I'm aware that this is a broad generalisation and there are many examples that break this mould - but as a starting point.......

1. The Majority of older Surf tunes are in Am or E. Many tunes are built on the chords Am, G, F, E and C. (Walk don't Run, Surf Rider, Perfidia and countless more). Nevertheless, quite a few are straight 12 bars too (Let's go Tripping, Wipe Out)
   

2. Whereas some Surf tunes use the Pentatonic scale like the blues does, a great many use either the full Natural Minor scale, the Harmonic Minor scale (which is the Natural Minor Scale but with a natural rather than a flattened seventh) or the Phrygian mode (The flattened 2nd being the distinctive voice - very Flamenco)
   

3. It is quite common to have a bridge or middle 8 section in the relative major key - ie: C in Am.
   

As I say - a very simplistic and generalised view - but a place to start.

http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns

Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.

In my opinion, thinking in "what scale should I play in" is the mindset that brings to the result of "everything I play sounds like blues". But I accept that some people have a different way of thinking, so they need the scales as a guide. The above info (2 previous posts) sounds like a good guide, but don't be affraid to experiment, you might be surprised.
Ran

The Scimitars

It's true - there's a whole bunch of difference between just widdling around in a scale and in using the notes in that scale intelligently. You can hear when a player is just using a scale without knowing anything about it - because it always sounds 'up-in-the-air' for want of a better term.

But when you know where your home notes are and how the notes in the scale relate to the chords underneath then you are in a different ballpark that allows you to chose particularly strong notes to 'nail the changes' as they say....

http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns

Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.

Scales? We don't need no stinkin' scales. Try Jazz Guitar 101.

estreet

Kawentzmann
Surf is one field were a scale that you make up yourself can be at least as good as a scale that has been in the books for a thousand years.

KK

You'll only be discovering it for yourself - it'll still be in the book.

Yeah? Wow!

In any case, not being to tied to the classic rules can help in creating a good tune.

KK

The Exotic Guitar of Kahuna Kawentzmann

You can get the boy out of the Keynes era, but you can’t get the Keynes era out of the boy.

That's fairly close to the Hungarian minor, that I use alot. That's a great site dp.

The Mighty Surf Lords- Sparks,Nv.
"Praise The Lords"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHTDYfy0xM8
www.myspace.com/themightysurflords
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mightysurflords

I have only been playing surf stuff for 6 months so you can take this a newbies advice only. What has worked for me so far when composing songs is to throw in a hodgepodge of scales. For example, at one point in a song I appregio up a chord and then add a couple notes from the blues scales at the end, or I play something melodious on a major or minor scale and then add a chromatic riff. I play more by ear than trying to look for a scale. If it feels right I play it. I try changing notes here an there for different effects. but what do I know?

tenderfoot
If it feels right I play it.

This sums up everything in one simple phrase. Scales, modes and rules can take away a lot of a players feeling if they get too involved in becoming technically correct with every passage. Plus if the music becomes too involved a lot of your following just becomes musicians that will stand at the foot of the stage. Scrutinizing every note you play. I would rather see people jumping around and smiling then arms crossed and hard stares.

With that said. I not advocating to not exploring the technical aspects of music. I am just saying that it should be something that makes you happy to play night after night.

_RT

The Miserlou scale is a cool one as mentioned above. It's E, F#, G#, A, C, D#, E. In Middle Eastern music they might play F natural on the way down. For not so exotic stuff you can't beat good old C major like "Walk, Don't Run". The above mentioned A minor: A, B, C, D, E , F, G, A is cool for "Surf Rider". "Diamond Head", and lots of surf tunes Also A Harmonic Minor, which is the same as A natural minor with G# instead of G natural. If you really want to get "exotic", try A Hungarian Gypsy Minor: A, B, C, D#, E, F, G#, A. It can be an intense fiery scale, just don't wank around with it like Yngwie!
D minor is very moody and is what "Mr. Moto" is in. Keep in mind that some of the coolest tunes are simple E minor pentatonic and E minor blues: E, G, A, B, and D and E, G, A, A#, B, D. Check out Los Straitjackets for some of the coolest riffs on the planet using these super simple scales. Don't forget the possibilities of songs with the melody voiced on top of chords like "Pacifica" or intervals instead of single notes like "State Fair". Hope this helps some. Good luck.

Aloha and Shalom. R. I. P. Lee Hazelwood.

surfohioscotty
Is there a site I can go to to find these scale pattens and possibly surf tabs? I have played for years and still dont have a good grasp of how to "go modal".

Just reopening this thread - My natural playing is Major-minor and blues from years of playing it. Surf music is refreshing because it draws in from many places around the world. Sometimes I play around with a scale book for fun, but, I too am interested in any 'Middle East' or 'Asian' scales that anyone has played with? Any favourites?

Tim O
oestmann guitar

tunes

clips