Piano chords · Pop heartbeat
How to play Californication on piano
Written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea & others
- C major
- 4/4
- 90 BPM
- vi–IV–vi–IV loop
- 1999
- Easy
Learn Californication in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: Am – F – Am – F
Californication sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: Am is A, C and E; F is F, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AmviFIVAmviFIV- AmA · C · E
- FF · A · C
- 2
Left hand: Walking roots
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. Musicians call it root bass · quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in thousands of songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Pop stabs
Chord stabs in the 3-3-2 pop rhythm. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 90 BPM
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
- 5
Ending: F – G – C
The last chords are IV – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
FGC- GG · B · D
- CC · E · G
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Questions about Californication
What chords are in Californication?
The loop is Am – F – Am – F (vi – IV – vi – IV) in C major, and the song ends on F – G – C.
What key is Californication in?
C major, at about 90 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Californication?
Walking roots: root bass · quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Californication easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.