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Dick Dale

Dick Dale was a leading pioneer in the Surf Music of the early 1960's. He was of Lebanese descent, and his uncle taught him various Middle Eastern instruments, including the oud. This gave him the skills necessary for his famous tremolo picking technique, as well as awaking an interest in Arabic music, and the scales it employs. These scale, particularly the Harmonic Minor scale, can be found all over surf music, new and old. Dick Dale became known for his heavy reverb, loud, booming tone, and of course, his Fender Stratocaster, which he played upside down since he was left-handed. One of his most famous hits, titled Misirlou, showcases his skill and dexterity on the famous guitar. If it was anyone who introduced Fender to the genre of surf rock, it was him. His playing has influenced countless musicians, including Jimi Hendrix. It is not surprising why they call him "The King of Surf Guitar." 

Dick Dale and his band playing Misirlou

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys playing one of their most famous hits. 

The Beach Boys offered us a different type of Surf Music: Vocal Surf. Instead of using Arabic scales and reverb drenched guitars, The Beach Boys instead opted for Chuck Berry style licks and progressions, and many vocal harmonies. This was of course in their early days. After the surf craze faded away, the band started to play softer and more musically complex songs. The band started in Southern California, taking advantage of the location of Fender's headquarters, and relied heavily on Fender guitars and basses. 

Eric Clapton

Clapton telling tales of his youth while playing a reproduction of his prized guitar. 

Eric Clapton was first influenced by numerous American Blues musicians who toured in England. Among these was Buddy Guy, who famously played a Stratocaster. Clapton became infatuated with the playing style and guitar, and eventually acquired multiple Strats at one time. Before this, he was involved in the bands Cream and the Yardbirds, where he did not play a Fender. However, Clapton is most well-known for his blues music, always played on a Fender. He has even stated that he was influenced by Jimi Hendrix. 

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was perhaps the most important musician in popularizing the Fender Stratocaster guitar. Though he played a variety of guitars, he is most known for his Fender, which, just like Dick Dale, he played upside down, except he restrung it so the low E string is up top. His performance of the Star Spangled Banner is a very popular example of his skill and ability on the guitar. In the late sixties, Stratocasters were not in high demand anymore, but Hendrix is really the one who brought them back. 

Hendrix playing the national anthem in 1969, some parts with his teeth. 

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