Surf Rock Chords & Chord Progressions

I · I · I · I · IV · IV · I · I · V · IV · I · V

The foundation of rock and roll. Twelve bars of pure groove that launched a million guitar solos.

i · II · i · VII

Based on the Hijaz maqam, featuring the distinctive b2-3 interval that creates that 'exotic' Middle Eastern sound. The same scale as Phrygian Dominant.

i · VII · VI · V

Fast tremolo picking, spring reverb, and the Andalusian cadence define the surf rock sound. Dick Dale pioneered this energetic style in the early 60s.