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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Videos »

Permalink First surf tune I made. Thoughts?

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Just took a stab at it. Really want to continue making surf, but wanted some feedback. Drums were unfortunately done digitally since we didn't have a drummer.

Thanks for sharing! I think you're off to a good start with this song. I like the sound of your guitar and the overall feel of the tune. As you already acknowledged, it could benefit greatly from some surfier, more realistic sounding drums. What do you use to record? There are pretty decent options out there for MIDI-controlled drums that actually sounds pretty good if you put some time into it. I use a free virtual kit called SMdrums in Reaper and I'm pretty happy with what I've gotten them to do, so far.

https://smmdrums.wordpress.com/

Another thing I was thinking about while listening is that the bass line is kind of jerky. For me, one of the best things about surf music is that it really glides/flows along and makes you want to dance. The bass line under the main melody in your song feels too on/off to my ear. I'd love to hear more iterations and see how it evolves!

I agree with Redfeather - the song has the right surf feel. I think the structure is good. I disagree about the bass, a little: it sounded too punchy for surf tone, but the rhythm of it seemed okay to me.

Keep up the good work!

The Reverbivores - we're local favorites!

Yup! It surfs! Keep going!

One thing I would suggest (while not claiming it's an issue with this tune): focus on melody, section chord structure (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) and don't even think about idiomatic surf components until you're happy with the melody and song structure. Then throw in the gliss and trem picking and dive bombing. Smile

But this tune totally surfs!

Jonathan the Reverbivore

The Reverbivores

Please check out our latest album The Reverbivores Watch TV!

www.thereverbivores.com
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Redfeather wrote:

Thanks for sharing! I think you're off to a good start with this song. I like the sound of your guitar and the overall feel of the tune. As you already acknowledged, it could benefit greatly from some surfier, more realistic sounding drums. What do you use to record? There are pretty decent options out there for MIDI-controlled drums that actually sounds pretty good if you put some time into it. I use a free virtual kit called SMdrums in Reaper and I'm pretty happy with what I've gotten them to do, so far.

https://smmdrums.wordpress.com/

Another thing I was thinking about while listening is that the bass line is kind of jerky. For me, one of the best things about surf music is that it really glides/flows along and makes you want to dance. The bass line under the main melody in your song feels too on/off to my ear. I'd love to hear more iterations and see how it evolves!

Thanks for the input. I used some friend's equipment to record, but pretty sure it was basically a DI box and an audio interface. Just used Audacity for software and then plugged it into FL Studio to finish it up.

Also, the bass was a bit last minute so I would agree that it is probably a weak point. Plus, my friend recorded it and he doesn't main bass guitar. He actually mains Tenor Saxophone. Either way, he had the equipment at home so I told him to finish it up. I did write the bassline though so there's that.

h3dg3h0g wrote:

Yup! It surfs! Keep going!

One thing I would suggest (while not claiming it's an issue with this tune): focus on melody, section chord structure (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) and don't even think about idiomatic surf components until you're happy with the melody and song structure. Then throw in the gliss and trem picking and dive bombing. Smile

But this tune totally surfs!

I've got a few ideas on how to make the bass better without changing it too much. Also, care to elaborate on what you mean a bit more though?

Very nice song!A rhythm guitar could fit nice..

https://www.youtube.com/user/jamess1400

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