“She’s Not There” by Santana

Dive into the intricate artistry of Santana with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “She’s Not There.” This masterclass deconstructs the techniques behind one of the most iconic covers of the 1970s. Originally performed by The Zombies, Santana’s version injects his signature Latin rock flair, making it a classic for guitar enthusiasts. By learning this song, you’ll expand your skillset, master Santana’s unique style, and gain insight into techniques that will enhance your playing across genres. Stuart Bull breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Santana and the Song

Carlos Santana, a guitar legend, brought “She’s Not There” to life with his expressive and soulful approach. Known for blending rock, blues, and Latin influences, Santana’s playing style is celebrated for its emotive vibrato, clean phrasing, and melodic sensibilities. His rendition of this song showcases his ability to transform a pop hit into a guitar-centric masterpiece, making it a must-learn for guitarists eager to explore expressive soloing and rhythm work.

Guitar Techniques in “She’s Not There”

Our lesson highlights several key techniques used in “She’s Not There,” each accompanied by detailed demonstrations and practice exercises. Here’s what you’ll master:

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Santana’s solos are filled with expressive string bending and bluesy bends. These techniques allow you to create soaring, vocal-like melodies that evoke emotion. You’ll learn how to control pitch accurately and add nuance to your playing, a hallmark of Santana’s style.

Vibrato

A signature feature of Santana’s playing is his soulful vibrato. This technique adds sustain and emotional depth to your notes, transforming a simple phrase into something unforgettable. Mastering vibrato improves your overall expressiveness and enhances your musicality.

Alternate Picking

Fluid lead lines in “She’s Not There” require precise alternate picking. This technique ensures speed and accuracy, enabling you to tackle Santana’s fast, melodic passages with confidence. Developing this skill will improve your efficiency in playing complex solos.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Santana frequently incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth, flowing phrases. These techniques help create seamless transitions between notes and give your solos a fluid, legato feel. They’re also essential for achieving Santana’s lyrical playing style.

Slides and Double Stops

Santana’s use of slides and double stops adds richness and texture to his lead work. These techniques allow you to explore melodic phrasing and harmonised intervals, enhancing your understanding of dynamics and articulation.

Chord Progressions and Arpeggiated Patterns

The rhythm guitar parts in “She’s Not There” feature lush chord progressions and intricate arpeggiated chord progressions. Learning these elements improves your timing, finger dexterity, and understanding of harmonic structure.

Harmonics

Santana’s incorporation of harmonics adds shimmering accents to the song. You’ll learn how to produce these bell-like tones and incorporate them tastefully into your playing.

Sustain and Dynamics

A hallmark of Santana’s playing is his use of sustain and dynamic control. By mastering these aspects, you’ll bring a polished, professional feel to your solos, allowing each note to resonate with impact.

Why Learn This Song?

Studying “She’s Not There” offers more than just the ability to play a classic tune. It equips you with versatile techniques, enhances your musicality, and helps you better understand the emotive potential of the guitar. Whether you’re a fan of Santana or simply want to refine your skills, this lesson is a perfect addition to your repertoire.

Guitar Techniques Covered

Below is a list of guitar techniques featured in this lesson. Click the links to learn more about each:

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Sustain

Start your journey into the world of Santana today with this engaging and comprehensive lesson!