How to Play Surfin' USA, in Honor of Surf Rock Legend Brian Wilson

Today we're celebrating the musical genius of the late Brian Wilson. A founding member of the 60s surf rock group, The Beach Boys, his groundbreaking lyrics and melodies have shaped generations and defined an era.

In this episode, Marlene dives into his musical legacy by looking at one of the band’s most iconic hits: Surfin’ USA.  She'll talk about the inspiration behind the song, how the band brought it to life and her playing recommendations to help you bring a little surf sound into your own music! BTW...this song could be a fun addition to your 4th of July repertoire!

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
I'm Marlene Hutchinson and welcome to Tips for Guitar Plane Success.

(00:09):
As many of you know, I've been sharing my guitar plane tips every Thursday for more than
10 years.
It's been my way to hopefully help you stay motivated, be inspired, and continue expanding
your guitar plane journey.
If you're interested in more learning resources, go to my website, marlene'smusic.com.

(00:33):
And for anyone who's listening and feeling like you're missing out on all the guitar plane
fun, you can easily get started with my super simple, learn to play guitar in a day course.
Now on to today's tip.
This podcast is brought to you in part by Gator.

(00:57):
Whether you just need a bag to gig with on the weekends, or a frequent flyer needing
a flight-friendly TSA series case, or a dedicated road warrior bringing your instruments on tour.
Gator has a solution for you.
For the stuff you love, guard it with Gator.

(01:18):
In honor of Surfrock Legend, Brian Wilson, today's tip is How to Place Surf in USA.
The world is mourning the loss of the musical genius of Brian Wilson.
As a founding member of the legendary 60s Surfrock group, the Beach Boys, his groundbreaking lyrics

(01:42):
and melodies have shaped generations and defined an era.
In this episode, I'll dive into his incredible legacy by looking at one of the band's most
iconic hits, Surf in USA.
We'll explore the inspiration behind the song and how the band brought it to life.

(02:04):
I'll also share my plane recommendations in case you're looking to bring a little surf
sound into your own music.
And here's a thought, this tune could be a fun addition to your Fourth of July repertoire.
So listen on as we celebrate the timeless genius of Brian Wilson, and a song that helped

(02:27):
put Surf Music on the map.
As always, a big shout out this week and thank you to our fellow guitarists joining us from
Indonesia, Bolivia, Rwanda and Norway.
Before we jump into this episode, can I ask you for a quick favor?

(02:48):
Would you please tap the subscribe button?
Because that's the easiest way you can support this podcast and me.
And don't fret because it's absolutely free to subscribe.
And it helps me to continue bringing episodes to you each and every week on your favorite
podcast channels like Spotify, Apple and SiriusXM, and of course on YouTube.

(03:14):
Thank you for supporting me and the show by tapping the subscribe button onto the tip.
I grew up in Southern California, in fact, quite close to where the beach boys grew up.
The essence of their music has always felt like home to me.
In fact, theirs was the very first concert that I ever went to, and I've been fortunate

(03:38):
over the years to see them perform many more times.
The recent news of Brian Wilson's passing, brought back memories and appreciation of the summary,
fun, music created by his musical genius.
That's why I thought it would be a fitting tribute to feature an episode dedicated to
one of the beach boys' signature songs, Sirfyn USA.

(04:02):
In 1961, the beach boys band was formed, including brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson.
Their cousin Mike Love and a friend, Al Jardine.
Generated by Brian Wilson's ambition and creative songwriting abilities, they became known
for both their laid backs, surf culture lyrics, and flawless vocal harmonies.

(04:27):
Sirfyn USA was the band's first hit.
It was released as a single in 1963 and was also the opening and title track on their album
Sirfyn USA.
This song was written by Brian Wilson with later credits also given to Chuck Berry.
Brian Wilson wrote the lyrics that were set to the musical structure of Chuck Berry's

(04:51):
song, Sweet Little Sixteen.
This song topped the charts that year and was named by Billboard as the number one song
of 1963.
Sirfyn USA is on the list of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 songs that shaped Rock
and Roll.

(05:13):
Sirfyn USA is about the idea that everyone could and should have the California-esque
surf experiences.
Sirfyn USA, then everybody would be Sirfyn like California.
And according to Brian Wilson, quote, "I was going with a girl named Judy Bowls and her

(05:37):
brother Jimmy was a surfer.
He knew all the surfing spots.
I started humming the melody to Sweet Little Sixteen and I got fascinated with the fact
of doing it and I thought to myself, God, what about trying to put Sirf lyrics to Sweet Little
Sixteen's melody?
The concept was about they're doing this and this city and they're doing that in that

(06:00):
city."
So I said to Jimmy, "Hey, Jimmy, I want to do a song about mentioning all the surf spots."
So he gave me a list, end quote.
The list of surf spots mentioned in the song are mostly in California, including Del
Mar, Ventura County Line, Santa Cruz, Trussles, Manhattan, Dohini, Haggerties, Swamis, Pacific

(06:25):
Palisades, San Anofre, Sunset, Redondo Beach, which is My Neck of the Woods, and La
Hoya, with two spots outside California, Hawaii's Wyoming Bay and Australia's Narabian.
To play this upbeat, fun-loving song, you'll use the chords C, G, G7 and F and I recommend

(06:50):
playing it with a fast-tempoed strum like my go-to-strime calipso.
So I hope you'll give this song a try.
It's definitely a song that will likely inspire the beach vibes of summer and maybe even inspire
you to catch a waiver too or take your guitar and play at one of the surf spots in the
song.

(07:10):
Brian, thank you for sharing your talents with all of us and Rest in Peace knowing that
your music's legacy is much like a surfer search for the perfect wave.
Endless.
I hope this episode's tip has helped you to continue expanding your guitar playing skills and

(07:32):
knowledge.
If you'd like to learn more, please check out the many learning resources available at Marlene's
music.com.
Thank you for joining today's podcast and as I like to say, play on.
[music fades out]
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