Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em
California Stars Chords – Harmonica
A wistful folk-rock song by Wilco about dreaming under the stars. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G
C – G (×2)
Verse 2
G
C – G (×2)
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
D – Em – G
Verse 3
G
C – G (×2)
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
D – Em – G
Bridge
Em
C
G – D
Verse 4
G
C – G (×2)
Chorus
C – G – D
C – G
D – Em
C – G (×2)
D – Em – G
Practice tip: The song uses only four chords (G, C, D, Em). Practice the chord progression for the chorus (C, G, D, Em) slowly until you can switch between them without pausing the strum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "California Stars"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "California Stars" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "California Stars" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "California Stars"?
It was written by Woody Guthrie, Jeff Tweedy, Jay Bennett, and released in 1998.