Solo Tone

Oye Como Va

Santana

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Special (early 1970s, likely 1968-1970, stock P-90s, cherry red finish)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark I (prototype, early production, combo, no master volume, 1x12 speaker)

PickupsGibson P-90 single coil (stock, neck position for solo)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass7

mid7.5

treble6

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1970, Abraxas album. Santana used a Gibson SG Special with P-90s into a Mesa/Boogie Mark I prototype for the 'Oye Como Va' solo. No evidence of pedals or effects loop on the original studio recording; all drive from amp. No PRS or Dumble on this era/track.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainwarm and smoothvocal-like phrasingrich midrangeslightly compressedtouch-sensitive responserounded top endfluid legatoamp-driven overdriveclassic Latin rock solo tone

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate control of phrasing, expressive bends, and smooth legato, but does not involve high-speed runs or advanced techniques.

Sources

Decoding Carlos Santana's supernatural soloing style - Guitar World Interview: Santana Gets 'Spiritually Horny' Making 'Shape Shifter'Weekly Song Spotlight #94: 'Oye Como Va' By Santana : r/rocksmith

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account