Learn to Play Santana

Dive deep into the rhythmic world of Santana with our latest offering – Learn To Play Santana. Santana, led by the iconic guitarist Carlos Santana, revolutionized rock music by infusing it with Latin, jazz, and blues elements. With this meticulously curated lesson pack taught by Stuart Bull, you get a chance to explore and learn some of Santana’s most celebrated songs.

Europa
“Europa” is a soul-stirring instrumental that allows the guitarist to traverse through various scales like the G minor pentatonic and D minor. The guitar solo in this song is a masterclass in emotion. It beautifully demonstrates Carlos’s finesse with vibrato and string-bending, creating an almost vocal quality in his phrasing.

Black Magic Woman
Originally a Fleetwood Mac song, Santana’s rendition of “Black Magic Woman” is undeniably iconic. Rooted in the Dorian mode, the track is a sultry fusion of rock and blues. The solo section gives a brilliant showcase of legato techniques and chromatic descents, adding a touch of mystique.

Samba Pa Ti
A love letter in the form of music, “Samba Pa Ti” is drenched in emotion. The song navigates through the A minor scale, and the melodic lines are enriched with the use of harmonics and the soulful application of trills.

She’s Not There
Santana’s cover of “She’s Not There” (originally by The Zombies) is an energetic foray into rock with subtle jazz undertones. The song offers a dynamic interplay of chord progressions and syncopated rhythms, with a solo section that spotlights Carlos’s versatility with alternate picking.

Smooth
Possibly one of Santana’s most recognized songs, “Smooth” is a collaboration with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. A modern classic, the track stands out for its catchy arpeggios and memorable melody. The solo, rooted in the Dorian mode, uses a mix of legato runs and double-stop bends that add flavor and flair.

Carlos Santana: The Maestro
Central to these songs and the Santana sound, Carlos Santana’s approach to the guitar is both technical and spiritual. With his roots in blues, he branched out to explore various genres, all while retaining his distinctive style. His solos often sound like a passionate conversation – full of emotion, articulation, and dynamics. His techniques are versatile, from fast alternate picking runs to soulful slides and bends.

Guitar Techniques Used In These Lessons
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Harmonics
• Trills
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Double-Stop Bends
• Slides

Dive deep into these lessons and discover the beauty of Santana’s music. From the rich harmonies to the soulful solos, there’s a universe waiting for you to explore. “Learn To Play Santana” offers you the tools and guidance to master these songs and perhaps, incorporate a bit of Carlos’s magic into your playing.