Song Rig
Black Magic Woman
Carlos Santana · Abraxas · 1970
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Smooth, sustaining lead tone with a Latin rhythmic urgency — Santana's Mesa Boogie creates endless sustain at relatively low volume, which made it revolutionary in 1970. Every note sings with a compressed, vocal quality.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul (or SG) (neck humbucker)
- 2Mesa/Boogie Mark I (Boogie preamp mod)
- 3Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Amp Settings
High mid setting is the Santana signature — the Mesa Boogie with boosted mids creates that singing, forward quality. Santana famously found that the Boogie preamp achieved sustain at much lower stage volume than cranked Marshalls.
Technique
How to Play It
Legato phrasing with wide, deep vibrato applied to every sustained note — Santana's vibrato is wider and slower than most rock guitarists, closer to a blues vocal style.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any amp with boosted mids (Mesa Boogie sim, Tube Screamer into clean amp for mid-push) + a humbucker guitar. The wide vibrato must be practised separately.
More from Carlos Santana