Anyone have any hints/pointers/secrets about surf rhythm guitar techniques? I'm cautiously trying to think up rhythm stuff for a couple of songs. Sometimes it just comes to me, and at other parts it's really just not happening--I have a lot of trouble visualizing (or "auralizing?") what it is I want the rhythm to sound like. What should I do? What's there to know?
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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »
Rhythm Guitar Techniques
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Joined: Apr 24, 2006 Posts: 1618 Ithaca, NY 
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 02:19 AM
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Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 10331 southern Michigan 
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 05:51 AM
I'd recommend listening to classic surf stuff for hints on different ways to approach surf rhythm guitar. There's the classic Astronauts style, with one rhythm playing heavily reverbed root quarter notes and the second dry rhythm guitar either strumming or arpeggiating chords. But then there's primarily strumming-like stuff. Eddie & the Showmen and the Lively Ones have some great rhythm guitar in that style. Also, I've been listening a lot lately to the Sandals (of Endless Summer fame). Some great rhythm work on their Endless Summer album (compiled on "Wild As The Sea" CD). Check it out. The best rhythm guitar playing in surf, methinks, is the Atlantics, though. But they're a bit different than the traditional US surf.... Use your ears, that's the best thing to do. Ivan —Ivan |
Joined: Aug 24, 2006 Posts: 204 Newcastle... Australia
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 07:43 AM
I'm lovong the Sir Finks at the moment...tight and muted !!! adam |
Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11054 Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 09:26 AM
Wooza, I would give the same advice as I did in this thread. 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 |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 10:40 AM
I would recommend against asking for advice when it comes to rhythm guitar. Everybody has their own method. For example, I was baffled at Scott Pilgrims playing and when he chose to upstroke and such. I think having a unique rhythm style can really put your record or song over the top. Some bands I can think of off the top of my head: Cosmonauti, Penetrators, Space Cossacks, Madeira(Lucky Ivan), and Satan's Pilgrims. |
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Joined: Apr 24, 2006 Posts: 1618 Ithaca, NY
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 09:12 PM
I see where you're coming from and I agree too. It's just that I'm having a lot of trouble with it (and yeah Danny, it's for my songs and all in my head |
Joined: Mar 06, 2006 Posts: 1898 Wear gloves - I'm in the Rockies
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 10:57 PM
In my limited abilities - I always look to the drummer for rhythm inspiration. when you're working on your own songs, think of bass and rhythm guitar as the drums, and go from there. My favorite style of rhythm are Bruce Welch (the Shadows) Don Wilson (the Ventures) and Rob Edwards ( Eddie and the Showmen) style - very aggressive full chord "rhythmic" playing. The Astronauts style is tough to get ahold of without two rhythm players. "You can't tell where you're going if you don't know where you've been" |
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Joined: Mar 06, 2006 Posts: 1898 Wear gloves - I'm in the Rockies
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Posted on Mar 01 2007 11:22 PM
I just read Danny's advice on the other thread - i agree 100% having a recorder is a must. Things magically happen when you play along with your melody. The same can be said for having a kick ass rhythm part figured, and no lead. Chris —"You can't tell where you're going if you don't know where you've been" |
Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 492 Austin Texas
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Posted on Mar 02 2007 09:19 AM
This is good advice from Chris for understanding the roots of good rhythm guitar. After that a million options. If your trying to demo your own stuff, again good advice all ready stated, get a multi-track. don't want to hi-jack the thread but Ivan, I with ya on the Sandals / Sandells. |
Joined: Feb 09, 2007 Posts: 71 Montreal, Canada 
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Posted on Mar 03 2007 10:02 PM
Wow, Ivan's advise is the best ever. But if you're lazy, find a great drummer and follow his rythm. The audience wants to groove not be impressed by virtuosity. Rythm guitar is more important to the average party goer cause it's the "guitar sound " that is swinging to the beat. (the most important instrument - the drums). Frickin Beat Music killed the drip. |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 3546 mojave desert, california
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Posted on Mar 03 2007 11:30 PM
... working with a drummer is a great suggestion, but also let's not forget the bassist...a good rhythm guitar part also works off of the bass pattern... one last bit of advice: don't be afraid of partial chord forms, these can really enhance what the lead and bass are doing. |
Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2683 Ventura, CA
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Posted on Mar 05 2007 11:33 AM
For some great rhythm guitar listen to the Belairs, The Madeira, The Bambi Molesters, the Astronauts and even Dick Dale. All have very disparate styles of rhythm guitar that adds unique texture to the music. |
Joined: Feb 17, 2007 Posts: 281 Murfreesboro, TN
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Posted on Mar 05 2007 12:47 PM
The people who inspired my rhythm playing most were Don Wilson and BoDiddley. Both used a very percussive technique that I learned to love. And since I also play in a blue grass band and a country band (surf still rules though), I've found combining techniques used by both blue grass and country artists have been very helpful in developing my own sound. My best advice is to listen to lots of surf music (first wave through current styles) and other music genre's too. Incorporate what works best for you into your own style. Lastly, just remember that rhythm is part of the "groove" that is the foundation for any good music. Blend your style with that of the bass and drums and you'll find it all clicks together. Good luck. Ron (ToneBoy) Ron (ToneBoy) |
). I'd like to think my lack of understanding of what I'm doing could lead to an entirely unique product, but it could more easily result in complete crap. I think it's easier to recognize and create a melody that you like, but much much harder to find a rhythm to sufficiently complement that.
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