California Man – Cheap Trick

Get ready to plug in and crank it up with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “California Man” by Cheap Trick. A high-octane blend of classic rock and power pop, this song delivers infectious riffs, punchy rhythms, and sizzling lead guitar work that are as fun to play as they are essential to master. Originally written by Roy Wood and performed by The Move, Cheap Trick’s cover—featured on their 1978 album Heaven Tonight—infuses the track with a fresh rock ’n’ roll swagger, making it a perfect study piece for any guitarist looking to sharpen their chops.

In this detailed LickLibrary lesson, we break down every guitar part—rhythms, leads, and fills—so you can confidently recreate Rick Nielsen’s energetic and memorable performance. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Rick Nielsen

Rick Nielsen is the eccentric, charismatic lead guitarist and principal songwriter for Cheap Trick. Known for his distinctive stage presence and multi-neck guitars, Nielsen is equally celebrated for his crafty songwriting and sharp guitar work. His style is a blend of British Invasion pop sensibilities, crunchy American rock, and punk attitude. His playing on “California Man” is a great example of how to keep guitar parts dynamic, melodic, and perfectly in service of the song—something every guitarist can benefit from studying.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in “California Man”

Power Chords

The song kicks off with driving power chords that establish its raw energy. These simple but effective two- or three-note chords are staples of rock guitar. They create a full sound without overwhelming complexity, making them perfect for high-gain rhythm parts. Learning to use power chords effectively improves your ability to lock in with a drummer and deliver tight, punchy rhythm parts.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the track to create percussive rhythmic textures, particularly in the verses. This technique involves resting the edge of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a choked, muted sound. It adds dynamics and contrast to open strumming, helping you control the groove and keep your rhythm parts sharp and precise.

String Bending

In the lead lines and solo sections, string bending adds vocal-like expression. By pushing or pulling the string to change its pitch, the guitarist introduces emotion and tension into melodic lines. Learning to bend accurately and musically is essential for any lead player and adds depth to your phrasing.

Slides

Slides are used both rhythmically and melodically in the song, allowing the guitarist to move between notes with a smooth, connected feel. This technique helps create fluid transitions and adds a lyrical quality to your solos and riffs. Mastering slides will make your lead lines sound more expressive and natural.

Double Stops

A recurring feature in the lead parts of “California Man,” double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—create a fuller sound and harmonic texture. They’re a staple of rock, blues, and country guitar, and help add power and depth to both rhythm and lead playing.

Alternate Picking

Fast melodic runs in this song rely on alternate picking—alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick. This technique increases efficiency and speed, ensuring consistent note articulation. Building a strong alternate picking foundation will improve your accuracy and endurance in both rhythm and lead contexts.

Vibrato

To give sustained notes life and expression, vibrato is applied throughout the lead playing in the song. By slightly oscillating the pitch of a note with your fretting hand, vibrato adds emotion and polish to your phrasing. It's a key element in making solos feel personal and professional.

Why You Should Learn This Song

“California Man” is packed with classic rock techniques that every guitarist should have in their toolbox. Whether you’re looking to improve your rhythm playing or add style and finesse to your lead work, this lesson delivers.

By learning this song, you'll:

• Tighten your rhythm skills with rock-solid chord work
• Improve your picking accuracy and speed
• Add expressive lead phrasing tools like vibrato, slides, and bends
• Build your vocabulary with tried-and-true rock techniques

This track is a fun, energetic piece that challenges players to be tight, musical, and expressive—all while rocking out with one of Cheap Trick’s most electrifying covers.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato

Explore more great lessons like this and continue your guitar journey with LickLibrary—where real songs teach real skills.