When I was stationed in Memphis 1968 there was a small club named Bonnie and Clyde's near Beale Street. When my buddy, Wino and myself would go in there the band would stop playing whatever song they were on and they would play California Dreamin for us. It was like we were celebrities. The kids in the band lived down on the bayou, for real and we would go over to their house. That's all I can share the rest was pretty wild.
Still one of the only videos where the intro is done properly, subscribed. The only thing I wish is that I could have experienced this in the flesh in that era, wow, what music then.
There was live radio then.In a row you would hear this..Cream..Johnny Cash..Temptations..a row. Quality was the determining factor not gender race or any other superficial devicisive thing.Today radio is basically a corpse . Rest in Peace.
I have been looking for the version with the up the neck run. Your intro is perfect .... and it makes me think of Tommy Tedesco at the 'Wrecking Crew' adding his up the neck flourish that you did and maybe John Phillips nodding and smiling. Excellent my man .... Excellent ! Very relaxed method of teaching ! When you got up I saw your very complete music room ... you can see for sure it is your life ... way cool man.
Congrats,,, honestly the best short tutorial Most concentrate in strumming and Tom makes emphasis in the intro & simple chord changes... these fill out , and permit a single guitar to stand out and shine... thanks!
I hadn’t even planned on learning the song and just kind of stumbled onto it. Thanks for posting. You have it nailed. Love the ‘bird, BTW. It’s a beauty.
i completely love this song and always wanted to play it.All the tutorials i watched were either wrong or extremely complex.After watching YOUR video tho, i finnaly played it.Thanks A LOT
Much as I love this intro on the epic Gibson Hummingbird, I almost hit Rewind at the throwaway, casual, "And then there's the rest of the song". That would have been to do this video an injustce. The way you played the rest of the song in that swinging, muting style captivated me. Never mind regretting not seeing the Ms & Ps. This song is going to light up my day when I get it down. And without bragging, I know exactly how it will sound .. on my Gibson Hummingbird 😂.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE "California Dreaming". The vocals are amazing. Everything about it. This vid was just a tutorial for the intro. I have posted a How to Vid for entire song as well.
@@923tomtom Hi, Tom. Delighted to have your reply. I saw the tutorial for the whole song, as you had put in a link in response to a prior post. For me, though, what you did at the tail end of the intro, with the little runs and licks, had such great depth that I will model my playing on that lesson.
Thanks, Mark. When I first posted it I thought maybe 50 people at most would watch. So happy people like you have found it useful. Thanks again!@@markdickens6426
The original of this is still my favorite record ever ever ever. I actually remember exactly where I was when I first heard it, and the effect it had on me. Nonetheless, though at times I've banged out a performance of the song, I have never, in, ah....53 years?...focused myself purposefully enough to learn the intro, and a better version of the chords. At 70, and trying to kick my soi-disant career in the tuchus, this will be excellent exercise. Thank you for the clear visibility of the fingering. Wonder if I can get my band to sing any parts on it.........
Thanks Dennis. Its totally one of my faves too. I was a kid when it first came out and knocked me down! So glad the lesson was a help. Post a vid if you get your mates to play it with you!
70 also. Best tutorial on the intro, as I believe it was played by two guitarists, possible doubled tracked and one was a twelve string, or so I've read.
That was brilliant! I was asked to learn this today and found your lesson! Love it! And I was gonna ask if you have a quick chord tutorial for the rest and I saw you just reposted it two days ago! Thanks for that! Nicely done! 👌🙌
Really glad I ran across this lesson, just started learning the song last week. I'm still in the beginner category now but getting closer to intermediate. This is much better than just looking at another movie or show to occupy my time for the foreseeable future, and I think my wife will really enjoy hearing this song played with the extra style. Mahalo from Kauai!
Mahalo! Thanks. I've been posting guitar lessons on my facebook page during the virus. I live near NYC and it's been pretty crazy here. Hope you guys are safe. Thanks for the kind note.
Thanks for the lesson. It sounds really good, making the player sound fantastic to anyone near. Hey, I had a great man-cave too, until my wife's son came to stay for OVER A YEAR!!!!! When I finally got it back, we moved a month later...damn it!
This is the best California Dreamin' intro tutorial I've found - thank you! All of the other tutorials play it wrong, and mention that there are two guitars playing the intro, but this makes it sound great on just the one guitar. Really easy too!
@@923tomtom You're very welcome. It's you we all owe thanks to! When you're this good at playing the guitar or a certain song (you are great at both - as well as being a great teacher), is it easier to learn new songs/riffs because you are a good guitarist, or do you have to practice and learn new things just as much as a beginner would? In other words, does it become easier and quicker to learn new songs the better you get, or do you just get 'better' because you've learned more things?
@@iraceruk Hi. I became a good player because I practice. A lot! I've been playing a long long time and I have always practiced. I have four guitars next to me now. Two telecasters and two acoustics. I play when I'm watching the news, baseball, even movies. To answer your question, yes you can figure things out a lot faster the more experience you have. I still love figuring things out. I can tell you if you don't practice them you forget them as well. I have to relearn how to play "JOSIE" by Steely Dan because I stopped practicing it. I just relearned "James" by Pat Metheny because I got rusty. What happens is the longer you play the more songs you learn and the more songs you learn the more you have to keep up with practice! ha. My advice is keep practicing and keep trying to figure things out. It all makes you a much much better player! Best wishes, Tom
Great Song , one of the all- time greats , I play it capped at the 2 nd fret , the recording has layered guitars so more than one guitar is playing the intro, so you can Add Strings and Notes to complement two guitars, the last slidedown could be played on the G and B str 3rd & 4th frets
Dude! Great job! This is the best extrapolation I’ve ever seen ( of the 2 guitars on the record ). Also, excellent job teaching. Thank you. Kind regards, Hooch 😇
Totally agree! The other versions either plays just guitar #1, which gets a bit "boring" as it's the same riff x3, or switches between guitar #1 and #2 halfway through but still with single notes. This version mixes the melody with some chords/triplets which makes it sound "beefy" enough (and close to the original) for a single guitar. Thanks to Tom!
Hi Tom your right best intro on the net, loved the way you played the rest when you started into the song, please learn us novices the rest, just loved the way you totally beefed it up instead of the basic strummin "rock on tom"
This has been so helpful Tom. Every other tutorial doesn’t play the intro right like you have here. And really appreciate you explaining it so clearly. Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for the nice words. I do my best to make it as easy as possible to see! Yeah, that Hummingbird pick guard is something! Glad you like it!. Thanks again! Tom
Great vid great intro YES INDEEDY;;;;| This was my date music cassette circa 1971 cruising is the '71 Monte Carlo with Quad surround stereo - incredible. Many memories. Wonderful band, songs, harmonies. UNREAL & Ethereal...Like an altered state hypnotic.... You going to do a FP video of the song next?
Great video Tom. I heard the song while at my grandmothers house, I was curious what kind of music she listened to years ago. Came across The Mamas & The Papas and this song is just something. I see a lot of opportunity for a hip hop / rap producer who can mix drums well to sample this song. The lyrics aged well
Ben Twomley below is exactly right. You have "DUG DOWN" to it's core mate! Folks, when it comes to the proper instruction, I choose "PARR" for the course!!! Good shew! Gb
One of the few people on UA-cam who are playing this correctly. Thank you so much!
Hey Rob- Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks so much
When I was stationed in Memphis 1968 there was a small club named Bonnie and Clyde's near Beale Street. When my buddy, Wino and myself would go in there the band would stop playing whatever song they were on and they would play California Dreamin for us. It was like we were celebrities. The kids in the band lived down on the bayou, for real and we would go over to their house. That's all I can share the rest was pretty wild.
I remember that like it was yesterday. We had some great times Uncle beer bottle .
This is one of the all-time greatest acoustic guitar songs and you just nailed it. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the words. I loved it since the first time I heard it wayyyyy back then.
I know I am kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to stream newly released series online?
@Kaison Damon Lately I have been using FlixZone. You can find it on google :)
@@923tomtom Love it to since first listening in the 70's. Thanks for an understandable lesson!! Now time for practice 🙌
@@jonnifjader You are welcome! Enjoy!
Still one of the only videos where the intro is done properly, subscribed. The only thing I wish is that I could have experienced this in the flesh in that era, wow, what music then.
Thanks, Sorry I took so long to get back to you. Hope this was helpful. Cheers. Tom
@@923tomtom thanks man❤❤
@@923tomtom I’m gonna play good cause of your tutorial thanks 🙏🏾
@@sheena8091 Thank you Sheena-
There was live radio then.In a row you would hear this..Cream..Johnny Cash..Temptations..a row. Quality was the determining factor not gender race or any other superficial devicisive thing.Today radio is basically a corpse . Rest in Peace.
Astounding --that intro has eluded me for 40 odd years. its tricky --but not now --thankyou so much Tom !
You are so welcome. Thanks for the kind words.
I have wasted 30 years of my life not learning this. Thank you!
Yes! You nailed it. Thank You I love the up close and understandable instruction.
Thanks for the note. Glad you liked the lesson. One of my all time fave songs!
Really the best lesson of this intro... Long life Bro!
Thank you, Matheus!
Wow, I'm floored. This is played so well I could listen for hours. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome. Thanks for the kind words!
Perfect explanation/tutorial on the intro. A lot less complicated than I thought. Of course the magic secret is the capo on the 4th fret. Thank you.
You're welcome!
I have been looking for the version with the up the neck run. Your intro is perfect .... and it makes me think of Tommy Tedesco at the 'Wrecking Crew' adding his up the neck flourish that you did and maybe John Phillips nodding and smiling. Excellent my man .... Excellent ! Very relaxed method of teaching ! When you got up I saw your very complete music room ... you can see for sure it is your life ... way cool man.
FINALLY! A correct lesson! Thank you!
Thank you!
Awesome tutorial. Definitely revisiting this one a few more times.
So sick! One of my favourite guitar intros- thank you!
Congrats,,, honestly the best short tutorial
Most concentrate in strumming and Tom makes emphasis in the intro & simple chord changes... these fill out , and permit a
single guitar to stand out and shine... thanks!
Thanks! Sorry for the delay in response!
Terrific playing!! Very clear exposition. Highly inspiring. Thanks a ton for the guidance.
Great tutorial. Thanks from Canada where I am literally California Dreaming
Thanks L Scott! I'm currently in Asbury Park NJ thinking Cali too!
😫🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for being literally the only one who teaches this!
You're welcome. Glad you like it!
I hadn’t even planned on learning the song and just kind of stumbled onto it. Thanks for posting. You have it nailed. Love the ‘bird, BTW. It’s a beauty.
Thanks Donald! One of my all time fave songs. The 'bird" is pretty good too!
i completely love this song and always wanted to play it.All the tutorials i watched were either wrong or extremely complex.After watching YOUR video tho, i finnaly played it.Thanks A LOT
awesome...plain and easy to follow. You're a Good man! Thank you!
Much as I love this intro on the epic Gibson Hummingbird, I almost hit Rewind at the throwaway, casual, "And then there's the rest of the song". That would have been to do this video an injustce. The way you played the rest of the song in that swinging, muting style captivated me. Never mind regretting not seeing the Ms & Ps. This song is going to light up my day when I get it down. And without bragging, I know exactly how it will sound .. on my Gibson Hummingbird 😂.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE "California Dreaming". The vocals are amazing. Everything about it. This vid was just a tutorial for the intro. I have posted a How to Vid for entire song as well.
@@923tomtom Hi, Tom. Delighted to have your reply. I saw the tutorial for the whole song, as you had put in a link in response to a prior post. For me, though, what you did at the tail end of the intro, with the little runs and licks, had such great depth that I will model my playing on that lesson.
Thanks Mar@@markdickens6426
Thanks, Mark. When I first posted it I thought maybe 50 people at most would watch. So happy people like you have found it useful. Thanks again!@@markdickens6426
Very helpful. Thank you so much your guitar sounds Great !!
You have done this classic song justice, Excellent lesson Sir !
I just saw this. Thanks! Sorry for late response
By far the best version!!!! Thanks you and I just subscribed to your channel !
Thanks so much for the nice words! And thanks for watching!
This is in Hollywood Knights. Plays right before Jimmy Shine goes off to Vietnam. Great car guy movie.
So much style 10/10 great job
nice playing and beautifull gibson humingbird mate..thanks so much!
Wow man I feel very lucky to have found this video thanks for the lesson Tom. You’re an incredible player and teacher
Thank you!
The original of this is still my favorite record ever ever ever. I actually remember exactly where I was when I first heard it, and the effect it had on me. Nonetheless, though at times I've banged out a performance of the song, I have never, in, ah....53 years?...focused myself purposefully enough to learn the intro, and a better version of the chords. At 70, and trying to kick my soi-disant career in the tuchus, this will be excellent exercise. Thank you for the clear visibility of the fingering.
Wonder if I can get my band to sing any parts on it.........
Thanks Dennis. Its totally one of my faves too. I was a kid when it first came out and knocked me down! So glad the lesson was a help. Post a vid if you get your mates to play it with you!
Dennis, I'm 70, too, and feel the same way. Very helpful video.
Thanks Dennis!
Wilco!
70 also. Best tutorial on the intro, as I believe it was played by two guitarists, possible doubled tracked and one was a twelve string, or so I've read.
Very Helpful Tom, thank you for taking the time.
Hi Tom. Thank you so much. I’ve always wanted to learn this intro properly. Great lesson!!
Thank you so much!
Wonderful video, by far the best video I've seen about someone teaching such an intro.
Thanks so much for the note! Glad the lesson was helpful!
Thanks so much. So glad its helpful
That was brilliant! I was asked to learn this today and found your lesson! Love it! And I was gonna ask if you have a quick chord tutorial for the rest and I saw you just reposted it two days ago! Thanks for that! Nicely done! 👌🙌
Hey- Thanks so much. These notes make my day. Glad I could help.
thanks Tom,you showed me the riff I had been looking for-awsome.
Your'e welcome Bruce! Glad you liked it!
Awesome job - thanks. Love that Hummingbird too
+Grassdog Thanks!!!
Really glad I ran across this lesson, just started learning the song last week. I'm still in the beginner category now but getting closer to intermediate. This is much better than just looking at another movie or show to occupy my time for the foreseeable future, and I think my wife will really enjoy hearing this song played with the extra style. Mahalo from Kauai!
Mahalo! Thanks. I've been posting guitar lessons on my facebook page during the virus. I live near NYC and it's been pretty crazy here. Hope you guys are safe. Thanks for the kind note.
Thanks for the lesson. It sounds really good, making the player sound fantastic to anyone near. Hey, I had a great man-cave too, until my wife's son came to stay for OVER A YEAR!!!!! When I finally got it back, we moved a month later...damn it!
Thanks Eddie. Sorry bout your man cave!
This is the best California Dreamin' intro tutorial I've found - thank you!
All of the other tutorials play it wrong, and mention that there are two guitars playing the intro, but this makes it sound great on just the one guitar. Really easy too!
Thanks a lot. Once I stumbled on how to do it I couldn't wait to share. Thanks for your note.
@@923tomtom You're very welcome. It's you we all owe thanks to! When you're this good at playing the guitar or a certain song (you are great at both - as well as being a great teacher), is it easier to learn new songs/riffs because you are a good guitarist, or do you have to practice and learn new things just as much as a beginner would?
In other words, does it become easier and quicker to learn new songs the better you get, or do you just get 'better' because you've learned more things?
@@iraceruk Hi. I became a good player because I practice. A lot! I've been playing a long long time and I have always practiced. I have four guitars next to me now. Two telecasters and two acoustics. I play when I'm watching the news, baseball, even movies.
To answer your question, yes you can figure things out a lot faster the more experience you have. I still love figuring things out. I can tell you if you don't practice them you forget them as well. I have to relearn how to play "JOSIE" by Steely Dan because I stopped practicing it. I just relearned "James" by Pat Metheny because I got rusty.
What happens is the longer you play the more songs you learn and the more songs you learn the more you have to keep up with practice! ha.
My advice is keep practicing and keep trying to figure things out. It all makes you a much much better player!
Best wishes,
Tom
Great tutorial, Tom. Thank you for a clear and easy explanation. Now to try the rest of the song...
I just posted it for you! Stay well!
Dude Holy shit. Thank you. I was using some other video sounded like shit. This is it!!!! Props.
Lol 😆 that's what I said 🤣
Thanks for the kind words!
Great video! Enjoyed learning this, would love a video on how you play the main song sections
ua-cam.com/video/Eb-WrJKkgUo/v-deo.html
Thanks Tom for a great tutor.
Hi Tom. Perfect lesson for me. Great sounding Gibson, beautifully recorded sound for this occasion. Thank you for your gift.
Hey Larry, thanks for the kind words!
Thanks so much. Sorry I just got around to replying.
Best tutorial I've seen on that intro. Great playing!
Thank you.
Very helpful. Got it. Thank you
Great tutorial. Simple, but hard to figure out from the record. The intro was written and played by P.F. Sloan, by the way, rest his soul.
Great Song , one of the all- time greats , I play it capped at the 2 nd fret , the recording has layered guitars so more than one guitar is playing the intro, so you can Add Strings and Notes to complement two guitars, the last slidedown could be played on the G and B str 3rd & 4th frets
Very well played sir! Excellent and inspiring 👍✨🎶
Thank you.. I just saw this comment. Sorry for the delay
Nice you finally did it correct. Thanks
There are many great lessons on the song but they ALL screw up the intro. Your lesson nails the into and is the clearest and most accurate. Great job!
That's a beautiful guitar man...I give you like because of that
Awesome! Thank you for this intro-lesson. Sounds great.
Thanks, Paul!
Sounds great man
Thats the best lesson ive seen - great job!
I must try this, you explained and demoed it so very well.....
Thank you. Lemme know how you do.
Great brother this is amazing how you have the God give of teaching and make it so easy...
God bless 🙏 thanks
Thank you!
Great lesson. Easy to follow. Thanks.
Thank you!
Nice and clear, great lesson, thank you.
brilliant intro best i've heard so far, sounds great
Hey, thanks so much! Its one of my fave songs!
Very nice demo and lovely tone. Thanks so very much. 🌌💕🌠
Thank you!
Dude! Great job! This is the best extrapolation I’ve ever seen ( of the 2 guitars on the record ). Also, excellent job teaching. Thank you. Kind regards, Hooch 😇
Thanks, Hooch!
Totally agree! The other versions either plays just guitar #1, which gets a bit "boring" as it's the same riff x3, or switches between guitar #1 and #2 halfway through but still with single notes. This version mixes the melody with some chords/triplets which makes it sound "beefy" enough (and close to the original) for a single guitar. Thanks to Tom!
@@larslengberg Thanks, Lars!
very well done.
Spot on, Sir! Thank you 😊
LETS GO IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A COMPLEET LESSON FOR A MONTH
Thanks very much tom ,really good .
Hi Tom
your right best intro on the net, loved the way you played the rest when you started into the song, please learn us novices the rest, just loved the way you totally beefed it up instead of the basic strummin "rock on tom"
Thank you
That was soooo good.
This has been so helpful Tom. Every other tutorial doesn’t play the intro right like you have here. And really appreciate you explaining it so clearly. Thank you!
You are more than welcome. Thanks for the note!
OMG (oh my guitar) I just did it. Thank you, sir.
You're welcome! Happy New Year!
Thanks for a lesson on the correct way to play the intro to this cool song
You're welcome. Glad you like it.
Best solo intro tutorial I could find.👍👍
Thank you!
Thanks Tom, good clear instruction!
Thanks Michael
Thank you so much. This might be the most accurate one I’ve heard.
You are welcome!!!
Yeah this is the best lesson thanks
This is absolutely awesome. Thank you 😊
thank you!
Add the C# on the 1st string 9th fret for that last chord and you really got it!
cool glasses...nice lesson too
This is awesome
Thanks for the video! It was really helpful we could see both hands at the same time. BTW I couldn't take my eyes off that pickguard haha!
Hi! Thanks for the nice words. I do my best to make it as easy as possible to see! Yeah, that Hummingbird pick guard is something! Glad you like it!. Thanks again! Tom
Great job guy! I like your style. Thanks!
Your welcome! Its so much fun to play that! Glad you liked it.
Great vid great intro YES INDEEDY;;;;|
This was my date music cassette circa 1971 cruising is the '71 Monte Carlo with Quad surround stereo - incredible. Many memories. Wonderful band, songs, harmonies. UNREAL & Ethereal...Like an altered state hypnotic....
You going to do a FP video of the song next?
I should have something up soon!
This is very good. Thank you.
Wow Tommy major upgrade great lesson just subscribed ty alot !!!!
Thanks James!
Fantastic lesson. Thank you
Yer welcome! Thanks for the note.
Great video Tom. I heard the song while at my grandmothers house, I was curious what kind of music she listened to years ago. Came across The Mamas & The Papas and this song is just something. I see a lot of opportunity for a hip hop / rap producer who can mix drums well to sample this song. The lyrics aged well
Thanks, Parker. It still stands the test of time. Again, thanks for your note. Best. Tom
Deira city centre
nice one joe walsh
Love the little embellishments sounds great bro
Thanks Ryan!
Ben Twomley below is exactly right. You have "DUG DOWN" to it's core mate! Folks, when it comes to the proper instruction, I choose "PARR" for the course!!! Good shew! Gb
Thanks, Ben!
Full song at end of vid is legendary mate
Thanks James!
Thank you so much for sharing! Beautiful song
Thanks fo the note!
Lifesaver!!!
Thanks Isaiah!
best intro cover !! so cool.
Thank you!
Fantastic lesson and cool man cave!
Thanks! Rob!
Great job on this one. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks so much
This is the best tutorial. Thank you
Thanks, Daniel! So glad it worked for you. Tom
*I just tried it on my 12 string. Even better!*
Great idea! I sold my 12 string, but next time I play one I'm gonna try it.
@@923tomtom don't listen to this guy nothing will sound better than the way you played 👍
Title doesn’t lie. Great job man. The wife angle really helps
aw shucks! Thanks. I love this song. Was happy to share my insight
Beautiful!
Thanks Michael!
Cool. Better guitar work than Philip's displayed live tv.