Amtap to play
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · F · C · G
Californication Chords – Harmonica
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ melancholic alternative rock epic about the dark side of Hollywood. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Am.
Alt-Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Play with a clean, atmospheric feel for the verses and switch to a heavier strum for the chorus. The contrast between mellow and intense sections defines this song.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – F (×2)
C – G – F – Dm – Am
Verse 2
Am – F (×2)
C – G – F – Dm – Am
Chorus
Am – F – C – G (×4)
Verse 3
Am – F (×2)
C – G – F – Dm – Am
Chorus
Am – F – C – G (×4)
Verse 4
Am – F (×2)
C – G – F – Dm – Am
Final Chorus
Am – F – C – G (×3)
Am – F – C – G – Am
Practice tip: The Am-F verse pattern and Am-F-C-G chorus are straightforward. Focus on the transition between the verse and chorus sections where the feel changes from brooding to anthemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Californication"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, F, C and G.
Is "Californication" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Californication" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Californication"?
It was written by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and released in 1999.