1971-09-14: Going to California
Required String Notes:DGCGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGCGCD).
Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
C131
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “1971-09-14: Going to California”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"1971-09-14: Going to California" by Led Zeppelin is played in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD) (DGCGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Led Zeppelin uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Already tuned to DGCGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Led Zeppelin’s Guitar Tunings
Led Zeppelin plays 4 of 22 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD). Most-used tunings:
- The Rain Song (DGCGCD)D - G - C - G - C - D4 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "1971-09-14: Going to California" in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“1971-09-14: Going to California” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "1971-09-14: Going to California" by Led Zeppelin in?
"1971-09-14: Going to California" is played in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD): DGCGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "1971-09-14: Going to California"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Led Zeppelin songs use this tuning?
"1975-03-21: No Quarter: Seattle Center Coliseum, WA, USA", "rain song" — all in DGCGCD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Led Zeppelin
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Led Zeppelin:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Once tuned to DGCGCD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)Intermediate
DGCGCDNo Capo