Am
E7
G
D
F
C
Dm
E
Hotel California
Eagles
The original "Hotel California" by the Eagles is renowned for its distinctive acoustic intro and smooth transitions between classic chords. The song’s laid-back tempo and iconic chord progression make it a favorite among both novice and experienced guitarists.
Chord Progression and Transitions
The song primarily uses standard open chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, and E. These are beginner-friendly, though the F chord can be tricky as it requires a barre shape. Practice transitioning between Am, E7, and G as these changes occur frequently, especially at the start.
The intro and verses follow this sequence: Am – E7 – G – D – F – C – Dm – E. Work on changing between these smoothly, especially moving from the open Am to the barre F and back.
Strumming Pattern
A gentle, steady strumming pattern fits best. Try a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-U-D-U), which matches the song’s relaxed feel. Focus on keeping your rhythm consistent and accentuate the first beat slightly to mimic the original’s groove.
Techniques
For the F chord, if the full barre is difficult, use the mini-barre version (pressing only the first two strings with your index finger). To improve transitions, slow down and practice the chord changes without strumming until your fingers remember the shapes.
Listen closely to the original for timing and dynamics. Play along with a recording to internalize the tempo and feel. With practice, you’ll capture the classic sound of this legendary track.
Intro
Am 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