Going to California (Explained) - Led Zeppelin

[ThatRipOff]

Let's be honest. You're hands down the best guitar "lesson" channel on YouTube, when it comes to your own specific niche. You're not here to teach beginners guitar, you're here to show fellow guitarists how to play a song they may not know already.

Which is exactly why you're my number one favorite channel for learning songs. I don't need some patronizing, overenthusiastic show host on HowCast or something holding my hand through every microscopic motion, taking 5 minutes to name out every chord and every fret and fingering before moving on.

I know how to play already, that's why I'm here. All I need is to see your left (and sometimes right) hand play it once or twice and I'm golden. Perhaps with a few explanations afterwards for something particularly tricky.

So anyway, rant over. Lemme just say again that I love your channel(s), and you're definitely the best out there when it comes to this kind of video. Keep up the great work man. Been watching for years since the PT day, and still going strong. "Baby, I Love your Way" was the first song I ever learned on guitar, and it was your video that taught it to me. Thanks for all the years of quality content.

[CraigHollabaugh]

James,
My mother's last day was 10 days ago and I've been sad since. I just walked my dogs on snowy and cold Colorado evening with your video playing in my coat pocket. As you were plucking your way through Going to California, I remembered times with my mother and my youth trying to learn Page riffs on my dad's acoustic. As we returned home, the snow began to fall, your video restarted, your voice and notes helped me realize just how wonderful and peaceful my life is. Thank you, James.
Craig

[bm]

Some folk don't get it. But I've been playing fifty years and really appreciate that I can jump on your channel and quickly learn something new. You make it so accessible for me as all I need is to watch you play it. So, thank you. All the best.

[michaelorourke]

The exact reason I started following you years ago was because I like figuring stuff out myself, and I'm not a purist, I don't want to know how every note is exactly bent or shook, I want the basic skeleton with tips on strumming, timing and maybe some fills, and I like your taste in music, because it's pretty much the same as mine, thanks for all the years of help, I truly appreciate it

[Whitman]

Man...I miss these videos...I hope all is well James. Thanks for what you shared with us brother!

[johnklein]

I love what you said at the end about “you’re not entitled...”.
Well said.

[scottymac]

Drop D drone is magical, I’ve been watching you for years and never gets old coming back and watching your videos.🍻

[kennyb]

Well said, guitar is all about PRACTICE there are no short cuts, period..
Thanks James!

[raypitt]

After listening to the end of this video nobody has an opinion to criticize anything you’re doing here .Ive been playing since 1963. I just retired and over the years your lesson have greatly improved my playing.thanks for all your help JJ.

[prashantpaudel]

Alright. This is i guess more than 10th time i watched this video, I can totally relate what you're saying. First time i watched "Babe I'm gonna leave you" and that was enough already to pick my first guitar ever. I started playing guitar about 6 months ago. I can totally play babe I'm gonna leave and "Going to California" . First i did watched tutorials but none helped me to improve. I sat and kept on playing by myself and trying to figure the song and feel it, pieces started to come together, . And in that journey to play "Babe i'm gonna leave you " i learnt so many other songs very easily. You are a great guitarist James. You dont teach people songs like other youtube channels, you connect people to guitar. Thanks for motivation. And keep on doing so

[MaryIrene]

Bloody brilliant, I’m a 60 year old beginner one year of playing and I get a lot out of your lessons. Sod the moaners ❤️

[formerlyerdoys]

I am on tour and my guitar is in the back of the van. I think I am going to crawl to the back so I can play this with you. You've got me so excited to play this because we are going to California right now! Hello as we be rolling through New Mexico! We appreciate you.

[IridescentPharaoh]

Just know for every negative comment there are over 100 comments praising you, I would like to personally thank you for uploading this video, and all of your tutorials for that matter, as i'm sure for many other people as well your teaching style makes it so easy to get going with the song and play. Thank you.

[TerryMasri]

Regarding your comments at the end of the video, all I have to say is spot on! The reason why I keep coming back to your channel is because after decades of sporadically playing the guitar in my bedroom I reached a certain level of musical understanding and finger dexterity where I don't need someone to painstakingly (painfully) explain to me how to place my fingers on the fretboard note for note, naming each string and neck position for each chord and note (with tab). There is a great value in that for certain beginner level players who haven't yet crossed that threshold, and an over abundance of YouTube channels catering to these aspiring players, but not many for intermediate players who appreciate expediency and a more advanced breakdown of particular musical pieces. Thank God for your channel and the efforts you put into generously sharing your knowledge and skills with those who appreciate it!

[ty]

I think I speak for 99.9% of the people who watch your channel, you are great! Please don't let the trolls get to you. Thank you, we really appreciate what you do.

[joelglaser]

Thank you James. Gave me enough to get started on this song without having to spend a ton of time figuring out each bit.
Appreciate it. Keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing!!

[evy]

I've watched several versions of this song and have never been able to get it. This is the first explanation and demonstration that makes sense and easy to emulate! Many thanks, appreciate you sharing this!

[PlaztekNerd]

Thanks dude! I started playing in 1970 and I’m still learning something new every time I pick up one of my guitars, again, thanks

[rodneysmart]

I just found yer channel today. Your approach works for me. It's refreshing.

[chrisstewart]

I like the way you put that to that guy I still practice all the time does not come easy nothing does thank you for your lessons you great