How to Dial In "Wham!" by Santana - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Wham!"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Mark I. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
A driving instrumental on Inner Secrets, released in October 1978, where Carlos Santana plays a fast, rhythmic lead line over a funk and Latin groove. In the late 1970s he played a Yamaha SG-2000 through Mesa/Boogie amplifiers, so a Mark I-style amp stands in for the sustaining, singing tone. Use the bridge pickup, plenty of amp gain, and play the melody with long sustained notes and quick runs.
Common Questions About the "Wham!" Tone
What guitar did Santana use on "Wham!"?
Santana tracked "Wham!" on a Yamaha SG2000 (released 1978). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Wham!" need?
On a Mark I: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Wham!" without a Mark I?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wham!" 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 "Wham!" by Santana are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.