Overview
"Hotel California" by the Eagles is a popular song that offers a moderate challenge to beginner guitar players. It features a variety of chord changes, including from minor to major, and uses both standard and barre chords.
Chord Transitions
The song starts with an intro that cycles through eight chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, E. This sequence is repeated twice. The transition from E7 to G can be tricky for beginners, but it is crucial to make it smoothly to maintain the flow of the song. Similarly, the transition from D to F, a barre chord, might also be challenging initially. Practice transitioning between these chords slowly and steadily to build muscle memory.
Strumming Pattern
An effective strumming pattern for this song is Down-Down-Up, Up-Down-Up. This gives the song its characteristic rhythm and complements the melody. Make sure to emphasize the first Down strum to help maintain the rhythm.
Techniques
The song uses an E7 chord, which is a variation of the standard E major chord. This chord adds a distinctive sound to the song and is worth practicing. Also, remember to have a relaxed grip on the F barre chord to avoid muting any strings.
Conclusion
"Hotel California" is a great song for beginner guitarists looking to expand their chord knowledge and practice switching between standard and barre chords. With consistent practice, the chord transitions will become smoother and more natural.
IntroAm E7 G D
F C Dm E
Am E7 G D
F C Dm E
Verse 1Am On a dark desert highway,E cool wind in myE7 hair
G Warm smell of colitas,D rising up through the air
F Up ahead in the distance,C I saw a shimmering light
Dm My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim,E I had to stop for theE7 night
Verse 2Am There she stood in the doorway.E I heard the missionE7 bell
G And I was thinking to myself: "This could beD heaven or this could be hell"
F Then she lit up a candle,C and she showed me the way
Dm There were voices down the corridor,E I thought I heard them say:
Chorus 1F Welcome to the Hotel CaliC fornia
Such aE7 lovely place(such a lovely place)such aAm lovely face
There'sF plenty of room at the Hotel CaliC fornia
AnyDm time of year(any time of year)you canE find it here
Verse 3Am Her mind is Tiffany twisted.E She got the MercedesE7 Benz
G She got a lot of pretty pretty boys,D she calls friends
F How they dance in the courtyard,C sweeeeet summer sweat
Dm Some dance to remember,E some dance to forE7 get
Verse 4Am So I called up the Captain, "E Please bring me myE7 wine" and he said
"G We haven't had that spirit here sinceD nineteen sixty nine"
F And still those voices are calling fromC far away
Dm Wake you up in the middle of the night,E just to hear them say:
Chorus 2F Welcome to the Hotel CaliC fornia
Such aE7 lovely place(such a lovely place)such aAm lovely face
F Livin' it up at the Hotel CaliC fornia
What aDm nice surprise(what a nice surprise)bring yourE alibis
Verse 5Am Mirrors on the ceiling.E The pink champagne onE7 ice and she said
"G We are all just prisoners here,D of our own device"
F And in the master's chambers,C gathered for their feast
Dm They stab it with their steely knives but theyE just can't kill the beast
Verse 6Am Last thing I remember, I wasE running for theE7 door
G I had to find the passage back to theD place I was before
"F Relax" said the night man, "We areC programmed to receive
Dm You can check out any time you like,E but you can never leave"
OutroAm E G D
F C Dm E
Am E G D
F C Dm E
Am E G D
F C Dm E
Am E G D
F C Dm E
Am
