There is no doubt that Santana felt intimidated by the extravagant technical genius of McLaughlin, possibly the most accomplished guitarist of the century., but he came to learn that his voice had its own intrinsic value. When we were on the road I thought, 'Man what am I going to do? I should just shine his shoes.' Then I found out that I may not play as many notes, or know as much as he does, but three notes - if you put them in the right place at the right time - are just as important.

-book excerpt