Saved

California Dreamin

Chords
4.85,628 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
1/33
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAE11234
Step 1 / 33Position: 2
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
Capo 4th fret
Recording is a bit out of tune.
Esus4022200
[Intro] (two guitars arranged for one)
e|-----------------|-----0-1-0-------|-----------------|---------|
B|-----0---3--1--0-|---1---------3---|-1---3-1-0-------|-3-------|
G|---2-------------|-2---------------|---2--------2--0-|-2-------|
D|-2-----2---------|-----------------|-2---------------|-0-------|
A|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-2-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-0-------|
[Verse 1]
All the leaves are Ambrown G   Fand the Gsky is gEsus4rayE  F  
(All the leaves are brown) (and the sky is gray-ay)
I've been for a Cwalk E   Amon a Fwinter's dEsus4ayE  
(I've been for a wa - alk) (On a winter's day)
I'd be safe and Amwarm G   Fif I Gwas in L.Esus4A.E  
(I'd be safe and warm) (If I was in L.A.)
California AmdreaGmin' Fon Gsuch a winter's Esus4day
(California dreamin' on such a winter's day)
[Verse 2]
Stopped in to a chuAmrch G   FI passed aGlong the Esus4wayE  
Well, I Fgot down on my Cknees E   Amand I preFtend to pEsus4rayE  
(Got down on my knee - ees) (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher liked the Amcold G   FHe knows GI'm gonna Esus4stayE  
(Preacher liked the cold) (Knows I'm gonna stay)
California AmdreaGmin' Fon Gsuch a winter's Esus4dayE  
(California dreamin' on such a winter's day)
[Instrumental]
Play this while the flute plays:
Am (three and a half bars) F (half a bar)
e|-0-0-0-0-0-0---0--0--0--0--0--0-----|
B|-1-1-1-1-1-1---0-h1--3--1-p0--1-----|
G|-2-2-2-2-2-2---2--2--2--2--2--2->>>>|
D|-2-2-2-2-2-2---2--2--2--2--2--2-----|
A|-0-0-0-0-0-0---0--0--0--0--0--0-----|
E|------------------------------------|
then (still the flute playing)
C E7 Am F E7sus4 E7
Am G F G E7sus4 E7
Am G F G E7sus4 E
[Verse 3]
All the leaves are Ambrown G   Fand the Gsky is gEsus4rayE  F  
(All the leaves are brown) (and the sky is gray-ay)
I've been for a Cwalk E   Amon a Fwinter's dEsus4ayE  
(I've been for a wa - alk) (On a winter's day)
If I didn't Amtell her G   FI could Gleave todEsus4ayE  
(If I didn't tell her) (I could leave today)
California AmdreaGmin' Fon Gsuch a winter's Amday
(California dreamin' on such a winter's day)
[Outro]
CaliGfornia dFreamin' on Gsuch a winter's Amday
CaliGfornia dFreamin' on Gsuch a winter's Fmaj7dayAm  
All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

This song captures the deep longing for a warmer place and a different life, born from a particularly cold New York winter experienced by writers John and Michelle Phillips. It evokes the feeling of being somewhere you don't want to be, dreaming of escape to the sunshine and freedom of California. This yearning for a different world, far from the gray skies, became a defining sound of the 1960s counterculture. Playing it feels like stepping into a wistful memory, a desire for a sunnier, more hopeful existence.

AI-written from these sources:California Dreamin' — Wikipedia ↗The Mamas & the Papas — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About California Dreamin Chords by The Mamas & The Papas

Learn how to play California Dreamin by The Mamas & The Papas with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “California Dreamin chords”, “California Dreamin guitar chords”, or “The Mamas & The Papas California Dreamin chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy California Dreamin chords and for experienced players who want accurate California Dreamin lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Esus4, B, G, D, A, E.

FAQ — California Dreamin by The Mamas & The Papas

How do I play "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas on guitar?

Open the free chords for "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas free?

Yes. The chords for "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "California Dreamin" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "California Dreamin" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "California Dreamin"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "California Dreamin" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "California Dreamin" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Mamas & The Papas below.

What key is "California Dreamin" in?

The chords for "California Dreamin" show the original chord names (including Esus4, B, G, D, A, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.