I have been working on the Song Baja and I notice that it is played several different ways and in different keys. It looks like the Astronauts played it in E? and the Chantays Played it in G. Yes/No? Anybody know or have a favorite arrangement? Looking for feedback....I love that song!
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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »
The Song Baja by the Astronauts
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 15 2012 10:42 AM
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2682 Ventura, CA 
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Posted on May 15 2012 11:03 AM
The Astronauts is the definitive in my book, but Al Casey has a good version too, a tad slower and heavier. He was a Wrecking Crew guy. I've seen probably a hundred bands cover it, including my own, it is usually played in E. |
Joined: Jan 30, 2007 Posts: 448 50,000 Light-Years Beyond Planet Claire 
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Posted on May 15 2012 11:11 AM
Score: Astronauts - 10 Others -----zero
Last edited: May 15, 2012 11:13:05 |
Joined: Apr 29, 2010 Posts: 2468 Venice, CA
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Posted on May 15 2012 11:15 AM
I've never heard Baja played in any other key than E.
Insect Surfers |
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 15 2012 11:50 AM
I was having trouble finding a good tab version that showed the rhythm chords when I came across this tutorial on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRgq__9tbjs. |
Joined: Jul 18, 2009 Posts: 499
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Posted on May 15 2012 01:50 PM
. Last edited: Mar 01, 2020 07:56:50 |
Joined: Apr 03, 2008 Posts: 477
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Posted on May 15 2012 03:00 PM
Yes, the track in the downloads is in E. We also did a backing track (in E) here (on Disc 2): —Paul |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 3546 mojave desert, california
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Posted on May 15 2012 05:42 PM
The Blue Hawaiians do a nice and easy version with an excellent rhythmic pulse... Last edited: May 15, 2012 17:42:22 |
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Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 3546 mojave desert, california
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Posted on May 15 2012 05:50 PM
...of course, Slacktone does the big-monster-super-twang-power-trio-version: |
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 15 2012 06:19 PM
WOW thanks guys! that's way cool. I'm stoked, looks like I'm on the right track. It's great to actually post to guys the know surf music...I'm concerned that its losing it's roots. I was at NAMM and one of Fenders employees was demostrating the new 50th anniversay Jag. When I asked him to play surf music on it he freaked. He had no clue. |
Joined: Jun 12, 2008 Posts: 3331 Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted on May 15 2012 06:39 PM
dp wrote:
My fave version ever. Motown beat. —Radio Free Bakersfield--60 Minutes of TWANG, CRUNCH, OOMPH. |
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 16 2012 10:11 AM
I have another question. On the Astronauts version of Baja. How do they get that first sound you hear when the intro starts? Was that a bass or rhythm guitar? The sound too? Anybody know if you used a tank reverb?....:-) so many questions...... |
Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25546 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on May 16 2012 11:09 AM
The Astronauts were big users of the Fender Reverb Tank, Jeff(bigtikidude) |
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Joined: Apr 29, 2010 Posts: 2468 Venice, CA
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Posted on May 16 2012 11:13 AM
Mike, it's unfortunate that you encountered that kind of cluelessness from any guitar player, let alone a Fender employee. However, one of the most steadfast characteristics that I've encountered within the surf music community is its knowledge of and appreciation for its roots. Now keep in mind, we're talking about real aficionados and players here, not just your average Joe on the street. Any surf player who really "gets it" has done their homework, studied where it all comes from and cut their chops on the standards. Surf is the LAST genre out there that would ever "lose its roots." Regarding your other questions...a "must read" thread about the Astronauts and their recording techniques and locations can be found HERE and gear HERE And, what you are hearing at the very beginning of Baja is what many consider to be THEE surf sound. I would suggest spending some time using the extremely user-friendly SG101 search function and reading through some of the "Best of SG101" threads to become more acquainted with how this sound is achieved. —Insect Surfers |
Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11050 Berkeley, CA
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Posted on May 16 2012 11:22 AM
Great response Jonpaul, you really are a great asset to this forum. Danny Snyder 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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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 16 2012 07:15 PM
WOW, thanks guys. I actually grew up as a surfer in the southbay and hung around Hermosa Beach. I went to a lot of these concerts, but back then I didn't know crap about what I was experiencing. I little pipeline, wipeout on the desk in class (drove the teachers nuts!). It wasn't until later that I became interested in the music and trying to play it. Now as I have the time I have decided to play and see if I can get good at it. At least I get that a lot of it is the tone. I'm going to read up on all that....way cool Hang Ten! thanks so much. Oh and I'm going to the convention....wouldn't miss it for the world. |
Joined: Mar 15, 2011 Posts: 8528 Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
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Posted on May 16 2012 07:27 PM
Is this the best forum on the Internet ot what? —This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got. |
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 17 2012 12:33 AM
It's so cool. i read all the info on the Astronauts. I had no idea they didn't consider themselves a Surf Band. It looks like they play a Jaguar too |
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Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25546 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on May 17 2012 09:26 AM
DannySnyder wrote:
Who says Jonpaul has the greatest ass on this Forum? Jeff(bigtikidude) |
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Joined: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 84 Murrieta, CA |
Posted on May 17 2012 10:16 AM
Okay I've got another question, In the bridge of Baja are the chords played as a straight arpeggio or is there a riff that is being played from the chords. It doesn't sound like a straight arpeggio. But I know they had severall guitars. Also does anyone know where there's an accurate tab for this song? |
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