Here are some quick tips for playing a piece such as “Wonderful Land” by The Shadows.
Martin Cilia is the premier surf guitarist in Australia today, and his playing is all about the melody of the song.
I asked Martin for a few tips to consider when approaching a melody on the guitar.
His thoughts:
Learn melody as the writer first intended.
Find best sounding position on the guitar to play that melody (sometimes that can mean moving up and down on one string for sections)
Find a voice (sound) to sell that melody.
When accompanying a lead instrument or singer, we should:
Provide a solid platform for them to play off.
Pick a sound that compliments their instrument.
Leave space for them to play. Sometimes that can even mean we stop playing altogether, if that is what serves the song best at that time.