Tommy Anthony has been a fixture of the Miami music scene for over 25 years, starting in the early eighties playing all the bars before breaking into studio work, predominantly with producer Emilio Estefan. From 1993 to just a few years ago, Emilio had Tommy and a few other guys do all the guitars for his projects, (and Tommy also got the chance to do vocals as well) easily over a couple hundred different productions at various levels of development, from demos to top ten singles. That led to touring and all sorts of other opportunities that changed his life.
The Estefan connection led Tommy to work with names like Jon Secada, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Steve Winwood and of course, Gloria Estefan. After 7 years as Gloria’s guitarist, she announced her retirement from touring, and then came the call. Santana was looking for a second guitarist/vocalist, and Tommy’s name came up. The classic, legendary band, has been combining Afro Cuban rhythms with rock and blues for over 40 years. With over 80 million records sold, 10  Grammies, and a rock n’ roll hall of fame induction, joining Santana was a no brainer for Tommy.
Seven years later, Tommy stands as only the 2nd full time guitarist in Santana’s amazing history, a role previously held by none other than Neal Schon of Journey fame. When not touring with Santana , Tommy still works with Gloria Estefan, and does production and writing for Disney, Univision and Comcast.
 

Why did you change out your stock pickups?
“Aside from the woods on a guitar and a players hands, the pickups are the next critical step in your tone, prior to the amp of course. Regrettably, that’s overlooked sometimes by manufacturers. Other times there may be a particular facet [more/less gain, more high end, add midrange. That may take a good guitar, and make it sound great. Swapping pickups can do that.”
Which pickups do you use and for which guitars?
“I loaded a Quarter Pound single in my first Strat back in ’78. I’ve since gone to Seymour Duncan whenever the stock pickups in a new guitar were falling short of my needs. Among my choices, the JB , Screamin’ Demon, TB 14 and TB 15, and Pearly Gates models. With the Duncan pickups I know what I’m getting and have a good understanding of the offered lines. They’re consistent, even,  and the performance is always as expected.”
“Duncan pickups perhaps haven’t changed my approach to playing, technically speaking — but I will tell you this – my tone, whether in the studio or live, dramatically affects my disposition, inspiration and mood in general. Good mood = good playing. Duncan helps me get there. I’ve always said, get it right the first time. Seymour Duncan.”
How would you describe your playing?
“I guess my greatest assets are my time, tone and versatility. There are better improv guys and technically advanced players than me. That’s ok, that’s fair, but I can more than hold my own in half a dozen styles, play them legit and with a strong pocket. A lot of guys can solo plenty fine, but unless you’re playing true jazz, bebop or fusion, soloing is good for about 15 seconds on most songs. I always focused on the other 4 minutes too, and making stuff move.”
How would you describe your music?
“My own writing is varied. Radio was different when I was coming up, and far less segregated than now, so I’m comfortable writing and arranging in diffferent styles. That’s been huge, because my publishing deal with Sony was greatly increased in value by my range. I’ve landed straight up rock tunes, classic pop, blue eyed soul and even r&b influenced songs on soundtracks and albums. If you just do one bag well, you’re limited.”
For more information on the upcoming tour dates for Santana:
Santana Tour Dates

For more information on Santana and Tommy Anthony
http://www.santana.com
http://www.redrockstudios.net/Tommy_Anthony.html