Introduction
Black Magic Woman - Introduction
"Black Magic Woman" is one of Santana’s most famous songs, though it was originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana’s 1970 version, featured on the album Abraxas, transformed the track into a Latin rock masterpiece. The song blends bluesy guitar riffs with Afro-Latin percussion, creating a hypnotic and rhythmic groove. Carlos Santana’s smooth yet fiery guitar playing gives the track its signature sound, making it instantly recognizable.
The lyrics tell the story of a man enchanted by a mysterious woman, a common theme in blues music. Santana’s version extends the original with an instrumental section that transitions into "Gypsy Queen," a piece by jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó. This fusion of styles helped define Latin rock and cemented Santana’s place in music history. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, and remains a classic rock staple today.
Black Magic Woman Guitar Lesson
Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down how to play "Black Magic Woman" in the original key. The song revolves around three main chords: Dm7, Am7, and Gm7, giving it a moody, bluesy feel. The rhythm follows a Latin-inspired groove, with a steady pulse that makes it perfect for practicing timing and feel.
The intro features Santana’s iconic minor pentatonic lick, played with smooth bends and vibrato. The verse uses a repeating chord progression (Dm7 - Am7 - Gm7 - Dm7), with a laid-back strumming pattern that locks in with the percussion. The chorus shifts to a more open sound, letting the chords ring out before returning to the verse groove.
For the solo sections, Santana uses the D minor pentatonic scale (D-F-G-A-C) with added bluesy bends and expressive phrasing. The key is to play with emotion—let notes sustain, add vibrato, and slide between positions for that signature Santana sound. The transition into "Gypsy Queen" introduces faster, more intricate picking patterns, so start slow and focus on clarity.
Beginners should first master the chord changes and basic rhythm. Intermediate players can work on the intro riff and solo licks, paying attention to bends and vibrato. Advanced players should experiment with improvisation over the Dm7 vamp, using Santana’s phrasing as inspiration.
FAQs
Q. What tuning is used for this song?
Standard tuning (EADGBE)—no drop tuning or capo needed.
Q. How do I get Santana’s tone?
Use a smooth overdrive (not too distorted), with slight delay and reverb. Roll off some treble for warmth.
Q. What’s the strumming pattern?
A relaxed down-down-up with emphasis on beats 2 and 4 to match the Latin groove.
Q. Can I play this without a band?
Yes, but focus on keeping the rhythm tight—the groove is essential.
Q. How do I practice the bends in the solo?
Start slow, ensuring each bend reaches the correct pitch (e.g., bend G to A in the D minor scale).
Black Magic Woman
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Intro Solo
Main Solo 1
Main Solo 2
Black Magic Woman - Introduction
"Black Magic Woman" is one of Santana’s most famous songs, though it was originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana’s 1970 version, featured on the album Abraxas, transformed the track into a Latin rock masterpiece. The song blends bluesy guitar riffs with Afro-Latin percussion, creating a hypnotic and rhythmic groove. Carlos Santana’s smooth yet fiery guitar playing gives the track its signature sound, making it instantly recognizable.
The lyrics tell the story of a man enchanted by a mysterious woman, a common theme in blues music. Santana’s version extends the original with an instrumental section that transitions into "Gypsy Queen," a piece by jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó. This fusion of styles helped define Latin rock and cemented Santana’s place in music history. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, and remains a classic rock staple today.
Black Magic Woman Guitar Lesson
Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down how to play "Black Magic Woman" in the original key. The song revolves around three main chords: Dm7, Am7, and Gm7, giving it a moody, bluesy feel. The rhythm follows a Latin-inspired groove, with a steady pulse that makes it perfect for practicing timing and feel.
The intro features Santana’s iconic minor pentatonic lick, played with smooth bends and vibrato. The verse uses a repeating chord progression (Dm7 - Am7 - Gm7 - Dm7), with a laid-back strumming pattern that locks in with the percussion. The chorus shifts to a more open sound, letting the chords ring out before returning to the verse groove.
For the solo sections, Santana uses the D minor pentatonic scale (D-F-G-A-C) with added bluesy bends and expressive phrasing. The key is to play with emotion—let notes sustain, add vibrato, and slide between positions for that signature Santana sound. The transition into "Gypsy Queen" introduces faster, more intricate picking patterns, so start slow and focus on clarity.
Beginners should first master the chord changes and basic rhythm. Intermediate players can work on the intro riff and solo licks, paying attention to bends and vibrato. Advanced players should experiment with improvisation over the Dm7 vamp, using Santana’s phrasing as inspiration.
FAQs
Q. What tuning is used for this song?
Standard tuning (EADGBE)—no drop tuning or capo needed.
Q. How do I get Santana’s tone?
Use a smooth overdrive (not too distorted), with slight delay and reverb. Roll off some treble for warmth.
Q. What’s the strumming pattern?
A relaxed down-down-up with emphasis on beats 2 and 4 to match the Latin groove.
Q. Can I play this without a band?
Yes, but focus on keeping the rhythm tight—the groove is essential.
Q. How do I practice the bends in the solo?
Start slow, ensuring each bend reaches the correct pitch (e.g., bend G to A in the D minor scale).
Black Magic Woman
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Intro Solo
Main Solo 1
Main Solo 2
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Tune into Torrins’ guitar song lesson on the iconic single by American rock band Guns N' Roses, Sweet Child O’ Mine. This chart-topping hard rock song is taught by our instructor, Mike Walker. He has broken down the lesson into 10 parts for a detailed understanding of each section and to make learning easier. Find dedicated lessons on the intro, verses, choruses, interlude solos, main solo, and outro.
Fun Fact: "Sweet Child O' Mine" was born out of a playful jam session at the band’s house. Slash was fooling around with a "circus" melody to make drummer Steven Adler laugh when Izzy Stradlin suggested turning it into a song. Within an hour, the band had crafted the core structure, and Axl Rose, inspired by his girlfriend Erin Everly, wrote the heartfelt lyrics by the following afternoon.
Chords Used in Sweet Child O' Mine Guitar Lesson
This song is played in half-step down tuning and features a mix of open chords and power chords. Some of the key chords used in the song include:
- C, D, Cadd9
- A power chord, Dsus4
Tune into the full lesson to learn all the chords and how to transition between them seamlessly.
Strumming Pattern
- Intermediate/advanced rhythm: Alternating strumming pattern with pull-off techniques for added depth
- A lick is layered over the chorus, and Mike walks you through how to blend it into the song smoothly
Song Structure
This song follows a well-defined verse-chorus format:
- Intro Riff – The iconic opening lick is based on a repetitive motion with just the first note changing. It’s repeated twice.
- Verse 1 & 2 – Follows an 8-bar phrase played twice using three chords. Incorporates a pull-off pattern. Mike breaks down the intricacies of the verses in great detail.
- Chorus – Mix of power chords and open chords like A power chord, C5, and Dsus4. A lick is played over the chorus for added texture.
- Solo 1 – The rhythm underneath the solo is half the length of the verse.
- Verse 2 – Similar to Verse 1.
- Chorus 2 – Same as Chorus 1.
- Solo 2 – A longer solo covering an entire verse.
- Chorus 3 – Double the length of the previous choruses.
- Outro Solo – Includes wah-wah pedal, hammer-ons, pull-offs, sliding, and some resting measures for dynamic effect.
Why Learn Sweet Child O' Mine?
This lesson covers not just the guitar parts but also the feel and dynamics that make the song iconic.
- Learn the nuances of Slash’s soloing style
- Improve your pull-offs and hammer-ons
- Master playing with a wah-wah pedal for expressive control
FAQs – Sweet Child O' Mine Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Ans: This lesson is ideal for intermediate and advanced players.
Q2. What’s the trick to mastering the intro riff?
Ans: Focus on the repetitive pattern and ensure the other strings are muted for a clean sound.
Introduction
Torrins brings you another heartfelt country classic-Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson, taught by Mike Dugan. This in-depth lesson covers everything from basic chords to advanced rhythm techniques, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced players.
Fun Fact: Always on My Mind was the Billboard number one country album of the year in 1982. It remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for an astonishing 253 weeks, holding the number one spot for 22 weeks. It even spent 99 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at number two for three weeks!
Chords Used in Always on My Mind
Beginner Chords:
- D, A, Bm, etc (alternative chords provided for those struggling with barre chords)
- Bm/G# and other slash chords (simplified option available)
- Basic downstrumming technique
Advanced Chords:
- Walk-down from Bm barre chord to G, creating a smooth transition
- Em, A, D, and motion chord movement from Em to F#, along with other chord voicings
- Includes A/C# to add depth to the song
Rhythm & Strumming Pattern
Beginner Rhythm:
- Simple downstrumming throughout the song for easy playability
Advanced Rhythm:
- More dynamic strumming pattern: DUDDUD with variations in the upstrokes
- Incorporates subdivisions and expressive chord transitions to match the song’s emotional tone
Song Structure
This song follows a classic country ballad structure:
- Intro
- Verse 1 & 2
- Bridge – Separate versions for beginners and advanced players
- Solo Verse – Melody-driven section
- Bridge Repeat
Solo Section
- Uses the D major scale for advanced players
- Simple yet effective solo incorporating D and Bm/A chords, to name a few
- Captures the melody of the song to create an emotional instrumental moment
Improvisation Techniques
For those wanting to add their own flavour, Mike shares techniques to elevate their playing:
- Walk-down motions to create smoother transitions
- Letting open strings ring for a fuller sound
- Subtle rhythmic variations to match Willie Nelson’s expressive phrasing
Why Learn Always on My Mind?
This lesson is a great way to enhance your expressiveness as a guitarist. Whether you’re learning the basic chords or mastering the advanced transitions, Mike ensures that every player walks away with valuable skills.
FAQs – Always on My Mind Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Ans: It’s better suited for intermediate and advanced players, but Mike breaks it down for beginners as well.
Q2. What if I struggle with barre chords?
Ans: Alternative chord shapes are provided for Bm and Bm/G# to make it easier.
Q3. How can I improve my strumming on this song?
Ans: Beginners should start with downstrumming, while advanced players can incorporate upstroke variations and subdivisions for a more dynamic feel.
Q4. Does this lesson include a solo?
Ans: Yes! The solo is based on the D major scale and includes a simple yet effective melody.
Introduction:
Torrins brings you another legendary blues guitar lesson—Stormy Monday as played by The Allman Brothers Band, taught by Mike Dugan. This classic blues song is packed with soulful chords, smooth rhythm, and expressive lead playing, making it a must-learn for any blues guitarist.
Fun Fact: Originally written by T-Bone Walker, Stormy Monday inspired blues legends like B.B. King to pick up the electric guitar. Moreover, the Allman Brothers' 1971 version, with jazzy organ and extended solos, transformed it into an iconic 8-minute masterpiece.
Chords & Song Arrangement
- This song follows a 12-bar blues progression in the key of G, incorporating both open and barre chords:
- Chords Used – G#7, Am7, Bbm7, and more. Some chords are barre chords, but Mike provides easier alternatives for different playing levels.
- Since T-Bone was known for his 9th chords, Mike also teaches 9th chord variations to bring out that authentic blues feel.
- The song includes a subtle sharp climb, adding to the T-Bone Walker-style phrasing.
Rhythm & Strumming Pattern
- Time Signature: 4/4
- Main Rhythm: A slow blues groove with a simple strumming pattern at first.
- Alternative Rhythm: A 6-feel rhythm (double-time feel), adding an upbeat bluesy bounce.
Mike also demonstrates advanced rhythmic techniques, incorporating double stops, slides, and dynamic accents to enhance the song’s groove.
Intro Lick, Turnaround & Ending
- Intro Lick – A G9 chord-based intro, first broken down in a simplified version before introducing more advanced variations using sharp and augmented chords.
- Turnaround – Mike walks through classic turnaround chords, showing how they fit into the blues form.
- Ending – He teaches a common blues-style ending which is useful for countless other blues songs.
Sing & Play – Coordinating Vocals & Guitar
Want to sing while playing? Mike shares practical tips on how to sync your vocals with the guitar. He encourages adding your own feel to the song while staying true to its blues roots.
Lead Fills & Lead Playing
- Lead Fills: The lesson starts with small lead fills that complement the vocals.
- Key & Scales: He uses the G minor pentatonic blues scale and major blues in G for expressive phrasing.
- Playing Lead in Slow Blues: Mike demonstrates bends, sustains, and dynamics, making your solos sound rich and emotional.
Improvisation & Playing with a Backing Track
- Here Mike explains how to improvise and when to use the major vs. minor scale. He also demonstrates how to craft a melodic, bluesy solo.
- Follow his approach, and soon, you’ll be confidently improvising your own slow blues solos!
Final Playthrough with Backing Track
To wrap up the lesson, Mike plays the full song with a backing track, reinforcing all the techniques covered. Watch closely and play along to lock in the feel and phrasing of this blues classic.
Why Learn Stormy Monday?
- Classic blues structure – great for understanding blues chord progressions.
- Improves both rhythm & lead playing – covers everything from chords to expressive solos.
- Perfect for improvisation – teaches you how to craft slow blues solos with feel.
FAQs – Stormy Monday Guitar Lesson
Q1: Is this lesson beginner-friendly?
Yes! Mike provides simplified chord alternatives and breaks down the song step by step.
Q2: What’s the most challenging part?
The double-time solo can be tricky, but Mike teaches how to ease into it.
Q3: How do I make my solos sound bluesier?
Focus on bends, vibrato, and using both the major & minor blues scales—all of which Mike explains in detail!
Introduction
Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.
Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?
This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!
Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson
This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:
- Main chords: D, A, and some others.
- When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
- Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.
Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords.
Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.
Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques
Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.
- The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
- If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!
Song Structure & Rhythm
This song follows a classic verse-chorus format.
- Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
- The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
- Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.
Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?
James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.
FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson
Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?
You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.
Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?
Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.
Similar Rock Songs
Introduction
Torrins brings you a detailed guitar lesson on another late-1990s rock hit, Jumper, by the American rock band Third Eye Blind. In this tutorial, our expert instructor, Steve Luciano, breaks down this acoustic power pop song, sharing valuable insights to help you master it on guitar.
This guitar song tutorial covers Intro, Chords, Rhythm, and comes with Tabs and Lyrics for an all-rounded playing and learning experience.
Chords Used in Jumper Guitar Lesson
This song features a mix of open and extended chords, creating a rich and dynamic sound.
The song is originally written in the key of C major and has a time signature of common time and a tempo of 88 beats per minute.
Steve Luciano teaches this song using 5 chords two of which are Fmaj7/C and D4add9. Check out the complete lesson to know the rest.
Chords used: Fmaj7/C and D4 add 9
Steve shares a simple hack to play D4add9, making it easier to transition smoothly between chords. He also covers detailed finger positioning to ensure clarity in each chord change.
Strumming Pattern
Pattern: DDDUDUUD
The song follows a 4/4 time signature, but what makes it unique is the 16th note rhythm in the intro. Your right hand moves four times as fast, but you don’t have to hit the strings every time—just keeping your hand moving at that pace gives the desired groove. Steve breaks down this technique in the lesson to help you nail the feel of the song.
Song Structure
This song follows a verse-chorus format, with rhythmic variations adding energy to different sections.
- Verse: The first measure contains two chords, while the next measure is a full measure of one chord.
- Chorus: Features a groovier and faster rhythm, helping you develop better control in your right hand.
- Muting Technique: In parts of the song, Steve demonstrates how to mute the strings while playing Fmaj7/C, creating a percussive effect. If you struggle with this, he also teaches an alternative approach.
Why Learn the Jumper song on guitar?
- Improves right-hand independence and left-right hand coordination for smoother transitions.
- Teaches unique strumming techniques that add groove and freshness to your playing.
- Helps develop speed and precision, making your playing sound more natural and effortless.
Tips for Playing the Jumper Song Smoothly on Guitar
- Practice chord transitions first before focusing on strumming.
- Loosen your grip to achieve proper string muting in certain sections.
- Focus on feeling the rhythm, especially during faster, groove-heavy parts.
FAQs – Jumper Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: The Jumper song on guitar is best suited for intermediate players due to its faster rhythm and complex strumming patterns.
Q2. What if I struggle with the faster rhythm?
A: In that case, practice the strumming motion slowly first before speeding up. The key is keeping your right hand moving consistently.
Recording Fun Fact: For Jumper, Stephan Jenkins wanted a deep, thudding drum sound, so they recorded in a small room with the doors open for a natural "breathing" effect. He even had drummer Brad Hargreaves switch to smaller sticks for a more controlled feel, kind of like a Beatles-style recording trick!
