Black Magic Woman by Santana

About the Song and Its Guitar Players

"Black Magic Woman" is a timeless masterpiece originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac but made iconic by Santana's rendition in 1970. The song fuses blues, Latin rock, and jazz elements, creating a hypnotic soundscape that captivates listeners. Santana's lead guitarist and bandleader, Carlos Santana, showcases his signature melodic phrasing, lush tone, and an unmistakable feel for rhythm and dynamics. The song also features rhythm guitarist Neal Schon, whose subtle but effective contributions add depth and texture.

Carlos Santana's guitar playing has been a profound influence on musicians worldwide, blending technical proficiency with emotional expression. His mastery of sustain, vibrato, and phrasing has made him one of the most respected and emulated guitarists in music history. Stuart Bull breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

1. Vibrato

Santana’s use of vibrato is central to his emotive playing style. This technique involves oscillating the pitch of a note to give it warmth and expressiveness. Developing your vibrato can significantly enhance your guitar playing, adding character and emotion to your solos.

2. Slides

Slides are frequently used in "Black Magic Woman" to create smooth transitions between notes and add a vocal-like quality to the melody. Practicing slides helps improve fretboard navigation and fluidity in your playing.

3. String Bending

One of the hallmarks of Santana's style is his precise and expressive string bending. In this song, bends are used to hit expressive pitches that resonate with the melody's emotional depth. Learning to control string bends improves pitch accuracy and expressive phrasing.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The legato sections in this piece often incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs to create flowing, connected lines. These techniques help in developing finger strength, speed, and a smoother playing style.

5. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar part features arpeggiated chord progressions that build the song’s rich harmonic backdrop. Mastering this technique enhances your understanding of chord shapes and your ability to add texture to your playing.

6. Bluesy Bends

Blues-inspired bends add an emotional touch to the solos, showcasing the deep influence of blues music on Santana’s style. Practicing bluesy bends sharpens your expressive capabilities and understanding of blues phrasing.

7. Sustain

Santana is renowned for his remarkable sustain, which allows notes to resonate beautifully. Working on sustain helps refine your tone control and the ability to hold notes for dramatic effect.

8. Double Stops

Double stops are used in some rhythmic and melodic passages to create harmonic richness and fuller sound. This technique enhances your understanding of intervals and adds versatility to your playing.

9. Rakes

Carlos Santana often employs rakes for a dramatic and percussive accent before landing on a note. Raking teaches dynamic control and can add punch and precision to your playing.

10. Chord Progressions

The rhythm section of "Black Magic Woman" relies heavily on Latin-inspired chord progressions, providing the foundation for its iconic sound. Learning these progressions improves your rhythm skills and introduces you to Latin music's unique harmonic language.

Benefits of Learning the Techniques

Mastering the techniques featured in "Black Magic Woman" will greatly expand your musical vocabulary, improving both your lead and rhythm playing. Santana's signature combination of melody, expression, and technical finesse offers invaluable lessons for players of all levels. Whether you're developing your vibrato, perfecting your string bending, or delving into Latin-inspired rhythms, this song provides a comprehensive toolkit for elevating your guitar playing.

List of Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain
• Double Stops
• Rakes
• Chord Progressions

By working through this lesson, you'll unlock the techniques that define Santana's timeless style while developing skills that will elevate your overall musicianship.