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Alternative Rock · Intermediate

Californication Guitar Chords — Red Hot Chili Peppers | A Minor

Guitar chords by Red Hot Chili Peppers · A Minor

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About This Song

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers (1999) is one of the most beloved alternative rock songs to learn on guitar. The main progression — Am–F — drives the intro, verse, and pre-chorus, giving the song its haunting feel. The chorus resolves beautifully with C–G–Dm–Am. The interlude introduces a key change using F#m, Bm, D, and A — this section is the most challenging part and requires confident barre chord technique. The iconic fingerpicked intro can also be played as open chords for a strummed version. Use the D DU UDU strumming pattern for the verse and pre-chorus. This song is a milestone for intermediate players at JBX Music guitar classes in Mumbai.

How to Play Californication on Guitar

Chords Used

Am F C G Dm F#m Bm D

Strumming Pattern

D DU UDU

Intro

Am  F   Am  F  × 2 TIMES

Verse I

AM / F/ AM /F/ C/ G/ F/ DM / AM/ F/ AM /F

Pre-Chorus

AM /F  × 4 TIMES

Chorus

C / G/ DM/AM
C /G/DM
AM/F/AM/F

Verse III / IV / Pre-Chorus II

(Repeat)

Chorus (repeat)

C/G/DM/AM — 3 TIMES
C/G/DM

Guitar Solo







Interlude


F#m  D  F#m  D
Bm  D  A  D
F#m  D  F#m  D
Bm  D  A  D  ×3
Am  F  Am  F






Verse V / Pre-Chorus III / Chorus / End


(Repeat structure)







Frequently Asked Questions




        What chords are in Californication by RHCP? +


Californication uses Am, F, C, G, Dm in the main sections, plus F#m, Bm, D, and A in the interlude — all without a capo.






        Is Californication hard on guitar? +


It is intermediate level. The verse and chorus chords are accessible; the interlude with barre chords F#m and Bm adds the main challenge.






        What key is Californication in? +


Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers is in the key of A Minor.


















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