So You Wanna Be a California Dreamin' Guitar Hero? How to Play "Going to California" (Without Actually Going to California)
Ah, "Going to California." The quintessential Led Zeppelin anthem for anyone who's ever dreamt of escaping the mundane (or the dreadful boss with questionable hygiene) and chasing sunshine. But before you pack your bags and trade your winter coat for a swimsuit (although, let's be real, California weather can be confusing), let's conquer that first step: rocking out Jimmy Page's iconic riff.
Gear Up, Dude (or Dudette)
First things first, you'll need some essentials. No, not a one-way ticket to LAX (although that is tempting). We're talking about your trusty guitar (electric, obviously), a pick (because who wants to wreck their fingers?), and an amp that won't complain about the volume. Bonus points for a pair of aviator sunglasses, purely for aesthetic purposes.
Tuning Time: Dropping D Like It's Hot
Now, here's where things get interesting. Unlike most songs, "Going to California" isn't tuned to the standard EADGBE. Instead, we're going double drop D tuning. That means both the high E string and the low E string get lowered a whole step down to D. Basically, you're telling your guitar, "Hey, let's loosen up a bit!" There are fancy tuners that can help you with this, but you can also do it by ear (just be prepared for some questionable sounds at first).
Chords? We Don't Need No Stinking Chords (Well, Almost)
This might surprise you, but the main riff of "Going to California" relies heavily on...wait for it...single notes! Yep, you read that right. It's all about that thumb-and-fingerpicking magic. You'll be using a combination of open strings and fretted notes on the A, D, G, and B strings. Think of it as a conversation between your fingers and the strings, a beautiful back-and-forth that creates that signature melody.
But fear not, there are a couple of chords thrown in for good measure during the instrumental bridge. Don't worry, they're fairly simple (shoutout to the power of D and G chords!).
Practice Makes Progress (and Patience is Key)
Now comes the not-so-glamorous part: practice. This riff might seem deceptively simple at first, but mastering that smooth picking technique and hitting the right notes takes time. Don't get discouraged if you sound more like a cat with a broken keyboard initially. Start slow, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase the tempo as you get comfortable. Remember, Jimmy Page wasn't born a guitar god, he practiced his way there (probably while wearing some seriously awesome scarves).
Bonus Tip: Unleash Your Inner Rock Star
Once you've got the riff down, it's time to inject some personality! Experiment with dynamics (loud and soft parts), add some bends for that bluesy touch, and don't be afraid to let loose with a little guitar solo during the bridge (even if it's just a few wailing notes at first). After all, rock and roll is all about expressing yourself, even if that means making your neighbors think a rock band has invaded your living room.
There you have it! With a little dedication and a whole lot of rock and roll spirit, you'll be playing "Going to California" like a pro in no time. Now crank up the amp, channel your inner Jimmy Page, and get ready to impress your friends (or at least scare the cat). And who knows, maybe someday you'll actually make it to California, guitar in hand, ready to serenade the palm trees with your newfound skills. Just remember the sunscreen, because unlike this song, California sunshine is very real.
