In this edition of Rock Lick Legends we take a look at the Dorian playing style of Carlos Santana. Santana uses the Dorian mode in abundance with a great sense of melody in combination with his more bluesy style. The Latin rhythmic background which Santana often solos over provides great melodic and rhythmic interplay and the articulation and nuances indicative of his playing display an original and unique approach to rock guitar playing. In the following examples we will examine some of Santana’s Dorian style mixed with the blues and minor pentatonic scales.

For most of his career, Santana has used Mesa Boogie amps; he also uses a Fender Cyber Twin, Marshall 4x12, and Brown 4x12 cabinets with Tone Tubby speakers. In the early part of his career, Santana used a Gibson SG and later switched to Paul Reed Smith guitars.

Suggested Album: Abraxas

Playing Rating: Intermediate