Can I write a classic surf-rock instrumental?

[@BartyRick]

Forgive me if I’m ignorant, but I can’t think of another guitar teacher on KZbin doing the kind of videos you do. Always comprehensive, always incredibly applicable, and always inspiring. You’re doing a service to the guitar community man.

[@SyntagmaStation]

Yeah, he’s one of a kind. I watch a lot guitar videos and there are some great guys out there, but nobody quite like him. Learned a lot about guitar playing, but even more about great music I missed or ignored. A few years ago, someone called him the coolest guitar teacher on KZbin. I had to agree and still do.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

A unique talent and teacher

[@SounduSleep]

He has the best taste in music too.

[@MuseumsBloke]

“Applicable” is exactly the right word to describe Adrian’s approach to teaching/sharing guitar.

[@nickyreynolds3326]

As a reasonably intrenched surf guitarist, I had my doubts about this video. But when you said “and the third time I’m going to play it up the octave,” I immediately knew you were one of us.

[@Dirkvreugd]

You need to make a surfalbum , this is too good !!!

[@paulbrown8411]

Quite frankly Adrian, that was bloody brilliant!

[@Papa-Anvil]

Please make an album of surf tunes, this was brilliant!!!! 👏👏👏

[@Emlizardo]

Your new surf track is terrific. Thanks for demonstrating how instead of waiting for inspiration, we can go about the creative process in a workmanlike way, testing out basic building blocks till something strikes our ear as worth developing further. On the topic of surf music, one band that I think had a very innovative take on it was The Raybeats, back in the 80s.

[@zailkhalsa5261]

The Ray Corvair Trio was another great under appreciated East Coast surf rock group

[@cubistblues]

The Raybeats were fantastic. Their lead guitarist Jody Harris is one of the unsung greats of that era (see also his playing in the Golden Palominos and with John Zorn). He was also close friends with Robert Quine (who considererd Harris a superior player to himself).

[@Emlizardo]

@@cubistblues Yes, Jody Harris and Robert Quine made an album together called "Escape" which is worth checking out. As might be expected it's pretty, uh, "off-kilter."

[@JohnJones-qy5ko]

I remember their EP - Roping Wild Bears!

[@gene-b]

Dude, that's one of the most interesting, instructive and entertaining video's I've seen in a very long time. But what's more, you've created an authentic, artfully imaginative, and truly notable addition to the genre... The Coffin Daggers would kill for that riff! Very well done, and more power to you!

[@thejamnasium6447]

that Em to C7 is such a great sound. always reminds me of the progression to Stella Blue by the Grateful Dead. what a beautiful progression that is.

[@JoeRogers-b9q]

You really should do an instrumental album. Or any album. You deserve to be heard.

[@dylanhenson7146]

Love your surf stuff, definitely want to see more!

[@saxophool]

Flannel shirt is the classic surf look. 😎

[@subastral6291]

Amazing. I wish more people were into surf rock

[@thedave2429]

Dude! You have a winner there. Great song!

[@MuseumsBloke]

Excellent minor Surfy, “bad guys coming in” vibe. Absolutely love it! The first couple of minutes remind me of the first time I heard The Shadows, now 50-odd years ago. And that little smile you allowed yourself as you hit the Dick Dale fast tremolo picking passage at c19:03? Utterly priceless!

[@Morgatus-JJ]

I'd title this one "Dead Calm Noon". Great job!!!

[@boomerdell]

Oh, wow, Adrian, this is GREAT! Both the lesson and your superb surf-rock piece. Outstanding! Suggested name: The Lewis & Harris Trail Inspiration: Although I'm from the U.S., my wife is from Scotland, and as I understand it the isles of Lewis & Harris can actually have some good surfing from time to time, so given where you are and where you're from, I thought it would be nice to have a UK reference. And whenever I see "Lewis & Harris" I think of Lewis & Clark, which is a US history reference, can't be helped: after the Louisiana Purchase, which massively expanded the young US all the way to the Pacific, they walked the trail from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, so we hear a lot about the Lewis & Clark Trail. The reached the end of their trail when they hit the West Coast of the US, which is where surf-rock and surf culture originated, so it all ties in. The Lewis & Harris Trail

[@damienslade]

Really groovy! Have to say I would've enjoyed seeing the bass process too.

[@satamique]

Well! It.s now my favourite surf song of all time! Amazing!

[@57RickH]

Sounds great, reminds me of Slacktone. The phasing sounds really good on that song.

[@artneville5994]

Really great surf tune! Has Detective feel..

[@lamper2]

Search for Mark Doyle Guitar Noir cd

[@ghostofpanama622]

Adrian, that was wonderful. Small comment, when you were walking us through in the early stages, the riff sounded a bit like cowboy music :) It just shows a well-executed arrangement and knowing your stuff raises the bar. Absolutely great, even by your high standards.

[@trunkmonkey9417]

Adrian, this was exquisite. The "story" walked in, built up, took me away, brought me back and left me wanting more. The killer tone, the phrasing, outstanding. Thank you for all you put into your art and sharing it. I was born in SoCal (Chula Vista, and lived in Imperial Beach) in the 50s. My dad and uncle were professional drag racers, owned a speed shop, were involved with and members of various car clubs, The Bean Bandits, Kingsmen, San Diego Prowlers and a few others. Surf, Rockabilly, Blues were a staple.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

The comment on inspiration and sticking with it through the struggle for ideas is so apposite

[@Kendo276]

Awesome sauce! Classic in my book. Always great stuff on your channel, perfect blend of theory, creativity, intervals, space and building of tension. Love it! How about El Gatto Wave for a title, a nod to your gold waving cat that messed with your focus back in the not so distant past!

[@mweb47729]

Another vote for a full album. I bought Zodiac Toys. I'd buy this. Thanks for another great video.

[@surfysonic9847]

Not sure why or how, but my original comment wishing for a full surf album from Adrian and loving Zodiac Toys (got it on iTunes) was removed. Sad face. : (

[@DonnoBaloney]

This is the best post you’ve ever made.

[@104ist]

the intro section has me hoping for a spiritual sequel where you make a 60s feel garage rock / psych rock track! when you first played the chords through i wasn’t sure about the C7 but i love the way it sounds in context 👌

[@kingburbank9424]

I am a friend of Don Wilson's son of the Ventures. I've heard a lot of Surf Music .. Good Job.🏄🎸

[@andyglamrock]

Sublime, Adrian. I'd love to see you doing more of these in different styles, your takes and exquisite creations on Indie, Alt, Post Punk, Dreampop, Shoegaze etc. Thank you for everything you do

[@c.aaronmcclure9367]

Thank you! I love surf, but what I really appreciated was the simple well broken down look at the song writing process, as well as the approachable look into the mechanics and elements of the genre. I would love to see one for other styles as well!

[@harigeorgeson5885]

Fascinating to see the creative process play out with so many great ideas melding into a terrific song. Really well thought out and explained as is your custom.

[@SteveDuckworth64]

Absolutely brilliant that, Adrian. Appreciate the walkthrough and love the final piece! I keep trying to compose a complete piece in my humble home recording studio but, so far, without success. Your video will help a lot. Main takeaway is the limitations you self-imposed and the order that you approached it. Have to say, your final piece was uniquely Adrian. Many thanks.

[@stranger360th]

It was also fun listening. Sounded really great and interesting …. As title, Surf Moon 🌙 comes to my mind . Congrats 👏

[@stephaneazzoune2053]

You did a great job. I love it! For me, you have composed a new classic surf piece.

[@olaftheblack4543]

I gave this a like because of the title and your way of explaining before it even started.

[@danieli.9252]

A couple of good surf revival bands I have learned about in the past few years are the Tourmaliners (named after Tourmaline Beach in San Diego), and the Surfrajettes (who might be touring the U.S. right now).

[@chefemax8148]

The phaser really came out on the triads. Beautiful. Awesome. I wish I could create like you do. As a novice, the best compliment I can give... I understood everything you did. Sign if a great teacher. Great video. Really cool to see the progression. Thanks.

[@otterguitars]

That's fantastic Adrian. Love it.👍👍👍

[@richardharris5481]

That was excellent Adrian. I made my own surf track in my home studio a year or so ago & I'm delighted to say that I went about it using some of the methods you suggested in the video. Mine however isn't as well played or as professional sounding as yours but I loved doing it & had a lot of fun in the process. Keep it all coming & I also loved the latest McGeoch masterclass last week.

[@maxwellbowden9961]

Thats a really nice melody Adrian. Call it Cloudbreak.

[@pvtts05]

I'd say the definitive answer to the question posed, is yes, yes you can. Well done, sir.

[@Gor537]

LOVED IT! What a blast! Appreciated you sharing the process too! Really a great tune! Please update us when you get a title!

[@svenstreet1920]

Super cool tune. I would have bought it back in the day.

[@Texicash]

Fabulous m8 keep making and teaching music , your brilliant dude Jedi master !

[@vntg649]

Top notch Adrian! This is so good.

[@florianjosef5327]

Great playing, teaching and a very great taste in music of the beaten track, not just the same old Rock songs

[@cleangreenshirt]

Man, I love your videos, thanks for making them!

[@dustdevilz4771]

I grew up listening to Beach Boy music ignoring most of the more popular music at the time coming from people like Elton John. It was city music and I was living in Northern California suburbs driving fast cars and riding dirt bikes. Beach boy music just fit the bill. I was on my own in my appreciation of surf and my friends didn’t much appreciate the eight track tapes in my car. I wasn’t a surfer, but I loved the guitar and the vocal harmonies. When the Eagles came on the scene I got into country music and I could hear the influence of the Beach Boys on their music. I like your surf composition. It sounds like the genuine article. I keep a Jazzmaster in my guitar collection just to play surf.

[@Yaremaa]

Loved the format of this one. V enjoyable

[@muddymike10]

"Lone Rock Point"... enjoyable tune, thank you...

[@lagouardelagouarde6598]

c'est toujours un plaisir de découvrir de nouvelle pépite merci🏄🏄‍♂🏄‍♀

[@jamesbaynton1881]

Really great to hear about your process, and then hear the brilliant results!

[@al271987]

What an excellent surf track you’ve come up with. I listen to loads of surf (more contemporary than classic) and this was better than so much of what’s come out of the scene (there’s a lot of uninspired, mediocre surf out there to be sure, this was absolutely NOT that). Loved the chill tempo and groove, the guitar parts were thoughtful and intelligent, interesting but never showy or indulgent. The phaser was a nice touch. I genuinely loved it. Well done sir! Incidentally, if you’re looking for (relatively) modern surf tracks to tackle as future lessons (something I would love), I would kindly suggest Man or Astroman? (seeing you’re into punk and indie as well as surf, MOAM? is essential listening), Langhorns (Swedish surf band that was very cinematic in a kitschy way, like spaghetti westerns, spy flicks, and 70’s cop movies mixed with surf), and The Madeira (like if Iron Maiden dropped all the metal and switched to being an instrumental surf band, lots of interesting melodic guitar flare and great energy). Thanks again! Totally loved this one!

[@peetwelthagen7062]

WOW...Thank you.Very refreshing to listin to an absolute inspiring and original song,well done.

[@commoneuropeanstarling]

Great work, Adrian. Well done.

[@davidfinn3362]

Great lesson, great track thx Adrian. This is already a surf classic. As you are stumped for a title then i suggest “Stump”. Simple is always the best.

[@kittenpawstheband]

Wow, amazing!

[@marcmentat2925]

YOU ROCK ! thx so much for your insights.

[@dreamscuba]

Wow. Great instrumental surf song and thank you for the workflow breakdown with this. You should definitely release a surf rock instrumental album. Great work. Thanks.

[@phonogravity]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@nigeltitchener9849]

Brilliant! Great tune.

[@grahamtyler5382]

"Midnight Beach". I see waves gently lapping in the moonlight.

[@davidmurphy4844]

Very interesting and informative as always!

[@jeremyayers3977]

You nailed it. Instant classic !!!

[@canopy-guitars_and_gear]

My suggested title “anyone can surf” - funnily I’ve just started messing around recording and this aligns with what I’m thinking - I’ve upped the beginnings of a surf adjacent spag western experiment I did last summer along with something newer on my channel and hope to keep moving / creating :-)

[@LSDis4me]

Fantastic lesson, walking us through your creative process over the course of a few days.

[@719diesel]

yeah man, sounds great....i live on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida...One day I was walking the beach in the morning, and noticed stingrays in the surf. They were Manta Rays...it was a migration..there were thousands of them..and I noticed that they somehow liked to surf. They would ride the waves to the shore. amazing.. ! How about the "Manta Ray Hydroglide" for the name of your great tune!

[@Hungrykittynomnom]

Wow!! Truly amazing pal. Never stop creating.

[@jkrause365]

A great track! Inspires me to get out my Rickenbacker 12 string. Yeah, I know....doesn't exactly fit the stereotype, does it?

[@andylynes1]

Absolutely brilliant. Reminded me a bit of Jon and The Nightriders. Title suggestion The Final Wave.

[@melexdy]

Wow this rocks!!! Well done !!

[@ashleyspeake3168]

Awesome! The Ventures would be proud!

[@lolobuggah2670]

Fantastic piece! Now i want to make one too. I hope you make more videos like this. Very interesting to hear your process.

[@birdie399]

Very evocative sound. Your playing is always accurate and clean. I think you really nailed it with this piece.

[@stevemalibu99]

This is just what I needed. You are great. Thank you.

[@dbmorton1114]

Very nicely done. Secret Surf Hideaway is my suggested title. Cheers!

[@thamelmusic]

Ok we need a full album now ! Congrats great track ! Title proposal : "Archipelago Breeze".

[@mahonerd65]

Loved it! A very good lesson! I'm totally inspired to do my own now!

[@tigertuft]

Adrian, absolute gem of a video. Thanks a lot.

[@TS-so2xi]

Love your channel!

[@pandorski35000]

un exercice de style bien mené, le son est super

[@sergebardot]

Brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed watching that......the whole journey from the initial idea, through the creative process, to the recording and finished product was brilliant! Thanks so much for that. I loved the finished tune. Bravo!

[@stampscapes]

Fantastic.

[@montaramike]

Awesome inspiring tune!

[@Gavla]

Great track! My suggested title: 'Anyone Can Surf Guitar'. Any chance you could share your surf playlist?

[@KamakaziFlyboy]

I love it !!! Surf with some Spanish influence !!!

[@stephenjhoward]

Great creative journey, Adrian. My title suggestion “Shark Wire Bay”.

[@TwelveSticks]

Wow - that was great Adrian! Thanks so much for sharing your process. Very interesting indeed.

[@divingslotcarsmusicandstuf9619]

Excellent.

[@hardyshmardy]

That works. That. works just fine!

[@jam00723]

Masterful!

[@chrisst8922]

I really like this. Like with the Wilko video, where you try something a little less predictable than 'Cover of great old track'

[@jaytee8188]

Well, there’s quite a bit going on in this track and you seem to have a strong flair for this genre. I like it… a lot Adrian. Well done and thanks.

[@RichardONeil]

Loved it!!!!

[@robertmazzoli9706]

Top-notch and great video - thanks! My title suggestion is 'Cascadia', just by how it made me think of northern California/Oregon/Washington surf.

[@terrystimpfling996]

You did a really nice job I definitely enjoyed it.

[@koreyarmstrong456]

Very cool!

[@stewartanderson676]

Super cool!

[@dreadydan]

Brilliant approach and delivery to a lesson and the actual track itself was outstanding, 10/10. Thank you for your hard work. P.s. check out the new Coral album - sea of mirrors, I feel like you would approve

[@marleenvos4126]

great lesson, cool track... thank you!