com/ http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com Last edited: Jun 18, 2023 15:33:05 Top
DannySnyder Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11045 Berkeley, CA	Posted on Jun 18 2023 07:29 PM Victor is absolutely right, those chords create that air of mystery and intrigue. Why? That's the magic of music. To piggy back some more tips. Spy music is more dynamic and has more space in the arrangement than your typical surf song. Rarely are there rhythm guitars chugging along. There's judicious use of vibrato/tremolo and the lower registers of the guitar twangy leads. Often there's a jazzy feel to the bass parts, like walking bass lines. There's a sweet spot with the reverb too, the equivalent to onboard reverb moderate versus stand alone heavy drip. There's tons of great examples, and there's really no rules other than do what sounds right to you. couple old threads... https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/29102/ https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/3701/ https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/30811/ — 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 Top
Reverbenator Joined: Jul 26, 2015 Posts: 258 San Diego, Ca	Posted on Jun 18 2023 09:35 PM +1 To the above comments. I also like to sneak in some chromatic riffs, with the passing sharps/flats creating a little tension within the melody. As Danny stated above, the judicious use of reverb/tremolo is important, too. Back in the late 90’s, The Aqua Velvets recorded an album called Guitar Noir. While it isn’t strictly a Spy album per se, it was a departure from their usual Surf Music format. The songs have little if any reverb, and most of them lean heavily on the use of tremolo. That gives the album the dark and moody feel, where it gets its title. If you can listen to some to some of them, you should be able to glean some good examples of how to incorporate the Spy feel or element into your compositions. — -Cheers, Clark- -Less Paul, more Reverb- Last edited: Jun 18, 2023 21:36:32 Top
synchro Joined: Feb 02, 2008 Posts: 4417 Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.	Posted on Jun 19 2023 12:04 AM There’s definitely a different approach between Surf and Spy. Clean guitar sounds are common to both, but the feel is quite different, with suspense being the dominant feel of Spy music. The two best examples I can think of, from the standpoint of learning about the genre, could be found by watching Goldfinger (and perhaps some of the other early Bond films). Spies In The Night (the James Bond Theme) is rendered through out the Bond films and you can take in how the brass parts are used to punch up the parts. There are a lot of variations used throughout these movies, and there’s a lot to learn from. A few years ago, I watched the movie Charade. The theme song opens the movie, as a choral piece, in a lush arrangement. But throughout the movie, that theme is repeated, using some tremolo guitar, and the song takes on a completely different character. I’ve been playing Charade as a Jazz Waltz for years, but the same changes and melody can be very suspenseful with light ‘verb and a tasteful amount of trem’. It might be worthwhile to search out some of the ‘60s TV Spy series, such as the Avengers, and just take in the music. Even the theme from Get Smart is pretty cool. Apart from that, brush up on harmonic minor scales, because a lot of the Spy music lives in them. Psychonaut: I love that Em nat 9 voicing. — The artist formerly known as: Synchro When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar. Top
dontrunfrombears Joined: Nov 05, 2021 Posts: 62	Posted on Jun 19 2023 03:52 PM Wow thanks for the advice and tips guys Top
murph Joined: Dec 16, 2010 Posts: 340 Chapel Hill, NC	Posted on Jun 20 2023 07:21 AM My humble attempt at something with a spy-noir edge to it. The title is a nod to Bond's drinking game in Skyfall. https://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy/song/27648215-scorpions-kiss -murph — http://www.reverbnation.com/elmiragesurf http://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy "I knew I was in trouble when the Coco-Loco tasted like water!" -- morphball Top
Phrygian Joined: May 31, 2021 Posts: 24 Chicago	Posted on Jun 20 2023 07:54 AM Another element to incorporate for a spy sound is liberal use of the tritone - #4/b5. Here is one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUaFqvfgLRQ Top
dontrunfrombears Joined: Nov 05, 2021 Posts: 62	Posted on Jun 20 2023 09:43 AM murph wrote: My humble attempt at something with a spy-noir edge to it. The title is a nod to Bond's drinking game in Skyfall. https://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy/song/27648215-scorpions-kiss -murph that’s great Top
Padraig Joined: Feb 26, 2022 Posts: 389 Dollars, Taxes	Posted on Jun 20 2023 11:07 PM Murph, that is rather good. I really liked Phantom Waves as well! — Patrick Top
bigtikidude Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25531 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.	Posted on Jun 20 2023 11:29 PM Not spy really, But I like to think of some Tremolo Beer Gut As dark evil spy music. — Jeff(bigtikidude) Top
dontrunfrombears Joined: Nov 05, 2021 Posts: 62	Posted on Jun 21 2023 05:05 AM bigtikidude wrote: Not spy really, But I like to think of some Tremolo Beer Gut As dark evil spy music. yes I think so too, their song Las Vegas is amazing Top
murph Joined: Dec 16, 2010 Posts: 340 Chapel Hill, NC	Posted on Jun 21 2023 06:40 PM Hey, thanks guys, glad you dug it... much appreciated! -murph — http://www.reverbnation.com/elmiragesurf http://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy "I knew I was in trouble when the Coco-Loco tasted like water!" -- morphball Top
dontrunfrombears Joined: Nov 05, 2021 Posts: 62	Posted on Jun 23 2023 08:20 AM Do the major minor 7 chords fit well together? Like for example if you played in a e minor key you’d use the equivalent grouping? Top
psychonaut Joined: Dec 08, 2007 Posts: 1303	Posted on Jun 23 2023 10:17 AM dontrunfrombears wrote: Do the major minor 7 chords fit well together? Like for example if you played in a e minor key you’d use the equivalent grouping? Just treat it like you would any other minor chord. Harmonic minor scale works over it. — https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger http://coffindaggers.com/ http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com Top

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Spy music