Santana Style Lesson

Yes! You're right about the scales. Ivan focuses his solo on A minor pentatonic, and A aeolian when it sounds good, avoiding playing it when the chords E/G# and D/F# appear, which as you've said, are borrowed from Harmonic minor and Dorian mode. This technique is called Modal Interchange and it's a great arranging and composing harmony trick.

Hi Gabriel, now I know why I've had problems to find out the chords: because of the a minor scale I've not expect an E (with G#) or a D (with F#). Does this not scream for harmonic minor oder dorian? Or as a question: why does it sound so excellent nevertheless?

this helps a lot, thank you!

Hi mate, the chords from the backing are:

Am - E/G# - G - D/F#

then at 00:40, the progression is Am - D/F#

Please let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions.

great lesson. thank you!
I wonder what chords used for the backing track?

awesome lesson Ivan! guess he's not the one and only after all!

Hey Ivan, Man , this is Santana instantly, all over !!! Very cool lesson !! I bookmarked it and when I feel I'm ready for it, I will sure try to REC it.
Great man !!!

very very authentic mate!

Great ! I know which is going to be my next rec take After I finish the the ones that I am working on now

YEAH! Love it Ivan - your in the style of lessons are always brilliant and this is no exception. Thanks for the inspiration!

Very interesting style!

Brilliant playing, Ivan !

Very Cool Ivan - Great job!

This lesson just SHOUTS Santana! Great job & thanks so much Ivan!

NAILED! and it's not easy to nail just an organic style. This is great!

This lesson rocks! and so your playing Ivan! Great job!

i like it ivan, very nice!

Woow Ivan this is GREAT! pure Santana in here!

I like it, nice vibe and sound

great lesson

Nice lesson mate, captured his style quite well....cheers