Though most people identify the song “Black Magic Woman” with Santana, it was actually written in the late ’60s by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. And, in fact, it become a hit in Britain for Fleetwood Mac before Santana ever recorded it.

Carlos Santana playing liveThe original version, however, is substantially different from Santana’s iconic recording (the first and most memorable version appeared on Abraxas in 1970). Fleetwood Mac’s Black Magic Woman is a simple guitar/bass/drum instrumental track with a vocal overlaid. Although there are hints of the melodic guitar riffs that Carlos later made famous, most listeners would barely recognize the song.

One of the most critical differences in the Santana Black Magic Woman, however, is the combination of that original Peter Green song with “Gypsy Queen,” by Gabor Szabo. Gabor was an innovative guitarist who combined elements of jazz, pop-rock, and his native Hungarian music. In Santana’s Black Magic Woman, Szabo’s Gypsy Queen actually bookends the song — inspiring the opening riffs, and providing the framework for the jam at the end.

Technically, the full name of the song on Santana’s albums is: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen.

Latin-Rock Video

Check out the new video for this guitar and percussion-driven song by the leading Santana Tribute and Latin-rock band.

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Besides the integration of Gypsy Queen, Santana’s Black Magic Woman differs from the original in numerous ways. First, is the addition of keyboards. Gregg Rolie uses electric piano and Hammond B3 organ to fatten the rhythm section, as well as contributing several standout riffs of his own. Second is the addition of percussion, with not only the usual timbales and congas, but also guiro and bongos in the mix.

Carlos, of course, takes some of the thematic elements hinted at by Peter Green and fleshes them out into memorable hooks. The subtle shadings of his Gibson SG guitar swing from soft clean tones to more raunchy sounds, including some that degenerate into feedback. He also makes good use of his volume control to, like a violinist, add drama by altering the volume and tone during held notes.

Both timbalero Jose Chepito Areas and conguero Mike Carabello are even more active than usual on Black Magic Woman. Areas, in particular, has a chance to open up and show some impressive chops during the end of the Gypsy Queen jam.

All in all, Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen showcases some of the best features of the original Santana lineup, and remains, to this day, one of Santana’s most popular songs.
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Black Magic Woman Video

Black Magic Woman Lyrics

I got a black magic woman
I got a black magic woman
Yes, I got a black magic woman
She’s got me so blind I can’t see
That she’s a black magic woman and
she’s trying to make a devil out of me

Don’t turn your back on me, baby
Don’t turn your back on me, baby
Yes, don’t turn your back on me, baby
Don’t mess around with your tricks
Don’t turn your back on me, baby
’cause you might just wake up my magic sticks

You got your spell on me, baby
You got your spell on me, baby
Yes, you got your spell on me, baby
Turnin’ my heart into stone
I need you so bad
Magic woman I can’t leave you alone

Black Magic Woman Chords

Intro
Dm7 – Edim – Edim – Dm7

Guitar Solos, Verses
Dm7 – Dm7 – Am7 – Am7
Dm7 – Dm7 – Gm7 – Gm7
Dm7 – Am7 – Dm7 – Dm7

Outro Vamp (Gypsy Queen)
D (major)

End
C – G/B – A