TOP 5 SANTANA RIFFS

[@GuitarPilgrim]

HIT that like button if you like SANTANA! Great thanks to all patrons for supporting the channel!Your TABS for this video are available here: www.patreon.com/posts/32671535

[@alexcadavona8727]

Guitar Pilgrim, did you get a video or two on Jimi Hendrix taken down? :(

[@1234268blablabla]

Hi mr Guitar Pilgrim. I just have to say that I really like your style of getting down to the bone of Santana and all these great guitarists. I think these videos puts guitar playing in a different perspective for a lot of guitar playing people out there. That is of course, if they're paying attention, which is not always the case. The people who doesn't seem to understand the magic coming out from the hands of all these legends. Of any hands of magic for that matter, because it doesn't seem that hard to play whatsoever. These are the people who most likely end up being characterless guitar players. If you follow. Guitar players who let technique and theory get in the way, rather than exploiting it for letting their personality flow through the guitar.

[@brianwalsh7931]

Carlos Santana was friends with my father’s friends in San Francisco. Richard and Barbara invited us to their apartment and said for me to bring my guitar. (Richard was my guitar teacher, this was around 1983). I didn’t know that they knew Carlos, or that he was going to just drop by. The doorbell rang and Richard asked if I’d answer the door. I opened the door and just about fainted. Carlos Santana is standing there smiling. Holy shit! He came in and we just hung out and partied. What and incredibly nice guy. So humble. Nothing pretentious about him. Later that night he showed me how to play Europa (my favorite Santana song at the time) I only saw him that one time but what a cool way to meet such an incredible guitarist and personality.
Thank you Guitar Pilgrim for another outstanding lesson based on Santana’s style. Keep them coming. Aloha 🤙🏼

[@IDVDalot]

I met him one in a breakfast restaurant in Layafette CA. He was so cool. Dam I should have brought my guitar with me to that breakfast. Your story is better than mine though.

[@ckn711]

Thank you for sharing your story. What a great guy. I love his music

[@Anonymous99997]

In Black Magic Woman, Santana is using a classic call and response figure with the call being Pentatonic and the response being Natural Minor. Genius.

[@MPNNag]

Santana's playing, is a conversation between a man and a women. Talking about love!

[@gunsofsteele]

And Kurt Cobain was conversing to his wife with his fists!

[@jackdawson5490]

@@gunsofsteele wtf are you talking about dude

[@kevinking2468]

@@gunsofsteele Well said 🥳

[@shalashaska6658]

@@gunsofsteele
Nah, that’s more like John Lennon

[@sirhulk5325]

You’re channel is truly a hidden gem for guitarists, learning or experienced. It’s only a matter of time before you blow up. Keep up the great videos.

[@GreenManalichi]

I remember 100 yrs ago listening to Santana's albums... Samba Pa Ti got my dreams rolling for playing guitar more than any other bands or songs

[@montysoomer6575]

I was doing a dinner JAZZ gig with an incredible steelpan player at a SANDALS RESORT in ST LUCIA. Carlos was the headliner in the1997 festival. He was there for dinner, checked us out for a couple songs and expressed his appreciation and thought we were "great musicians". Wrote me a beautiful autograph.
A very nice and deep gentleman.

[@buddylobos5277]

Many guitarists like to criticize SANTANA. My response is, 'If it wasn't for Carlos' musical style, the perfect cross between Latino & Rock, there wouldn't be anything to listen to. Nobody can duplicate it. great info got me dusting off my scales book.

[@nicholasprotz4297]

Carlos gets criticism, as a lot of other guitarists do, especially Jimmy page. Technique isn’t everything. There’s lots of guitarists that are technically better, but do not have the canon of work or the feel and soul that comes from his hands. Santana is a genius, that’s why we hear him and still play him. Transcendence is my all time fav.

[@swbusby]

I have always loved Santana's use of phrasing, and allowing space into the music. Sometimes when you don't play is as important as when you do.

[@williamaker7803]

Carlos Santana obviously had all of the technical skills you could ever want, but when you listen to him you hear pure emotion. What a great artist with emphasis on the art.

[@charliegy]

Carlos Santana is not only Great for me. He is a LEGEND in every sense of the word. I got into his music at a considerably young age. I was 17 and i never stopped listening to him since. He is my GO TO artist when i can’t decide what to listen to. It’s like a default for me in SETTINGS. HAHAHAHAHA!! I had the pleasure of meeting him backstage when he came to play in my home town of Manila. A VERY gentle man! You know there’s absolutely no air in him at all. I only wish we had smart phones back then in 1996. I was able to let him sign my guitar player magazine article of him though. I asked him to sign “algo en español por favor”, and he readily obliged. What a guy! I wish i can watch him live again. I swore that day that if he was playing anywhere in the world and i was in the same city, i would be in that concert. Viva Carlos Santana! Thank you very much guitar pilgrim. Your videos keep the fire in us guitarists burning!!!

[@egbun]

Santana makes his guitar sing, weep, moan, laugh, seduce, express many emotions that don’t even have words to describe them. Greatest of all time.

[@renokidRight]

I grew up in SF in the 70’s, Santana was in full force at the time. I was always and continue to be a huge fan of his. Abraxas is one of my favorite albums of all time. So much soul and power. Thanks for doing his music justice with your playing!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Santana is one of my favorites of all time! I got into guitar just to learn his greats like Black Magic Women, Oye Coma Va, and Soul Sacrifice! Cheers for this lesson man!

[@snekmeseht]

amen

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@snekmeseht Yeah!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@PikaPOO Those are definitely timeless classics as well!

[@MindDezign]

You ALWAYS disect the Player and the MUSIC ,so we'll. That by its self is TALENT.
Thank You

[@conartist267]

No Europa? That was his signature virtuoso piece I believe. The best of his instrumentals without a doubt in my mind.

[@grovervansesamstraat]

I saw Santana perform live twice. Once at the Northsea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam and once in Gelredome in Arnhem (the Netherlands). These performances where amazing. I noticed there were also al lot of young people enjoying his music. One of the things I like about him, is that he is not only repeating his old songs. He still produces new music. Great guitar lessen by the way. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@TerryMasri]

You're an incredible player and an articulate... teacher?! Yeah... that's it!

[@cervgiovanni]

I second!

[@joemkoenen]

Samba Pa Ti was one of the songs that touched my soul in a way that started me on my musical journey...

[@dougreed9843]

I agree he is one of my favorites I've seen him 7 times in NYC such an amazing collection of professionals rythm and timing of s full orchestra style performance with African Latin Jazz Blues and Rock all combined into what is Santana... love them all

[@donnemikaelcasenas7801]

You're as amazing as Santana in the way you explain and break things down. Simply amazing guitar playing too

[@calinrang5939]

BEST SANTANA RENDITIONS I EVER HEARD. PLUS GREAT COMMENTS. PLUS THE "LITTLE" FILLING RIFFS, DROVE ME CRAZY.

[@gabrieldequeiroscarlos]

Man you're incredible in your tips and on the way you teach them!!! Congratulations from Brazil! I really admire your videos!!!

[@twankwhelan8517]

All good, the last one "Samba Pa Ti" is my fave

[@johnnybx3254]

Black Magic Woman 👍 Such wonderful music from a man who treasures passing on the gift of music to the world!
Thanks for sharing him with all of us👏👏👏

[@user-vn7el5yz2c]

I learned so many beautiful riffs from Sanba Pa Ti. Really simple but sweet notes!

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

You are great at teaching the nuances of FEEL. Santana solos are all about FEEL. He doesn't just play lines. He communicates with emotion and passion. This is what makes him so dashing and eloquent on his instrument. This is what makes his playing so distinctive and unique. Favorite lick¿???¿ Errr....All of them!!!
😍👍🏼🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶

[@yinoveryang4246]

This is the most accurate attempt at someone covering or "doing a Santana" I've ever heard. You're spot on. It's not just about technique, as you say, you've got into his head.

[@BobIrving2]

Your dissection of his style is awesome. Note choice, style, and above all, feel!

[@crowhaven200]

Magic moments... that's it. Carlossssss............ See him live you you feel it...

[@alexcastro7339]

His playing reminds me of a mysterious summer night on a Caribbean beach, with stars, palm trees and a beautiful girl. I can even smell it..😎

[@andromacocenturion7279]

Exactly the same sensation. Liste ing to caravanserai in buenos aires province durimg summer 1.20 am. Some weed going on and the "chicharras" doing their job. Hot night. Amazing flash bro..

[@andromacocenturion7279]

That mysterious night happens all around the world while santana is in the air jajjaja. For real. I had imagine the same situation in El cairo, in la habana in san francisco in DF in brazil everywere and it happens

[@alexcastro7339]

@@andromacocenturion7279
My night happened to me in the Dominican Republic at Puerto Plata
Whenever I hear Europa or Samba Pa Ti, I suddenly get transported to that night many years ago.... Wonderful

[@andromacocenturion7279]

@@alexcastro7339 glad to read about people with same sensations around the world. And these guys, this musicians, the responsible of making it real. I think they show us the universal lenguage of life of love. Sorry about my english, nice history man. Hope you continue enjoying life good music and those feelings 😁😁😁

[@alexcastro7339]

@@andromacocenturion7279
Well said... Thanks man...😎

[@dejanpetras228]

Everything Santana plays is magic...👍

[@khmerartist6581]

Santana has alwsys been a favorite of mine...you were great to educate non musicians in why he's a great...thanks!

[@jkrause365]

One of my favorites has always been Black Magic Woman. I really like mixing up harmonic minor with blues scales.

[@greggnumme8644]

You know Young Brother - I have been playing guitar for 43 years, and I've had the privilege and pleasure of playing with some outstanding and wonderful famous talent. I have met Carlos several times. I have seen him more times than I can count. And I just wanted to tell you that of ALL these "so-called" guitar teachers on the internet - YOU are the ONLY ONE that I've subscribed to! YOU give me a little nudge of INSPIRATION that we all need! And when I have students, I always tell them that you can learn something from EVERYONE who plays guitar! And so I wanted to give you some APPLAUSE for the GREAT JOB that you do here! And I was wondering my brother where are you from?
IF you happen to read this please let me know! And keep up the good work! Because all of us guitar players who are deeply in love with our instrument are very lucky to have you taking the time and consideration to do what you do!
BLESSINGS and PRAISES from NYC my brother from another mother!
🙏✌️💖💖💖🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
🎼🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@GuitarPilgrim]

Hi Gregg! haha, thanks so much for that awesome comment brother, that makes my day! I never know when I make these videos if people will like it or whether I'm screwing up badly. It's nice to know someone in NYC likes the stuff I do! Thanks brother, if you're ever in Dublin, be sure to drop by for a pint of Guinness!

[@kevin321able]

I live in Dublin , just want to say I don't play guitar but you make me want to

[@MonkyMonk729]

There was also that magic moment when Carlos Santana played a Fender amp hot rodded by a young Randall Smith and exclaimed, "man, this thing really boogies!", and forever gave a name to the line of amplifiers that would soon come to be known as Mesa Boogie.

[@Archerinho]

Hello there. I started my guitar studies with Santana. The first was Europa, then Samba pa Ti. The thing about Samba Pa Ti is that there are no mistakes. It is a chromatic phrase which fits perfectly. Okay, the notes are not in the key, but so are most of the chromatic progressions. I loved your choice, I think they indeed represent him very nice, but also want to say to anyone not knowing Santana very good: there is so much more with him. He is one of a kind, really one of the greats.

[@Bluesharp1896]

I attended a show in Queens, NYC in August 1969 (just b4 Woodstock) with the headline act Savoy Brown BB, the second bill Charley Musselwhite BB, and an unknown warm-up act called Santana. After Santana played, the rest was anti-climax...they blew the roof off the place, and this was an open air venue! The next day Bill Graham hosted a free outdoor concert in Central Park bring together Santana and the Jefferson Airplane. After each band played brilliant sets, the Carlos and the Santana rhythm section joined by Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen jammed for a long time. That was aaawwwsome! I think they were acquainted with each other from SF, as their interplay was seamless.

[@amielaicart866]

Thanks to Santana I broke the first string of my guitar

[@jdgt03]

What I love about Santana is the smoothness but randomly he will go crazy and play some amazing lick. Not too mention the tone that man has! Great video really enjoy them.

[@toddmayer6859]

Great video! Always loved Carlos Santana's playing. Such passion. I know of a guitarist who can play every note Carlos played .... precisely ... but it sounds mechanical. One time he played Europa in a church service, saying he was playing it unto God. I think God changed the channel. But seriously, the guy wanted to convey passion, but what came across strongly was anger and frustration. Someone below stated Carlos sold his soul to the Devil. But ..... God is love. Carlos conveys life, love, and passion through his playing. That blesses one and all. I once played lead guitar at church during an offering where the young lady was singing Desert Song. That happens to be in A minor. I had never heard it before. So I threw in Santana type licks. The pastor and others loved how I played.
The vocalist was pissed ... Oh well. Can't please everyone

[@brianhickey5949]

Everything from Santana is - as you said - feeling. His guitar speaks to you and takes your mind on an excellent ride :) As you also said - it isn't the supercritical technique, it is his innovation that coaxes the sound from the guitar. Always my favorite!

[@Gtownblues555]

Clear and concise video. Really liked Samba Pa Ti, Soul Sacrifice, Black Magic Woman.... oh heck I liked them all. Thank you for some early morning inspiration! I would like some Lowell George era Little Feat, a much overlooked band.

[@glennk1931]

Have always loved his guitar work. A brilliant and gifted musician. Such feeling in his playing. His solo in Oye Como Va is one of my favorites.

[@BanteilangRumnong]

One of my favorite guitarist.

[@DarthCarey]

Dude, you do a great job explaining, and playing, like Carlos. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mattharcla]

Carlos is a huge blues fan, and grew up with influences from rock and roll, old blues, jazz, but also his Mexican heritage and not just around flamenco and Mariachi guitar. Listen to the horn lines, the trumpet solos, in Cuban mambo, son, cha cha cha, and bullfighting promos. That was the stuff played on Mexican radio. Tito Puente and Chuck Berry really go well together. The Santana Blues Trio gradually drew more on his Latin roots, expanded the group and the sound, and changed the name. But, never underestimate the influence of Greg Rolie on those subtle and not-so-subtle variations...the vocalist, pianist, organist, lyricist, collaborator.

[@zepapires]

Very nice video. As for the last phrase from “Samba pa ti” you mention, that’s just a chromatic passing note (5, 4#, 4 and major 3 over G), a resource he uses often (pls, see the beginning of the studio version of “Toussaint L’Overture”, where he plays a phrase with chromatics like a jazz bebop player would do it). It adds a lot of tasted sausage to his solos.

[@GUILDAMESH]

I love Santana I don't have a favorite their all wonderful
All my life his music has always been amazing

[@pabloperez4063]

When I was younger, I used to rank songs for styles.
In my "instrumental of the century", I had like this:
1 Samba pa ti ( Live Lotus )
2 Albatros
3 Peaches and diesel
.......
(regardless of blues numbers,OC)

[@M-XELASWEKSTERmx]

La verdadera leyenda mexicana....

[@jameschant2740]

Can't pick just one, they're all great. Thanks for sharing some of these immortal Santana signature melodies.

[@gustavoguerrero5012]

Nice song selection! ... "Oye como va" and "Samba pa ti" are amongst the greatest electric guitar songs ever produced.
Thanks for the lesson...✌

[@lukesbuddy]

Great stuff as usual.. Yeah you hit one of my favorites, Santana.. Like to hear more on him.. Maybe more of a complete lesson. Nice touch on his style.

[@gezlaschoonraad193]

His the reason I play guitar

[@ramona.vargas7298]

I feel you on that. I'd jam with my pop as a kid, & just Riff over his Rhythms
ruclips.net/video/2tz0DkmPvuQ/видео.html

[@marcorazo3253]

He is the reason*

[@AussieSaintJohn]

@@marcorazo3253 you beat me to it LOL

[@fontenelle250267]

Greetings from Brasil!!! you are always bringging the best here.

[@markstather6360]

Just started listening to Santana again. Learning moonflower at the moment with my guitar teacher. Samba Pa Ti is a classic though. 👌

[@ratfink8466]

Mark Stather i play that songs when i was teen😂😅

[@wolfgangheinrich7019]

So very well done, Mr. Pilgrim.
And that Carlos quote at 10:30, it just brings a smile to your face.

[@regemultorem2558]

excellent explanation of the famous santana style

[@azzuro195]

Speaking about Santana guitar playing is really speaking about sensitive latino soul. One of the first globally known latino guitarists who intentionally opened the door of latino music using his guitar. I always loved that music and groove, not only his guitar playing.. Rich and full sound wall, full of syncopated rhythms and melodies. Whole band is awesome not just the guitarist (the banc is called Santana too:). And so recognizable guitar sound playing awesome themes... Not so complicated bud distinctive and catchy, not blues but minor latino scales (harmonic natural they are all derived from roots in samba mambo etc). Santana sound is so well known that when you hear 2 notes you know its him..Only the greatest have that. He is and will be one of my alltime heroes together with Clapton and Knopfler. So it is always about soul not technique or gear.

[@pmay222]

great demo..... i love santana its really become more important to me now im older..my parents had all his early albums...im 55 now...i have spent decades changing guitars and trying rock/metal stuff which was ok.. but i do love the feel of santana... and i have also fell back in love with my own strat... glad to see you hitting the spot with yours im going to learn those scales thanks.. .. ..

[@n.fejzic]

Of all the guitar and music channels out there, I like yours the most.
You inspire me to learn a whole music style, not just a song or two...
Really awesome man!

[@mmccartney6579]

My favorite Santana tune: Samba Pa Ti...pure genius!! :)

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

A master of feel and brave note selection. I love how you did "Black Magic Woman". An excellent analysis and..I too am a fan of classic SNES games my friend!

[@GuitarPilgrim]

snes games are the best!!

[@geew-fr9th]

Awesome job Thom , as are all your vids . Neil Schon said they both cried when they finished " Song of the wind". I can understand why.

[@isseyrox]

Samba pati is genius. The phrasing and how he slowly builds tension from an almost poetic fireplace like warmth to an epic volcano of chaotic fire burning through the soul. It's just EPIC!

[@humbertodavila7551]

My friend, thanks for the class, my inspiration to play guitar, Carlos Santana, thanks again, viva México cabrones!!!

[@michaelperigo6746]

Great video. Thank you. Have been a Santana fan for a half century or so. His music touches my soul more than any other artist. Not being a musician, I enjoyed learning from your analysis of his musical technique.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

I couldn't even begin to choose my absolute favorite from Santana's library, but you certainly hit on a couple of the ones I truly love: Samba Pa Ti, Smooth, and Black Magic Woman!

[@nickbain8687]

Santana was my first guitar hero, because I heard Santana III when I was in elementary school. I think the last solo in Taboo also deserves a nod. Excellent solo from an awesome album

[@trumpsahead]

Another great video. Love it. Santana's style has always been unique, no one like him I thought. I saw him at the Filmore East in the Village downtown Manhattan way back in the late 60's.

[@abhinishsingh3603]

It's not what to play it's how you play...
There....that's feel👏👏👏

[@nitayisrael2886]

Another thin that i love about santana, is that alot of time you shour that he will bend the string, but he dosen't.

[@schlippery1]

I have been playing his music since I was a little boy and I play all the top 5 that you have so eloquently described above, thank you for that :) and my all time fav is his version of Samba pati at the house of blues in Vegas in 2016...

[@paulcooper5748]

Thanks so much for making this i requested this one great job love it.

[@annie4971]

That was so good to watch, love your playing 💃🎶💃🎶

[@rudiyantohalim736]

Santana sounds great 'cause he's playin the guitar with his 'soul', that's what i wanna achieved, beautiful soulfull melody, not shreddin

[@leboxeur100]

salut,je regarde toutes tes videos super instructif meme si je ne comprend pas anglais super et merci.

[@robertbruno6169]

You nailed it. Santana sound all about feeling. Great job of explaining Santana's playing

[@terada1444]

Thanks Pilgrim, another great video. Not only informative but entertaining. A great way to teach and impart knowledge.

[@drewgibb2227]

I really like the Carlos Santana as depicted in Caravanserai - his guitar playing is superb; just such a magical quality to it, in fact I would call it sublime!.

[@vineflower]

You are setting a new bar for guitar tutorials and instructions! Fantastic!!!

[@andynunez3571]

Thank you for making this video. I asked you to make this video few months ago and I feel like you responded. Great Video explaining the scales and the feeling of every note.

[@richardpierce7819]

Samba pa ti is my all time favorite Santana song. Thanks for the info I had never heard of a minor harmonic scale before. Very cool

[@drothberg3]

Love these videos! One nit to pick, though. Technically, there aren't any notes in the minor pentatonic scale that aren't already in the natural minor scale. You create a minor pentatonic scale by starting with a natural minor scale and removing notes. It it true, though, that he is using melodic ideas that we associate with the minor pentatonic, mixed with ideas that use more notes in the natural minor scale.

[@bradwitt4672]

Was hoping "Europa" was going to be included. Still, great choices. :)

[@tomgriffin4331]

Guitar Pilgrim is amazing - but seriously, Santana without the masterpiece Europa? I suspect that the Guitar Pilgrim will devote an entire episode to that song. It will be incredible!

[@andynunez3571]

Brad Witt Yes me too

[@stanspb763]

Even after being in the recording business for decades at that time, and recording his band, I got chills down my back when that intro starts....listening in a dark room transports me to other places

[@akashjain1777]

Man i smile after watching your videos... And most importantly I pickup my guitar right after I see you... I get a lot of motivation from you... Thank you for these videos... 😇

[@user-yj5fe4fw8p]

Thank you. His music is perfect! Carlos - Great Guitarist.

[@dillonhamrick2744]

Your playing is great Tom!! Carlos is the best of the older players left today. One of my faves is winning. Carlos is one of the hardest players to cover but you do it flawlessly

[@yusufbahap1537]

Peter Green influenced a lot. Especially Gary Moore. Blues for Greeny is a great tribute to him.

[@dillonhamrick2744]

Yusuf Bahap Guess Carlos took the right acid tho. All the talent but we’ll never know

[@kevinconville9258]

I just now found your channel and I have to say, wow! You break things down very well and are very articulate. You're also an amazing player! Pretty friggin' awesome really.

[@reddy747]

Suona bene e conosce un mare di stili ha un sound eccezionale. Io mi sono iscritto perché da persone come questo ragazzo le mie idee si aprono e amplificano.
Grazie per il tuo lavoro
Max

[@cloudsculptor1]

Treat is my all time favourite. I think it’s a jazz standard .
As a budding 15 year old guitarist I practised samba pa ti till I got it nite for note (or so I thought)
The groove in those first three albums was so damn fine

[@graemethorne4540]

Ah my favourite player,thanks for sharing,just love these sessions on different artists have a happy New year,looking forward to more of the same next year.

[@musselchee9560]

THANKS Guitar (Pro) Pilgrim, for more snippets of another great music maker. Seeing you in action is encouragement enough to want to learn and know more on making music, especially from this era of music: guitar, bass, drums, vox!

[@dreamscuba]

Thank you for another great video and especially as it was about Santana. He is one of my favourites. I have seen him live a few times. He and his band are just wonderful. As always, your videos, commentary and playing are mesmerizing. Happy New Year.

[@joeri29]

You cannot just explain Santana like this. Santana is a genius. I really like Europa from Santana really great!!! I like latin. The guitar player in the Gipsy Kings, Tonino Baliardo is also a genius in flamenco playing!! listen inspiration or duende from the gipsy kings and he made dosens of songs more.

[@nickbouvy6524]

They are all great. Black magic woman. Samba Pati.

[@jamesgross6466]

Very nice video, my friend. I love Carlos and his playing, always have and from the beginning. I've been fortunate to have seen him in concert three times over the years.
I've studied him and much of his music. I play all the examples you have here and more. He has put out so much great work over the years, I think my favorite is the Marathon lp but it's so hard to choose.
Thank you, my brother...
¡Nada cambria mi mundo!

[@jamesgross6466]

Subscribed

[@RuslanZinovyev]

I really like the black magic woman , it's one of my favorite song, thanks for this video, watch it with pleasure.