A Legend of Spanish Pop Rock on Guitar Chat
In episode 49 of Guitar Chat, we welcome none other than Ramón Arroyo, the iconic guitarist of the Spanish band Los Secretos. With over 30 years in one of the country’s most beloved pop-rock bands, Arroyo has become a reference for clean tone, tasteful arrangements, and deep musical roots.
“We’ve never had a number one hit, but the songs stayed.”
His humility contrasts with his impressive contribution to Spanish music history.
Building a Legacy Through Songs
Ramón highlights how, despite never reaching top chart positions, the key to their longevity has been the power of songs:
“In the end, it’s the songs that sell tickets.”
Los Secretos have transcended generations thanks to timeless melodies and lyrics—an achievement that only a few bands can claim.
From Americana to Pop: Finding His Own Style
Before joining Los Secretos in 1986, Ramón immersed himself in American roots music, performing in bluegrass and folk groups in Madrid.
“The great American musicians have an incredible tempo. No one marks it—they just feel it.”
That rhythmic sensitivity later became a trademark of his playing, especially through his clean, articulate tone that often evokes Nashville influences.
On Gear, Tone, and the Pursuit of Sound
Arroyo dives deep into his preferences for Strat-style guitars, pedal configurations, and amplification. He reflects on using Kemper profiling amps in modern setups, while still loving the classic feel of Fender Deluxe Reverbs and Princeton amps in the studio.
“We die trying to find the great sound—but that’s the fun part.”
His approach to tone is meticulous, but never dogmatic—always seeking clarity, musicality, and balance between tradition and modern tools.
From Technique to Emotion: Improvisation and Simplicity
Ramón emphasizes the importance of improvisation in his musical development and how he blends fixed melodic lines with improvised sections:
“The best way to find things is to search for them—improvisation keeps you learning.”
For him, playing with heart and intention matters more than speed or complexity.
A Tribute to Classic Guitar Design (and Vegatrem!)
Throughout the interview, Arroyo shares his admiration for the genius of Leo Fender, especially the Stratocaster’s ergonomics and clarity. He also discusses his use of the Vegatrem bridge, praising its stability and smoothness even for nuanced chordal vibrato:
“This tremolo lets you move chords up and down with softness—something few bridges allow.”
His appreciation reinforces Vegatrem’s position as a trusted tool for professional guitarists seeking expressive control without tuning issues.
Conclusion: A Guitarist for the Songs
Ramón Arroyo is not just a skilled player—he’s a storyteller with strings. His dedication to clean tone, tasteful phrasing, and serving the song above all defines his career and makes this Guitar Chat a must-watch for any guitarist.
“Talking about guitars and music is a passion. You can always improve—that’s what keeps us alive.”