How to Dial In "Waves Within" by Santana - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waves Within"
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 Caravanserai (1972). Caravanserai is the fourth album by the American rock band Santana, released on October 11, 1972, by Columbia Records and CBS Records International. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Mesa Boogie Mark I Reissue, the rig we use for Santana's other songs from Caravanserai, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Waves Within" Tone
What guitar did Santana use on "Waves Within"?
The guitar on "Waves Within" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Waves Within" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Waves Within" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waves Within" 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 "Waves Within" by Santana are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.