CALIFORNIA DREAMING Fingerstyle Guitar Tab

We have a very easy, easy and full version of our California Dreaming Fingerstyle Guitar Tab available for you to download. If you are new to fingerstyle guitar playing we recommend you start with the easy version.

All versions come with a video play through to help you learn the song. Below the video is a how to play guide with some useful tips to help you learn the song.

California Dreaming is a song by The Mamas and The Papas released in 1965. It was written while the band were in New York reminiscing about California. The song was hugely popular and versions have been recorded by The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, The Fours Tops and George Benson.

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California Dreaming – EASY FINGERSTYLE GUITAR TAB

CALIFORNIA DREAMING FINGERSTYLE GUITAR TAB - EASY VERSION

Download Easy Tab

CALIFORNIA DREAMING – FULL FINGERSTYLE Guitar TAB

CALIFORNIA DREAMING FINGERSTYLE GUITAR TAB - FULL VERSION

Download Full Tab

FREE FINGERSTYLE TAB COLLECTION

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It includes tabs from The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, The Eagles, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and lots more.

THE BEATLES FINGERSTYLE TAB COLLECTION

Sign up and download my free Beatles Fingerstyle Tab Collection

It includes tabs HEY JUDE, HERE COMES THE SUN, LET IT BE, NORWEGIAN WOOD, IN MY LIFE and lots more.

How To Play California Dreaming FingerstylE

1. Learn The Chords To California Dreaming FINGERSTYLE

It’ll help if you know the chords to California Dreaming before you learn my fingerstyle arrangement. Your hand will be familiar with some of the shapes you’ll be using and it’s a fun way to start playing the song.

All the chords are written above the tab on my fingerstyle version. However, if you don’t know the chord position I’ve included a chord sheet at the end of each tab.

2. Start With The Beginner Version Of California Dreaming FINGERSTYLE

Unless you’re confident with fingerstyle guitar it’s always best to start with the beginner versions of my songs. They’re simplified versions of my full arrangements and will help you move to the full version later.

3. Use The Chord Shapes To Help Find Your Hand Position

If we look at the intro below, a lot of the notes come from the Dm chord. Especially the two on the G string and the three on the B string. You can keep your hand in the Dm shape while you play this chord and move your first and fourth finger to play the notes on the E string.

This will make it easier to play and help keep your notes ringing out during the section.

You’ll see more of this during the flute solo, for example with the F, A, Dm and Bb below. Put your hand in the chord shape and then fingerpick the melody.

4. How To Play Bar Nine Of California Dreaming FINGERSTYLE

This is by far the most difficult section of the song and I couldn’t simplify it too much for the easy version. You need to use your first finger to barre fifth fret on the bottom three strings and then use your second and third fingers to play the sixth and seventh fret when needed.

For the full version you need to play the eight on the A string with your little finger. Although it’s a bit of stretch with practice you’ll get there.

5. How To Play The California Dreaming FINGERSTYLE Solo

The solo is played on a flute and has been arranged for fingerstyle guitar. In the full version you’re playing the solo and a simple bass line at the same time. You should start by just playing the solo and getting comfortable with the finger positions. Once you can play it, try and build in the bass line.