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Posted by: sumitnxt Aug 22 2013, 05:36 AM

I find santana's music most soulful , relaxing, happy , beautiful and still quite unique .
I have found that most of his music is quite easy to play.
That encourages me to question is it also easy to compose ??
how can i compose santana's music. what would be theory behind it ?

Posted by: The Professor Aug 22 2013, 09:03 AM

Hey, love Santana! That's a tough question to answer with just a few short ideas to check out, as there is a lot of depth to Santana's playing and writing, but there are a few key sounds that you can check out to get started.


The first is the Dorian Mode, which Santana loves to use over Minor Chords and keys.


Here is a Dorian scale article to look at http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=48060


As well, you can look into the Dorian Pentatonic Scale, which he also explores in his solo.


Here's an article on the Dorian Pentatonic Scale http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=49099


Lastly, look into the Harmonic Minor Scale, for playing over minor chords, but also using the 5th mode to play over the V7 chord in a minor key, so applying A Harmonic Minor to an E7 chord, very Santana!

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/search/harmonic+minor/

I would start there, but also try and learn as many of his songs, chords, lead lines and solos, as you can. Look for patterns like licks and progressions that he uses often, as that will also help you learn what Santana does, right from the master!

Posted by: The Professor Aug 22 2013, 09:33 AM

you might also dig this new article I just put up this morning


http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=49868

Posted by: sumitnxt Aug 22 2013, 02:47 PM

wow, lot of things to work on.. thanks Matt.

Posted by: Darius Wave Aug 22 2013, 03:10 PM

I think that it's not easy - it only sounds easy. Under the surface of simple notes there are tons of details hidden and aside from shredding, good phrasing demand any less attention and practice. Also there are two sides of every story. One thing is to learn what someone already played and the second is...being able to create those things Santana has some speciall gift and style. Those are too difficult to try to explain the easy way. It more a thinking way than just a scale assignment and similar. It's about all the rhythm, tone for the hands and specific melody build up

Posted by: sumitnxt Aug 22 2013, 03:16 PM

thanks darius, I agree with you , In my limited exposure , i have not heard anyone who sounds quite like Santana .

Posted by: Darius Wave Aug 22 2013, 03:43 PM

QUOTE (sumitnxt @ Aug 22 2013, 02:16 PM)