Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

Jazz guitarist Bill Frisell is no stranger to the Fretboard Journal. He was interviewed in our fourth issue by banjo player Danny Barnes and then, in issue 12, Frisell penned a story where he interviewed his guitar hero, Jim Hall. On the sixth day of our Twelve Days of Fretboard, Frisell plays "Surfer Girl" on his Fender Esquire (through a Carr Sportsman amp). As always, Frisell sounds incredible. Watch our entire Twelve Days of Fretboard series here: fretboardjournal.com/features/online/twelve-days-fretboard Go to the FJ's website - fretboardjournal.com - to see even more exclusive interviews, podcasts, performance videos and more. The Fretboard Journal is the guitarist's bible, featuring in-depth interviews with legendary players and builders, photo essays and more. Every three months, subscribers receive a new, 128 page keepsake issue of the magazine in the mail. www.fretboardjournal.com

Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal) sentiment_very_dissatisfied 19

Surf 11 years ago 352,334 views

Jazz guitarist Bill Frisell is no stranger to the Fretboard Journal. He was interviewed in our fourth issue by banjo player Danny Barnes and then, in issue 12, Frisell penned a story where he interviewed his guitar hero, Jim Hall. On the sixth day of our Twelve Days of Fretboard, Frisell plays "Surfer Girl" on his Fender Esquire (through a Carr Sportsman amp). As always, Frisell sounds incredible. Watch our entire Twelve Days of Fretboard series here: fretboardjournal.com/features/online/twelve-days-fretboard Go to the FJ's website - fretboardjournal.com - to see even more exclusive interviews, podcasts, performance videos and more. The Fretboard Journal is the guitarist's bible, featuring in-depth interviews with legendary players and builders, photo essays and more. Every three months, subscribers receive a new, 128 page keepsake issue of the magazine in the mail. www.fretboardjournal.com

Show More

Advertising
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »
NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Chargers

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »
ADVERTISING
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »
NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Chargers

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »
RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »
Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

CM Kilcullen
CM Kilcullen - 6 years ago
Every note counts. I like this guy. I like some of his recordings better than others. I am in love with his live recording lp "Small Town". Plays in a deliberate fashion - but not unimaginative. For some reason I think of my older brother a lot when I hear him play music of the era he refers to here. My older brothers were born closer to the mid 50's and I was the whoops baby born later in the 50's. His tone goes right to my center.
m gos
m gos - 6 years ago
I wish the ninetee d-bags would comment why they didn't likey. Too bad they can't face the comment board. Dbags
Nat3doge
Nat3doge - 6 years ago
2:09 - 2:15 hot
Evaldo Passos Servio
Evaldo Passos Servio - 6 years ago
Frisellogy!
Evaldo Passos Servio
Evaldo Passos Servio - 6 years ago
Lovely music.
bohemian46
bohemian46 - 6 years ago
to:  topopops..Your comments lead me to believe you are either jealous or do not understand what you heard. I'll also include ignorance.. which is fortified by your use of the word "of".Just my take.This was a performance of cosmic proportion. And the cosmos is understandably incomprehensible.I would like to hear more. I will now wander off to more of Bill's Fretboard Journal interviews.Thanks for posting this interview.PSFretboard Journal is my only subscription to any magazine, not just guitar related, but any magazine.
AMP
AMP - 6 years ago
Beautiful
J Corwin Russell
J Corwin Russell - 6 years ago
Still one of my favorites. Thanks for all you do, Mr. Frisell.

Love how you don't get carried away with harmonies, and keep songs recognizable, yet interpreted and jazzy. Brilliant stuff, as always.
Ulf Adolf Gandalf Alf Elf MILf
Ulf Adolf Gandalf Alf Elf MILf - 6 years ago
fuck thats nice
Big Foot
Big Foot - 6 years ago
Wow

10. comment for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

EL Holt
EL Holt - 6 years ago
Tuning? Drop D?
postlove
postlove - 6 years ago
yessir
mm00m
mm00m - 6 years ago
Robert Rose Jr.
Robert Rose Jr. - 7 years ago
Well done Bill as always. Big fan
James Ashley
James Ashley - 7 years ago
fantastic :D
topopops
topopops - 7 years ago
I think he is highly over rated. Not even that great of an arrangement
Frank Herrera
Frank Herrera - 6 years ago
topopops and when will YOU be posting your talents.
boz otimov
boz otimov - 6 years ago
You say that because you're not hearing what he's not playing. Bill Frisell's mastery comes as much from what he plays than from what he doesn't play.
Udo Matthias
Udo Matthias - 7 years ago
like it!!
tim hitt
tim hitt - 7 years ago
cool
whiteguard56
whiteguard56 - 7 years ago
Who are the 14 nimrods that don't like this??
The MIC - Music Inspiration Channel
The MIC - Music Inspiration Channel - 7 years ago
I think the first single I bought was either "Jeans On" or "Hot Child in the City."  Hard to remember.  I got "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Barracuda" pretty early, too.  Dude - play "Barracuda!"
maazvdo
maazvdo - 7 years ago
Wonder tone, really ! Thanks for posting, Fretboard Journal .

20. comment for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

SiggyMe
SiggyMe - 7 years ago
This will date me so be it when I was age 15 I was the tech person for awhile for the Beach Boys. I use to setup their shows and manually do the lights for each song during their act.....Also I was the runner for their meals and sometimes referee for their many arguments :^)) geeish!
Richard Roadman
Richard Roadman - 7 years ago
This makes me weep. The beauty and bittersweet memories of the time. I'm the same age as Bill so I can really relate.
Brian Cullen
Brian Cullen - 7 years ago
obviously comes from a time where guitarists were classically trained. Great technique.
DanolsMusic
DanolsMusic - 7 years ago
I would love to do something like these.
Awesome video of Bill ! :)
So beautiful
Scott Brennan
Scott Brennan - 7 years ago
Can someone spell out why this "Esquire" has a neck pickup?
TheYannickOne
TheYannickOne - 7 years ago
"im not even sure if i can play it..." sticked to me the whole time listening
Takayuki Ishiguro
Takayuki Ishiguro - 7 years ago
Looks like he prefers old strings.
Luis Fdez
Luis Fdez - 7 years ago
How can some people dislike this?
Niels Bakx
Niels Bakx - 7 years ago
Such pure sound. Beautiful.
Terje Storvig
Terje Storvig - 7 years ago
An Edvard Grieg-piece, with a guitar-arrangement inspired by Bill Frisell
https://youtu.be/-RZqEU9en9E

30. comment for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

Dimitri Treheles
Dimitri Treheles - 7 years ago
this guy is so hot jesus
Fred Centrella
Fred Centrella - 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. Bill Frisell, surf music, and the Telecaster - an unbeatable combination!
Joseph Stewart
Joseph Stewart - 8 years ago
Esquire? Seriously??? Seems to have the Esquire name imprinted on the head stock, but in virtually every way imaginable, its the spittin' image of my '09 sand-colored Classic Player Baja, which I'd play here far more often, if it didn't weigh what my wife now does! Anyway, great video !!, and kudos on some NICE playing of a truly memorable classic. ;-)
Josh B
Josh B - 6 years ago
The Rachmanioff I recently got a Baja Tele in vintage blonde . It’s beautiful and sounds and plays amazing. It was this particular video that got me into teles a couple years ago. I had no idea how awesome they were !
Stephen Barlow
Stephen Barlow - 7 years ago
+Joseph Stewart yeah I had the opportunity to try one out at my local music shop today and I'm sold lol
Joseph Stewart
Joseph Stewart - 7 years ago
Do it! They're a great little unit if you can find one. Even with the stock bridge pup and Twisted Tele neck pup, they've got an enormous amount of classic Tele twang. Love mine to death. Good luck!
Stephen Barlow
Stephen Barlow - 7 years ago
Joseph Stewart was thinking of getting the classic player baja, thoughts on it?
Matt Holt
Matt Holt - 8 years ago
cool as f@ck
Edward Hayes
Edward Hayes - 8 years ago
silver surfer loves it
Baci302
Baci302 - 8 years ago
Anybody know what tuning Bill's playing in?
Dan Alcantara
Dan Alcantara - 8 years ago
Drop D
TheJofrica
TheJofrica - 8 years ago
The chord progression alone brings a tear to the eye. This rendition is super beautiful
My Fingerboard
My Fingerboard - 8 years ago
Nice.
David Scherer
David Scherer - 8 years ago
Fender "lipstick"pick-up. Awesome feel eh?
Jon Doeringer
Jon Doeringer - 8 years ago
Yeah, I'm guessing he can still play it!
naekiko moon
naekiko moon - 8 years ago
those beautiful chords
Brandon Vu
Brandon Vu - 8 years ago
This man was in an avant-garde grindcore band.
The Mirror
The Mirror - 8 years ago
yes, he's a legendary guitarist and his Zorn contributions are amazing!
Brandon Vu
Brandon Vu - 8 years ago
Look up John Zorn's band: Naked City. It's fucking insane (both figuratively AND literally).
dougthealligator
dougthealligator - 8 years ago
Wait really?
lawrence
lawrence - 8 years ago
what kind of pick ups are those?
stringbender57
stringbender57 - 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful job! My favorite Beach Boy song!
Joseph Oliveri
Joseph Oliveri - 8 years ago
No guitarist has ever used challenging areas like harmonics or dissonance quite as tastefully and delicately as Frisell. His finesse is so uncanny.
Niels Ohlsen
Niels Ohlsen - 6 years ago
Joseph Oliveri what dissonance?
Oğul KÖKER
Oğul KÖKER - 8 years ago
How he manages to prevent single-coil hum? I never heard any of his guitars humming :S

I wish I could play like him...
Oğul KÖKER
Oğul KÖKER - 8 years ago
Thank you good sir!
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
+Oğul KÖKER I would say a number of factors:
1.) In this clip and others, not playing with high-gain overdrive pedals.
2.) His Telecasters are shielded well.
3.) He plays at fairly low volumes.
4.) He has reasonable distance from the guitar amp.
5.) The rooms and environments he plays in don't have "dirty power" or other electronic maladies that emphasize potential 60 cycle hum.
To my knowledge, Frisell does NOT use "noiseless" single coil pickups. In my own playing circumstances, with similar Telecasters, and with similar amps, effects, and in similar circumstances, I do not get any noticeable 60 cycle hum either.
Javi G
Javi G - 8 years ago
Sheer smoothness.
Larry Depontes
Larry Depontes - 8 years ago
beautiful
Diego Rodríguez
Diego Rodríguez - 9 years ago
Remember, Kurt Cobain and Bill play the same instrument
gus dupree
gus dupree - 8 years ago
whoa ,0 to 60 with the n word their buddy
hiro progatonist
hiro progatonist - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz nigger he plays one on this same channel
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz mmm in fact wouldn't because even if klein guitar had the same pickup configuration the guitar it's very different from a  telecaster, the talk about the rig is right,  he change a lot for album to album, my sentence "when he moved from klein guitar etc.." was intended to create a  subdivision of his carreer ( younger bill= klein guitar , more mature bill= telecaster guitar ) it's not the guitar that made grown is sound, i didn't mean that, the player maturated experience + the rig + the guitar made him take a big step forward in his si9gnature sound , but is the sum of this 3 factor that create his sound till now, maybe 3 or 4 year from now he change again his sound , he's in continuos evolution in his sound
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
The sound is not necessarily dependent on the guitar in this case. He is simply using different effects now, or to say in many cases, LESS effects. The Klein he originally used effectively had a Telecaster-style single coil neck pickup in the neck position of the Klein. The Telecaster he uses now would sound almost exactly the same as the Klein through that rig and effects used then. Conversely, that Klein guitar used then, would sound as "organic" now through Frisell's amp and pedal setup that he uses now.
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz yes he have a great collection of guitar , I think his sound imrpoved when hr moved from klein guitar. like his sound now is more organic
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
I have never seen any picture or reference to Frisell with a Jaguar, but it's possible. Frisell with a Gibson Flying V is possible too, but I've just never seen or heard about it. Thanks.
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz he had, both jaguar and jazzmaster , both musician had, but the comment is not about the same model
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
+Marco Zoppi Frisell never, to my knowledge played a Fender Jaguar, and certainly there are very few if any pictures of him playing one. Fender Jazzmaster, yes. Jaguar, no. Those are two very different guitars, but both are what is called "offset bodies", and many people think they are one and the same, or confuse the two. I don't know if Cobain played Fender Stratocasters "often" but he is identified with the aforementioned Jaguars and Mustangs. Frisell has played Fender Stratocasters a bit, largely on the John Lennon song tour (it's Daphne Blue, see videos), and once on NPR doing Strawberry Fields Forever (a black one). Both great clips, the Lennon song tour and the NPR clip.
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz in fact offset guitar , know as jaguar or jazzmaster are in frisell arsenal, just see the video of ehx freeze an cobain often played strat, and frisell too, but i think the previous comment was not about that
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
+Diego Rodríguez Frisell is known for mostly playing Fender Telecasters (or non-Fender Telecaster style guitars such as the J.W. Black Telecaster-style guitars, or Nash Telecaster-style guitars, etc...). Cobain is known for mostly playing Fender Jaguars and Fender Mustangs. Frisell has played many Fender and non-Fender guitars during his career, however, Fender Jaguars and Fender Mustangs are NOT among them. Just to clarify.
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+Marco Zoppi to think*
Mz2250
Mz2250 - 8 years ago
+DereMemo well, I'm not sure about what diego mean with that comment, but got me to tought, they play the same instrument, that's amazing, guitar is such an amazing instrument could be so different from artist to artist.
DereMemo
DereMemo - 9 years ago
+Diego Rodríguez So,what about you? Are you as good as Cobain?
Surfer Johnny
Surfer Johnny - 9 years ago
This rendition is so peaceful and perfectly stated. I love that he doesn't over do it with melody. He brings out the yearning and shows what a talent Brian Wilson is.
Gannon Roberts
Gannon Roberts - 7 years ago
Exactly.

50. comment for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

Terrance Hill
Terrance Hill - 9 years ago
I'm awe struck, what an amazing timeless tune....Thanks so much Bill...you have a way man...
kingofskateop
kingofskateop - 9 years ago
I don't know why but this style reminds me Ted Greene..
含苞待放的谐星
含苞待放的谐星 - 7 years ago
kingofskateop you are right
DrAlexandraBrooks
DrAlexandraBrooks - 9 years ago
<3
John Vosel
John Vosel - 9 years ago
Great job.....
Doeke Bekius
Doeke Bekius - 9 years ago
Bill Frisell is such an unique guitar player, his feel and his touch are amazing, it's so nice to see and hear him play. I met him two weeks ago and he's such a modest and kind person. His pedal work is also great. He just overall is as good as it gets!
noelzhu1986
noelzhu1986 - 9 years ago
Do you love me do you surfer girl
Finn Demaco
Finn Demaco - 8 years ago
+noelzhu1986 no, not really
Lucian Fitzgerald
Lucian Fitzgerald - 9 years ago
I wish you wouldn't have him speak over the intro. I have the extra minute to spare and I'd rather hear the whole piece.
CuteKittyMeep
CuteKittyMeep - 9 years ago
Drop D tune perhaps?
AbbieHoffmansGhost
AbbieHoffmansGhost - 7 years ago
Yup.
amisarebewaswerebeen
amisarebewaswerebeen - 9 years ago
"I dunno if I can still play it" Then plays seriously rehearsed piece.
Skylee Jeffrey
Skylee Jeffrey - 7 years ago
I love how you think you know more than someone who has devoted their whole life to music. Take a minute and learn fool
gus dupree
gus dupree - 8 years ago
naw bill used to do this song live ,time from time,muscle memory and inate talent
Canovil
Canovil - 8 years ago
That's not seriously rehearsed. His knowledge allows him to play it beautifully. And he can play it as many times as he wants, and you will have always a different result. And you will love each of them
Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Mitchell - 8 years ago
seriously rehearsed? nah...
Tony D
Tony D - 8 years ago
he's a classically trained jazz player, also a master so I think he was being sincere that he didn't remeber how to play it but he such a good guitar player that he figured it out as he played
Charles Young
Charles Young - 9 years ago
+amisarebewaswerebeen My bet is you could listen to him play this ten times, and it would be different every time. Although he knows the tune and the basic changes, he's harmonizing it as he goes along.
eaverdeja
eaverdeja - 9 years ago
+amisarebewaswerebeen i bet he cried a few times practicing the "cry me a river" lick at 3:28
Pastor Tim Christensen
Pastor Tim Christensen - 9 years ago
Some of the live versions of Surfer Girl are absolutely exquisite, and I fired one off to our 19YO son who has a college radio show and he was blown away.  Bill's a musical hero.
Tyler Wilhelm
Tyler Wilhelm - 9 years ago
Sounds like he used a z vex lo fi junky
A.
A. - 9 years ago
Superb Tone. I really admire Bill, such a sensitive and humble musician, a truly living legend. 

I wonder if he use any pedal here, this tune is on loop in my head.
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
JudeJaded15
JudeJaded15 - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz good info. thanks
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
Also, it seems to me that Bill has also been known to play slightly modified Mexican Standard Telecaster/MIM Telecasters with Gold Foil pickups in the neck, or Filtertron-type pickups, or low-wind humbuckers and sometimes what looks to be absolutely stock guitars. There is plenty solo video of him playing a Mexican Fender "Road Worn" Telecaster- the yellowish one, with a white pick guard. That guitar seems to look and sound completely stock. 
William Sullivan
William Sullivan - 8 years ago
Thanks. I'll check him out.
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
J.W. Black used to be (or maybe still is) a Fender Custom Shop luthier, I believe. This guitar may have been made by J.W. Black, with the Fender logo under FMIC. J.W. Black left Fender, or at least did not leave, but has started his own company as a "side project" to make his own Fender-style guitars which are viewable on his website, and which bear his name on the headstock. Probably the most memorable J.W. Black (brand) Telecaster-style guitar is the black one with white pick guard, and Bigsby tremolo. I've seen him play that one a lot. Probably some videos feature it.
William Sullivan
William Sullivan - 8 years ago
+Fretboard Journal I'm confused and, apparently, naive. The head-stock says "Fender-Esquire." Is J.W. Black someone who modifies older guitars?
A.
A. - 8 years ago
+Fretboard Journal Thanks for the info! Love your videos, specially those with Bill, and the ones with Blake Mills. I'm from Spain so it's kind of difficult to see them live, but in these videos sounds like I'm right there in the room.
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
Those J.W. Black Telecasters are wonderful things. This one is no exception. Ditto with Carr amps. Every time Bill plays one, I'm in my sonic happy place, almost as much as when I see him play live (and other recordings) using at least one or two Fender Deluxe Reverb amps. It's a wonderful, ambient at times, yet elemental sound.
Fretboard Journal
Fretboard Journal - 8 years ago
+Brad Dietz This video features Bill playing his J.W. Black Telecaster through a Carr Sportsman we have at our office. No pedals.
Brad Dietz
Brad Dietz - 8 years ago
+Alex Supertramp He is not even using any amp-based reverb. Straight into the amp. I suspect a Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue amp, or a Carr Rambler, which seem to be his go-to amps.
Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Mitchell - 9 years ago
no pedals!
JukeboxWillie
JukeboxWillie - 9 years ago
Absolutely beautiful Bill!!
Cineman Steve
Cineman Steve - 9 years ago
This is so tasty! Please let me know if anyone ever has this tabbed out. 
Kushal Neil
Kushal Neil - 9 years ago
+Cineman Steve Learn it by ear.You will improve tenfold.
mdrake34
TJ Nugent
TJ Nugent - 10 years ago
lovely.... 
Danny Solis
Danny Solis - 10 years ago
Does anybody have sheet music for this song?  Tabs?
Thank you.
hatefulsob
hatefulsob - 10 years ago
If you watch Bill's right hand, it moves in very similar fashion to Jim Hall's.
TheJofrica
TheJofrica - 8 years ago
Excellent observation
Doc Brown
Doc Brown - 10 years ago
Fun Fact: Frisell did study with Hall at some point
Ronald Shelton
Ronald Shelton - 10 years ago
Lovely. Classic. A lovely classic. Nice!
Carleton Page
Carleton Page - 10 years ago
Bill is a genius.  That is all.
bb lang
bb lang - 10 years ago
Sonic Bliss....Pure Genuis...what a beautiful rendition of an American Classic! Wonderful!
Simon Barnes
Simon Barnes - 10 years ago
Brilliant
Andre Gruber
Andre Gruber - 10 years ago
I think bill along with julian lage and maybe pasquale grasso are the best guitarist working in jazz today :)
Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Mitchell - 9 years ago
soulless?! surely you jest!
Andre Gruber
Andre Gruber - 9 years ago
what do you mean soulless? As in the fact that he doesn't play soulful or smooth lines? Thats just not his voice as player, his style employs other musical dialects. I think he has a lot of feeling, specially on his acoustic playing. I have also heard him play some great blues, very true and soulful. I do think that he doesn't have enough grit, He is a pristinely clean player. 
DereMemo
DereMemo - 9 years ago
+Andre Gruber Lage sounds a bit soulless to me.
tekz44
tekz44 - 10 years ago
What a nostalgic trip to better times,I can relate to him for I too lived those incredible times.When hope and music guided our way.AND JFK, when the world stood at the brink off destruction thank God we had JFK and Bobby anyhow,sorry i digressed Good old Beach Boys.
And Bill in this lovely ,heartfelt rendition took me there .
Truly a great jazz player,and none other,than with a Telecaster WOW
Cassiano Wogel
Cassiano Wogel - 10 years ago
O M G what to say? This is beyoooooond beautiful! Bill is an ARTIST
gRosh08
gRosh08 - 10 years ago
Very Nice!
jimmmmybrady
jimmmmybrady - 10 years ago
In the original key too...
Novennial
Novennial - 10 years ago
Way to go Bill!
Nicole Tapia
Nicole Tapia - 10 years ago
Searching for a unique rendition of surfer girl to embed in Glogster, came across this. So delicate and exquisite, I've been utterly seduced.

I want to take the audio off it and burn it onto a CD. Is that possible? I need to have it...
Darragh Tate
Darragh Tate - 10 years ago
Type ss before the word youtube in the url and it'll bring you to a website you can save/download from.
Zann
Zann - 10 years ago
what telecaster is that?
juan gomez
juan gomez - 9 years ago
Yes!
Zann
Zann - 9 years ago
Really?? +juan gomez​
juan gomez
juan gomez - 9 years ago
Fender Mex 50's Classic Series
mdrake34
mdrake34 - 10 years ago
A vintage, likely 50's, esquire with a neck pickup (which he's using in the video) added. 
Carlos E.Perez
Carlos E.Perez - 10 years ago
Magical...!
Enrique Soriano
Enrique Soriano - 10 years ago
Outstanding interpretation. Mind-blowing guitar. Bill Frisell is a genius.
James Humphrey
James Humphrey - 10 years ago
His voice is as gentle sounding as that guitar tone.
Matt
Matt - 11 years ago
Is there a tab for this masterpiece from Mister Frisel ??
Ralf Güther
Ralf Güther - 6 years ago
Any chance you can share the tabs? Thanks so much!
heyhowsitgoing
heyhowsitgoing - 7 years ago
I feel like this piece deserves to be revered just as it is.
Tony Long
Tony Long - 8 years ago
Doeke Bekius
Matt
Matt - 9 years ago
+Doeke Bekius Thank you ! It's a great one !
Doeke Bekius
Danny Solis
Danny Solis - 9 years ago
Do you think you can send me the tabs for this? I'll apprectiate it greatly! (:
Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia - 10 years ago
Let's make one....
Matt
Matt - 10 years ago
I still don't have it ..
Lee Brown
Lee Brown - 10 years ago
+matrap57 I would love the tab too! Could you please send it to me also? I tried transposing it myself but is way over my head. haha
Matt
Matt - 10 years ago
+secondtonone
 I definetely need crutches !
You can maybe send me the tab per private mail ..
Noise Angel
Noise Angel - 11 years ago
Nice tune... Does any one has the tabs of how he plays it...
97bloodbrother
97bloodbrother - 11 years ago
Great artist
Francisco Espinoza
Francisco Espinoza - 11 years ago
A big heart makes big music !!
dcap4545
dcap4545 - 11 years ago
Says, "I'm not even sure if I can play it."... then proceeds to play an insanely beautiful version of the song
najtrows
najtrows - 11 years ago
Sooo smoooth!
jbefumo
jbefumo - 11 years ago
Guy is so totally unpretentious . . .
Jack Narcotta
Jack Narcotta - 11 years ago
Amen, brother. It's the electric guitar that inspired all others. After 25 years of playing mostly dual humbucker models from various makers, I was forever changed by the first few minutes I spent with my Tele.
WILL SENGER
WILL SENGER - 11 years ago
Some days you can admire his taste in what he chooses to play just as much as you can be in awe of his playing. You are a treasure, Bill Frisell, and i am blessed to live in the same time as you, to watch, to learn, to listen.
Ralph Hale
Ralph Hale - 11 years ago
There is no one like him. Period. Wow.
Lane arndt
Lane arndt - 11 years ago
thank you fretboard journal for this stunning video!
Lyle Kang
Lyle Kang - 11 years ago
holy cow
Shining Trapezoid
Shining Trapezoid - 11 years ago
That tone is so pure. It's almost like a Rhodes Piano.
Will Schmid
Will Schmid - 11 years ago
Hey man, if you don't like him, why did you watch all these videos? I've seen this exact comment on many Bill Frisell videos this week, all with your name on it. If you don't like Bill, don't watch Bill. I love Bill, I think he should get more fame than he already has. Sure, he's not the fastest shredder around (isn't a shredder) but you would be hard pressed to find someone as melodically sophisticated or someone with such an attention to detail as Bill. He is definitely one of my favorites!
Matt Grace
Matt Grace - 11 years ago
I firmly believe that the Telecaster is one of the most versatile, well-built guitars ever made. In the right hands (like Mr. Frisell's, for instance) it's just pure magic.
rjo8500
rjo8500 - 11 years ago
Beautiful.
Fretboard Journal
Fretboard Journal - 11 years ago
It is a Carr Sportsman. We have one at our offices (and love it).
Back Auf
Back Auf - 11 years ago
It looks to be a Carr Sportsman. Dr. Z 18 Junior comes close. I miss my old Deluxe when I hear a good combo.

100. comment for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

sorrycharleyyyy
sorrycharleyyyy - 11 years ago
Is this a modded Esquire? It has a neck pickup, seems like a regular old tele to me.
jigonzavTelecaster
jigonzavTelecaster - 11 years ago
Bill Frisell is a genius.....
muz977ify
muz977ify - 11 years ago
my man !! the frizzle !!!!!!!!
retainium
retainium - 11 years ago
I hope Leo Fender gets this channel in Heaven.
William Gray
William Gray - 11 years ago
Whenever I hear you playing, I'm always moved. Your mastery of the instrument is at a very high level, of course, but your phrasing and musicality are what grabs me emotionally and pulls me in. Thank you for doing what you do.
Eddie Grim
Eddie Grim - 11 years ago
Thanks the song brings back good memories and I never cease to be amazed at the beauty of your playing. I love the way you blend diverse genres of music together!
Henry Johnson
Henry Johnson - 11 years ago
beautiful!
anvilson
anvilson - 11 years ago
Great. Bill really reveals the Jazz phrasings to be found in Brian Wilson's music
Shaolin Drain
Shaolin Drain - 11 years ago
amazing feel and story behind it, i one heard the guitar is the physical expression of the human soul on six strings :) i guess he must have a beautiful soul
themodularmodular
themodularmodular - 11 years ago
Somehow his guitar play is very soothing.. the sound and vibe is almost like listening to old records. Thanks for the video!
Jack Fossett
Jack Fossett - 11 years ago
Wow this is awesome -
gratefulguitarlessons
gratefulguitarlessons - 11 years ago
So many things to love about Bill Frisell....the minor 2nds at 3:16 - 3:31...yum.
MelodicDreamers
MelodicDreamers - 11 years ago
I would love to have a DVD of Bill in this kind of setting playing a bunch of Christmas tunes and talking about his memories of the holidays and music. I don't know... this intimate setting stuff is my favorite.
duhdamac
duhdamac - 11 years ago
I think that when he says, "I'm not sure if I can even remember how to play it." he means that he's not sure if he remembers how it goes. I'm pretty sure if he can remember *that*, he can play it. An ability worthy of aspiring to.
James Humphrey
James Humphrey - 11 years ago
That tone!
temp_ man
temp_ man - 11 years ago
Never mind I see it on the description.
temp_ man
temp_ man - 11 years ago
What amp is that?
AlexanderWS
AlexanderWS - 11 years ago
Tasty
Brian Cerveny
Brian Cerveny - 11 years ago
"I'm not sure if I can even remember how to play it." OK, Bill.

Similar videos
for Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

Surf

be vis "surfer"

61,873 likes 4,946,350 views 6 years ago

gdzie mój red bull? facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beeevis instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevispresley...

Surf

Rescue 911 - "Car Surfing Girl" (Part 2)

994 likes 515,883 views 18 years ago

A girl riding on the hood of a car falls off and gets her leg stuck in the engine. This segment was taken from...

Surf

The Surfaris - "Surfer Joe" ( Single Version )

847 likes 176,096 views 13 years ago

The Surfaris were an American surf rock band formed in Glendora, California in 1962. They are best known for two...

Related videos
to Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

Surf

be vis "surfer"

61,873 likes 4,946,350 views 6 years ago

gdzie mój red bull? facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beeevis instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevispresley...

Surf

Rescue 911 - "Car Surfing Girl" (Part 2)

994 likes 515,883 views 18 years ago

A girl riding on the hood of a car falls off and gets her leg stuck in the engine. This segment was taken from...

Surf

The Surfaris - "Surfer Joe" ( Single Version )

847 likes 176,096 views 13 years ago

The Surfaris were an American surf rock band formed in Glendora, California in 1962. They are best known for two...

About Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)

The "Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal)" video is part of the surfing, sexy girls, beach category, which contains similar videos like this one.

Subscribe hot viral Aquatic videos!