California Dreamin' by The Mamas and the Papas

Key: C#m · 112 BPM · 4/4

California Dreamin' by The Mamas and the Papas is written in E major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: C#m-B-A. At 112 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against E major's relative key, C#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in E major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently i-VII-VI in C#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEC#m-B-A
Capo 2DBm-A-G
Capo 4CAm-G-F
Capo 7AF#m-E-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 C#m
  • 0:11 A
  • 0:12 B
  • 0:13 G#m
  • 0:16 A
  • 0:17 E
  • 0:19 C#m
  • 0:20 A
  • 0:21 G#m
  • 0:23 G#
  • 0:26 C#m
  • 0:27 B
  • 0:28 A
  • 0:29 B
  • 0:30 G#m
  • 0:32 G#
  • 0:34 C#m
  • 0:35 B
  • 0:36 A
  • 0:37 B
  • 0:39 A
  • 0:43 C#m
  • 0:45 A
  • 0:46 B
  • 0:48 G#m
  • 0:50 A
  • 0:51 E
  • 0:53 C#m
  • 0:55 A
  • 0:57 G#
  • 1:00 C#m
  • 1:01 B
  • 1:02 A
  • 1:03 B
  • 1:04 G#m
  • 1:08 C#m
  • 1:10 B
  • 1:10 A
  • 1:12 B
  • 1:13 A
  • 1:17 C#m
  • 1:24 A
  • 1:26 E
  • 1:28 C#m
  • 1:29 A
  • 1:34 C#m
  • 1:36 A
  • 1:37 B
  • 1:38 A
  • 1:43 C#m
  • 1:44 A
  • 1:46 B
  • 1:47 G#m
  • 1:51 C#m
  • 1:52 B
  • 1:53 A
  • 1:54 B
  • 1:55 G#m
  • 1:58 A
  • 2:00 E
  • 2:02 C#m
  • 2:03 A
  • 2:04 G#m
  • 2:08 C#m
  • 2:09 B
  • 2:10 A
  • 2:11 B
  • 2:12 G#m
  • 2:16 C#m
  • 2:18 B
  • 2:19 A
  • 2:20 B
  • 2:21 C#m
  • 2:22 B
  • 2:23 A
  • 2:24 B
  • 2:25 C#m
  • 2:26 B
  • 2:27 A
  • 2:28 B
  • 2:29 A

Frequently asked questions

What key is California Dreamin' in?

California Dreamin' is in E major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, C#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does California Dreamin' use?

The core of California Dreamin' cycles through C#m, B, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of California Dreamin'?

California Dreamin' runs at 112 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does California Dreamin' use?

California Dreamin' follows the I-V-IV progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for California Dreamin'?

No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in C#m