Going To California – Led Zeppelin
“Going To California” by Led Zeppelin is a beautifully delicate, acoustic-driven song that captures the band’s folk-inspired side. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for this timeless track helps guitarists unlock the subtle nuances and advanced acoustic techniques that make this song a standout in Zeppelin’s catalog. From unique picking patterns to alternative tunings and expressive dynamics, this lesson breaks down every phrase to ensure you master the song just like the original recording. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Song Overview
Originally featured on Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album (often referred to as Led Zeppelin IV), “Going To California” is a melancholic acoustic ballad led by guitarist Jimmy Page. The song explores themes of heartbreak and wanderlust, set against a backdrop of rich acoustic textures. The composition stands out for its use of alternate tuning, intricate finger-style technique, and dynamic phrasing.
Learning “Going To California” is not only a gateway into the folk-rock stylings of Led Zeppelin but also an excellent opportunity for guitarists to develop finesse, musical sensitivity, and control over more subtle guitar techniques.
About the Guitarist: Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page, the principal guitarist for Led Zeppelin, is celebrated as one of the most versatile and innovative guitarists in rock history. While often remembered for his heavy riffs and explosive electric solos, Page was equally masterful with acoustic guitar. “Going To California” highlights his deep knowledge of folk and classical influences, showcasing a more introspective and nuanced side of his playing. His use of alternate tunings, finger-picking, and dynamic expression in this track has influenced countless acoustic players across generations.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Our “Going To California” guitar lesson provides a detailed breakdown of the song’s key techniques, each chosen to help elevate your acoustic playing skill and musicality.
Alternate Tuning
The song is played using an altered tuning, specifically DADGBD. This tuning gives the guitar a rich, open resonance and is essential for capturing the harmonic depth of the original recording. Learning to play in alternate tunings improves your ear for harmony and expands your creative range as a guitarist.
Finger-Picking
One of the defining elements of “Going To California” is its finger-picking style. This technique requires independence between the thumb and fingers, allowing multiple voices and rhythms to play simultaneously. Mastering finger-picking builds hand coordination and introduces a new dynamic layer to your playing, crucial for acoustic pieces.
Travis Picking
Closely tied to the finger-style approach in this song is Travis picking, a specific finger-picking pattern where the thumb maintains a steady alternating bass line while the fingers pick out melody and harmony. This creates a full, flowing sound and strengthens rhythmic independence in both hands.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Page incorporates expressive hammer-ons and pull-offs throughout the piece to create fluid melodic lines. These techniques enhance the legato quality of the music and help convey emotional expression without picking every note.
Slides
Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, lending a vocal quality to the phrasing in “Going To California.” Learning to control your slide technique refines your pitch accuracy and adds a lyrical element to your playing.
👉 Slides
Capo Use
Page employs a capo on the seventh fret to achieve the bright, chiming tonality heard on the original track. Understanding how to use a capo effectively is essential for accessing new chord voicings and matching original song keys without transposing fingerings.
👉 Capo
Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
The song uses arpeggiated chord progressions, where notes of each chord are played individually in sequence. This approach allows for greater harmonic richness and rhythm variation, ideal for solo acoustic arrangements.
👉 Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
Why Learn “Going To California”?
For acoustic guitarists seeking to move beyond simple strumming, this lesson is a goldmine. It builds finger independence, introduces you to alternative tunings, and challenges you to play melodically within harmonic structures. Each section is meticulously taught with clear visuals and real-time guidance, making it accessible for intermediate players while still offering depth for more advanced musicians.
Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...