Going to California
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - D
Tune to Double Drop DHow to Tune from Standard to Double Drop D
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Going to California”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Going to California" by Led Zeppelin is played in Double Drop D (D - A - D - G - B - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 13 other songs in our catalog use Double Drop D.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Double Drop D
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.Custom Tuning (EADGBD)11 songs
EADGBDOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Led Zeppelin’s Guitar Tunings
Led Zeppelin plays 1 of 22 songs in our catalog in Double Drop D. Most-used tunings:
Gear for Double Drop D
Strings and tools that make playing "Going to California" in Double Drop D easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Going to California” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin in?
"Going to California" is played in Double Drop D: D - A - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Going to California"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Double Drop D?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Led Zeppelin
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Led Zeppelin:
Other Songs in Double Drop D
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: