How to Dial In "Blues for Salvador" by Santana - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Blues for Salvador"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Blues for Salvador (1987). A slow, soaring instrumental with a sustaining, singing lead tone. No rig for this track is documented here, so a PRS Custom 24 into a Mesa Boogie Mark I Reissue stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Blues for Salvador" Tone
What guitar did Santana use on "Blues for Salvador"?
The guitar on "Blues for Salvador" (released 1987) isn't documented; the PRS Custom 24 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Blues for Salvador" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Blues for Salvador" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Blues for Salvador" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Blues for Salvador" by Santana are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.