Learn to play "Black Magic Woman" (Santana) on Ukulele
Browse the Full List of UU Song Tutorials
Print the Lyrics and Chords for "Black Magic Woman" (link)
Print the "Black Magic Woman" Ukulele Picking TAB (.pdf)
Play along with the "Black Magic Woman" (Santana) Ukulele Play-Along with Aldrine and if you need some extra help with the chords, start with STEP 1 below:
STEP 1 - The Chords
First, you'll need to learn the chords for this song:
Dm(2210), A7(0100), Gm(0231)
Practice holding each chord and memorize the names of each chord. When you can look at the name of the chord and instantly know how to hold it, you're ready to move on.
STEP 2 - Chord Switching
Next you'll need to be able to switch chords smoothly. Play along with the practice video below and be sure to switch to the next chord right on time with Aldrine.
Once you can hold the chords, switch between them, and strum them at the right times, you're ready to play the song! Go back to the Play-Along video at the top of the page and play through the whole song, holding the chords and strumming them at the right times when they change. Great job, you've just played the easy beginner version of this song!
STEP 3 - Beginner Rhythm
After getting the chords for "Black Magic Woman" down, now add some rhythm to your chords. Start off with a really simple Down-Up-Down-Up strum and play in time with the beat. Use the following video to practice:
Half way through, Aldrine begins plucking the C string with his thumb. Use this as a replacement for the first Down strum. This may take some practice, but take it slow and try your best!
When you're able to switch to the correct chords at the right times and do this simple strum along to the song, congratulations! Go back to the Play-Along video at the top of the page and play through the whole song, strumming along with it. Congrats, you've just played the full beginner version of this song!
STEP 4 - Intermediate Rhythm
Next we'll start emphasizing certain strums and skipping others. Watch and listen to the video below and try your best to play along. As much as possible, don't overthink it, just listen, watch, and copy.
Do your best and practice this. The rhythm is a little trickier here, but once you get it, you'll be able to add more depth to your playing. Go back to the Play-Along video at the top of the page and play through the whole song, switching through the chords and adding a more interesting rhythm.
STEP 5 - Picking
The last piece of the puzzle is adding the iconic picking for "Black Magic Woman." Use the video below to practice at 60% of the speed. If you need more help, be sure to download and print the "Black Magic Woman" Ukulele Picking TAB
Once you've got it down, go to the Play-Along video at the top of the page and try to play it at full speed. Great job, you completed the advanced version of this song. If you made it this far, congratulations! And as always, feel free to follow along just up to where your skill level allows, practice, and see how far you can go. We're always here for you if you have questions - Have fun & keep strummin'
Aloha,
-UU Staff
Wooohoooo! So much fun, this is amazing work. 🙂 (Although, I still like Rob Thomas and Smooth ;-))