Understanding How To Become Just Like Santana

By Author: Savor LaBanda
Total Articles: 6
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There are many people, who would be interested to be like their favorite movie star, singer, guitarist or any other vocation that they are interested in. it is without doubt that there are various reasons for people to follow Santana and play like the legend. Since, everyone is said to have his own unique style of playing, this legend does have a signature sound, which is recognizable instantly. Although, it would be very tough to play just like him, but it is possible to incorporate several of his approach perfectly into one’s own playing.

As in real estate, where the three major things are said to be ‘location, location and location’, similarly, analysis could be made from Santana guitar style, with the three vital facets being, ‘timing, timing and only timing. The famous solos of this legend – Oye Como Va, Black Magic Woman, Smooth, Europa are comprised of reliable old pentatonic scale or ‘blues’, having few additional notes that are thrown for color. However, a larger portion of what actually makes these solos quite memorable is the manner, in which Carlos is known to play with timing.

Many players ...
... to lay their notes in predictable grooves – 32nd notes triplets, eighth notes, quarter notes, etc. However, Carlos would both delay (play late) and ‘anticipate’ (play early) the notes, set up phrases that is regarded to be compelling and unexpected. For capturing that feeling, which he naturally delivers, the individual might be required to ‘force it’ initially. However, over a period of time, several of those off-time senses might begin to creep into the person’s solos.

It is a known fact to everyone interested in music there are notes which never finish. The secret is that without a particular technique, it would be virtually impossible in making the notes to lasts for a long time, like Carlos does. Then how is this magical sustaining notes accomplished by him? There are various factors that need to be looked into and understood. It is essential to have a heavy bodied guitar along with a proper natural sustain, along with humbucking pickups for enhancing it. An overdrive amp is required, which offers a saturated rich distortion. This not need be Mesa Boogie. These days, there are many amplifiers that do offer a specific overdriven sound type. Another important thing is to find a ‘sweet pot’. The amp is to be turned up to the performance volume and a specific note held. The individual needs to walk around, until he finds the appropriate place where the note would feed back to keep going, however, not enough for squealing. That spot is to be marked with a tap and for an endless note, the person should stand there. This is the secret of Carlos Santana.

The solo work of Carlos, work in two different ways. They complement perfectly the accompaniment and stand alone like strong melodic statements. Although it might sound simple, it is a bit tough to accomplish. The trick is in recording a solo over rhythm track. It should fit the song’s grooves and work well with chord progression. Now, without using any other parts, the solo should have power and movement. It needs to be finessed, until it blends with the background. This way, it is possible to capture several of this musical genius, which has made this man a legend.

About the author:

Savor LaBanda is an author of this article who writes about the Carlos Santana who has the ability of powerful music; Santana launched his band of products under the name Santana.

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