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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »

Permalink Working out Mermen songs

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Has anyone here worked out any Mermen songs?

I'd be happy to share anything, but my particular favourite is Ocean Beach, which seems fiendish when you look at the fingering: I don't think I can stretch that far! Also, it looks like it may be in a weird tuning.

I know Jim Thomas uses several tunings. Watching Mermen videos you can see there are no insane stretches on the fret board. His tunings can be found online in interviews.

Can you point me to something? I found one decent interview from 20 years ago that covers gear but not a lot else.

it would help I'd posted the right song. the grips round 2m02s and 3m03s are pretty gnarly.

Check this:
https://www.gitarrebass.de/stories/unbekannte-helden-jim-thomas/

Bio, gear and a transcription, done by Rob Razorblade aka Martin Schmidt

Last edited: Nov 19, 2018 04:51:50

Jim Thomas uses standard tuning, "d" tuning: D D A D A D, and a special tuning for "Burn": D G D D D D.
His standard tuning string gauge: .13 .17 .28 .38 .48 .60

Hope this is helpful.

LOL. I see what you mean about the stretches. Looks like 2nd fret to 7th fret. Ouch!

Here is an older, english interview (also done by Martin Schmidt), which also mentions the different tunings, but is also interesting, if you are just into the Mermen as a band:
https://www.guitar9.com/column/interview-jim-thomas

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"Chaos at the Lobster Lounge" available as LP and download on Surf Cookie Records!

Brilliant, thanks guys. that transcription is a gift.

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