Carlos Santana Interview | Musician's Friend Exclusive

Santana's stunning performance at the original 1969 Woodstock Festival left the world hungry for the band's exciting blend of blues-rock with Latino Afro-Beat influences and sensuous, atmospheric grooves. Led by Carlos' passionate lead guitar, cool onstage composure, and uninhibited artistic freedom, the band has taken home 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards among many other honors—evidence of their widespread influence and critical acclaim. What does Carlos enjoy most about it all? Reaching people's hearts through the directness and honesty of his playing.

In this interview with Carlos Santana, he talks about how your artistic voice takes shape—mimicking your musical heroes is a fine place to start. Although Carlos' influences fell somewhere between B.B. King and Tito Puente, he realized his unique playing style still came shining through. Carlos emphasizes that the "supreme sauce," the place from which your best stuff comes, is at the heart's center. Your music is a sentiment, after all. Give it all you've got—heart, mind, and body! Whether your tunes are rooted in down-home blues or old-school funk, Carlos Santana's tip is to play from your heart: Arrive the moment your instrument is in your hands, quiet the mind chatter, and get out of your own way. Read more and check out Santana's gear at http://community.musiciansfriend.com/community/santana

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Carlos
• Santana
• interview
• musicians
• friend

[serranojavier99]

he inspires me to play how i play guitar today

[TheSykro]

OMG I'ts one of the best interviews I hear In my life, man! That's what I learn about Carlos to play my music, that if you play with heart it sounds better than everything, thanks for all the knowledge, you are my hero!

[emarzan7]

The man is a guru. I once heard him say that "God doesn't care about your religion. He cares about what's in your heart". That statement changed my views on many things. And now this interview has changed how I approach my guitar playing. Dig deep, and get the hell out of my own way!

[YouOriginal]

thank you people say you have to learn music, I say you have to feel it to and it's the only mistake this generation of musicians makes!

[toddallenhooper]

I love music that comes from the soul. I don't care for too much technique and shredding. Give me soul, soul and more soul. IMHO, thats' what music is all about, it should touch you...

[TheDilligan]

The Syrup is Black People Music

[jodencio41]

Cabroncito el Carlos!!!! pinche buenazoo eres mi IDOLO

[Roland9469]

nice man

[stargatesgstar]

You the KING.

[bealestbluesss]

Sizzling hot Santana

[RedWolf3487]

My favorite interview of all time. Thank you, Carlos, I now play better according to my friends and family.

[MrJava96]

"learn to get out, of your own way" wow man, genius.