Surfin' U.S.A.
The Beach Boys, 1963, from Surfin' U.S.A.. Solo by Carl Wilson.
Carl Wilson's Chuck Berry-style break brings the vocal side of surf music close to its guitar roots.
Surfin' U.S.A. borrows its melody from Chuck Berry, and Carl Wilson's guitar break pays tribute to Berry's style. His solo is short and punchy, full of double-stop licks and bright, twangy phrases that sound like rock and roll filtered through California sunshine. It is a small moment in a vocal-driven song, but it shows the close connection between surf music and the guitar-based rock that came before it. Wilson plays with confidence and energy, keeping the solo tight and focused. Listen for the Berry-style double stops that open the break, and notice how the solo slots neatly between the vocal harmonies, adding energy without disrupting the song's upbeat mood.
Surfin' U.S.A. by The Beach Boys is featured in our Surf (#23) list. The solo is played by Carl Wilson and the song was released in 1963.
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Who played the guitar solo on Surfin' U.S.A.?
Carl Wilson played the solo on The Beach Boys's Surfin' U.S.A. (1963).