Description
I'm playing a Stratocaster style guitar for this tune, but any guitar with a single coil pickup in the bridge position is a great choice. The single coil provides a shimmery, bright tone perfect for the surf guitar genre. A vibrato bar is optional, but recommended to sound authentic while playing the melodies.
As far as amps go, any Fender style tube amp set for a clean tone will do the trick. Set the preamp gain to 25%, bass to 45%, mids to 60%, treble to 65%, and presence to 70% for a great starting point.
I use a 10-46 string gage, with a heavy pick so I can dig right into chords and melodies with some great attack! Be sure to add plenty of spring reverb for that wet surf sound.
Here are the settings I used:
Fender Deluxe Model:
Drive: 25% Bass: 45% Mid: 60% Treb: 65% Presence: 70%
Spring Reverb:
WetDryMIX: 65%