Song Rig
Splendido Sundance
Al Di Meola · Splendido Hotel · 1980
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Fluid and Latin-flavoured — Di Meola at the intersection of jazz fusion and world music. The electric tone has slightly more warmth here, allowing the melodic lines space to sing over the groove.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Custom
- 2Mesa Boogie Mark I or boutique amp
Amp Settings
Moderate gain for a warm lead tone — slightly more body here than his harder-edged fusion work. The Mesa Boogie's natural compression at moderate gain aids the fluid phrasing.
Technique
How to Play It
Legato runs mixed with alternate-picked passages — Di Meola switches between the two techniques mid-phrase for rhythmic variety.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul → Mesa Boogie Mark V: 25 or Blues Breaker clone → Dunlop Jazz III pick. The pick choice is critical for fast legato-to-picked transitions.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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