1 Topic by nevets17 (edited by nevets17 2009-09-25 14:25:29)

  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 55

Topic: Tex/Mex (Surf) Sound + TABS vs Chords

Hello!

Is anyone familiar with the song "Misirlou" popularized by Dick Dale and his Del-Tones. It is also know as the theme to "Pulp Fiction" You can see how amazing Dick Dale was here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIU0RMV_II8

I would like to learn this type of stuff but I have only been at the acoustic steel string for nine months. It is kind of fun to mess around and play with new things though.

There is an Old 97's song called "Dance with Me". Please give a listen to it here:

http://www.myspace.com/theold97s

Ken Bethea is the Old 97's lead guitar and he is incredible. "Dance with Me" has a sound very similar to"Misirlou". The intro and main chords are Am and E. I pretty much have this down (yes, I am that good..just kidding).

"Dance with Me" chords:
http://chordie.com/chord.pere/www.guita … 70542.html

I found chords to "Misirlue" here:
http://www.emuzeki.com/Tablature/MisirluChords.htm

I also found that if I strum E then slide down a fret then another it produces a kind of Johnny Rivers "Secret Agent Man" sound. This is the stuff I am jazzed up about right now and if anyone knows any others I could try please let me know.

I am having trouble reading TABs. Chords are a lot easier for me to figure out. Are there any secrets to reading TABs and playing them fast? I know I have a long way to go before I even come close to sounding like Dick Dale, The Ventures or even Agent Orange or The Dead Kennedys ...but I am having fun just trying to make a sound.

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Tex/Mex (Surf) Sound + TABS vs Chords

I have no hints for you, but I think you're off to a good start.  I did want to welcome you to Chordie. 

I have an Ibanez knock-off of the Gibson GS solid-body electric.  I don't have a guitar amp, so I put it through my small bass practice amp.  Playing it that way, I can't make it NOT sound like Tex-Mex Surf music.  The guitar, that is.  My playing still stinks. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
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  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Tex/Mex (Surf) Sound + TABS vs Chords

nevets17,
Nice links! The Dick Dale tune you posted was from 1963, here's a version of the same tune some 33 years later( 1996). And notice that DD is playing a lefty guitar strung right-handed. ( fat string towards the knee, skinny string towards the chin). Seal and blues great Albert King also play this way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UmmbF1Zyvk&NR=1

Peace and Guitars,
SouthPaw41L

Give everything but up.
  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Tex/Mex (Surf) Sound + TABS vs Chords

Wait...Seal plays guitar?!?

Since when!?

Man I'm late....

=]
Dm

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but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

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