Song Rig

Race with Devil on Spanish Highway

Al Di Meola · Elegant Gypsy · 1977

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The track that defined jazz-rock fusion guitar technique for a generation — a high-speed flamenco-influenced guitar piece that showcases Di Meola's alternate picking at maximum velocity. The Gibson SG Custom through a Mesa Boogie produces a warm, sustaining high-gain tone where every note of the fastest runs is audible.

Signal Chain

1Gibson SG Custom (two humbuckers, bridge pickup)
2Mesa Boogie Mark I (original, clean to medium gain)
3Roland Jazz Chorus 120 (stereo for clean sections)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume6

Bass6

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

Medium gain — Di Meola's speed does not require maximum gain. The Mesa Mark I's natural compression and warmth provide sustain for the fast runs without muddying the individual note articulation.

Technique

How to Play It

Alternate picking at world-record tempo — Di Meola holds the Guinness Book record for fastest guitar picker (at the time). His technique uses an extremely rigid, controlled right wrist with minimal pick movement and a heavy pick for consistent attack at extreme tempos.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Any guitar with humbuckers → Mesa Boogie or medium-gain amp → heavy, thick pick (2.0mm+) → practice alternate picking with an absolute minimum of right-hand movement: the pick should move no more than 3–4mm per stroke.

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