Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Piano
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Gtap to play
Ftap to play
Etap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · G · F · E
California Dreamin’ Chords – Harmonica
The Mamas & The Papas’ iconic folk-rock song about longing for warmth and sunshine. Beginner difficulty in the key of Am.
Folk-Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: The flute intro can be played on guitar by picking the melody on the high strings. Start the strum gently and build through each verse.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – G
F – G – E – E7
F – C
E – Am
F – C
E – Am – G
F – G – E
F – Am – G
Verse 2
Am – G
F – G – E – E7
F – C
E – Am
F – C
E – Am – G
F – G – E
F – Am – G
Verse 3
Am – G
F – G – E – E7
F – C
E – Am
F – C
E – Am – G
F – G – E
F – Am – G
Outro
F – G – E
F – Am – G
F – G – E
F – Am – G
F – G – E
F – Am
Practice tip: The Am-G-F-G-E progression in the verses is the heart of this song. Practice the E to E7 variation for extra color. If you can nail this sequence, you’ve got the whole song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "California Dreamin’"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, G, F and E.
Is "California Dreamin’" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "California Dreamin’" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "California Dreamin’"?
It was written by John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, and released in 1965.