5 Guitar Solos That Made Carlos Santana’s Legendary Status

Heralded as the 15th greatest guitarist by Rolling Stone magazine, Carlos Santana boasts a musical legacy that spans over 90 million albums globally, encompassing both his tenure with his original band and his solo endeavors.

Here are the five memorable guitar solos that placed him in legendary status:

“Europa” – Album: Amigos
Originally featured in the album Amigos, “Europa” propelled Santana into the realm of European jazz festivals in the late ’70s, standing as a pinnacle in his post-original band era.

“Samba Pa’ Ti” – Instrumental Masterpiece
A soul-stirring instrumental, “Samba Pa’ Ti” serves as Santana’s expression of his distinct identity as a guitarist and artist, showcasing profound emotion and musical craftsmanship.

“Evil Ways” – Album: Santana
The breakout success of Santana’s debut album, aptly nicknamed “the lion’s disk,” “Evil Ways” marked the band’s initial triumph and set the stage for their influential journey.

“Smooth” – Album: Supernatural
Teaming up with music luminaries like Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews for the 1999 album Supernatural, Santana’s collaboration on “Smooth” dominated the charts for three months, securing its place as the most decorated track in his illustrious career.

“Black Magic Woman” – Latin-Infused Mastery
Renowned for surpassing Fleetwood Mac’s original, Santana’s rendition of “Black Magic Woman” injected an enigmatic Latin flair. Santana’s guitar solo in this rendition further elevated the song, distinguishing it from its predecessor.