California Blue - Roy Orbison | Song Tabs

California Blue Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison's original "California Blue" is a mid-tempo ballad with a gentle, melodic feel, featuring straightforward chord progressions and a laid-back rhythm that suits beginners.

Chords

The song uses mostly open chords: D, G, A, A7, and Em. These are beginner-friendly and common in many pop and folk songs.

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
Try muting the strings lightly with the side of your hand for a softer, more relaxed feel, especially during verses.

Chord Transitions

Practice moving smoothly between D, G, A/A7, and Em. Pay extra attention to switching between D and G, and from Em to A, as these transitions come up frequently.

Playing Tips

Intro/Outro: Start with a single D strum to set the tempo and mood.
Verse/Chorus: Use the main strumming pattern, keeping it steady and relaxed.
Bridge: Chord changes come a bit quicker; practice moving from G to A to D in sequence.
If the A7 is new, it's a simple variation of A—just lift your middle finger.

Keep the dynamics gentle and let the chords ring. With regular practice, you'll capture the song's mellow, heartfelt sound.

Intro

Verse 1

Working allD day, and the sun don'tG shine

Trying to getA by, and I'm just killin'D time

I feel the rain, fall the whole nightG through

Far away fromEm you,A CaliforniaD Blue

Chorus

CaliforniaG Blue, dreaming all aD lone

Nothing else toA⁷ do, CaliforniaD Blue

Everyday IG pray, I'll be on myD way

Saving love forA⁷ you, CaliforniaD Blue

Bridge

OneG sunnyA day, I'll getD back again

G Somehow someA way, but ID don't know when

CaliforniaA Blue, CaliforniaD Blue

Verse 2

Living myD life, with you on myG mind

Thinking ofA things, that I left far beD hind

It's been so long, doing all I canG do

To get back toEm you,A CaliforniaD Blue