The Mamas and the Papas - California Dreamin' - Guitar Lesson

About California Dreamin'

Few songs from the mid-sixties sit as comfortably under your fingers as "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and the Papas, yet getting the feel exactly right takes some care. Written by John and Michelle Phillips, the song carries a wistful, floating quality that comes largely from its movement through C minor. In standard tuning, the chord shapes themselves are not difficult, but landing the right voicings and keeping a smooth, unhurried strum at 96 BPM is where most players need to slow down and listen closely. The descending bass line that underpins the verse is the detail worth zeroing in on, since rushing it collapses the whole mood of the piece. This is a great place to use the Practice Toolbar to loop that passage slowed down until the movement feels effortless at tempo. As a piece of Folk Rock, it also rewards attention to dynamics: keeping your picking hand light during the verses makes the fuller chorus sections land with much more weight.

• The song sits in C minor in standard E tuning, so pay close attention to minor chord voicings to capture its melancholy, drifting character.
• At 96 BPM the tempo feels relaxed, but maintaining an even, unhurried strum throughout the verse without rushing the descending bass line is the real challenge.
• Dynamics matter more than complexity here: practise deliberately softening your attack on the verses so the fuller sections create a genuine contrast.