Eagles - Hotel California Chords

Capo 2
 
[Intro]
Am   E7   G   D   F   C   Dm   E7   x2
 
[Verse]
Am                         E7
  On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
G                      D
  Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
F                          C
  Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
Dm
   My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
E7
  I had to stop for the night
 
Am                               E7
  There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell
G
  And I was thinking to myself
              D
This could be heaven or this could be hell
F                          C
  Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way
Dm
   There were voices down the corridor,
E7
  I thought I heard them say...
 
[Chorus]
F                          C
  Welcome to the Hotel California.
       E7                                         Am
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face
F                               C
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
    Dm                                       E7
Any time of year (any time of year), you can find it here
 
[Verse]
Am                            E7
 Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes bends
G                                    D
 She got a lot of pretty pretty boys   she calls friends
F                                   C
  How they danced in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
Dm                       E7
  Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
 
Am                           E7
  So I called up the captain; Please bring me my wine (he said)
G                                     D
 We haven't had that spirit here since 1969
F                                         C
  and still those voices are calling from far away
Dm
   Wake you up in the middle of the night
E7
  Just to hear them say...
 
[Chorus]
F                         C
 Welcome to the Hotel California.
       E7                                         Am
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face
        F                             C
They're livin' it up at the Hotel California
       Dm                                               E7
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise), bring your alibis
 
[Verse]
Am                        E7
   Mirrors on the ceiling; the pink champagne on ice (and she said)
G                                D
  We are all just prisoners here, of our own device
F                              C
  and in the master's chambers, they gathered for the feast
Dm
 They stab it with their steely knives but they
E7
just can't kill the beast
 
Am                             E7
   Last thing I remember, I was running for the door
G                                       D
  I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
F                                   C
  "Relax" said the night man; we are programmed to receive
Dm
  You can check out any time you like
E7
 But you can never leave...
 
[Outro Solo]
Am   E7   G   D   F   C   Dm   E7   x3
 
[Harmonies]
Am   E7   G   D   F   C   Dm   E7   x2
(fade out)






How to play "Hotel California" by Eagles on guitar

[Capo 2]

[Introduction]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, E7
- Strumming: Start with a steady down-up pattern to set the song's relaxed 
  yet rhythmic feel. Repeat this sequence twice.

[Verse 1]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, E7
- Strumming: Use a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. Focus on smooth
and  even transitions between chords.
- Highlight the phrases "On a dark desert highway" by strumming quietly
and progressively increasing intensity throughout the verses.

[Verse 2]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, and E7.
- Strumming: Follow the same pattern. Strumming volume should be slightly
increased to emphasize the phrase "there she stood in the doorway."
- Nuances: To add drama, slow down the "I thought I heard them say"
somewhat.

[Chorus]
- Chords: F, C, E7, Am, and Dm.
- Strumming: Use a dynamic pattern (down-down-up-up-down-up) to
emphasize the chorus' grandeur.
- Nuances: Emphasize the words "Welcome to the Hotel California"
by strumming more forcefully. Keep the rhythm steady.

[Verse 3]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, E7
- Strumming: Return to the verse pattern. Maintain smooth transitions.
- Accentuate descriptive phrases like "Her mind is Tiffany-twisted" with 
appropriate strumming intensity.

[Chorus]
- Repeat the same pattern as the first chorus.

[Verse 4]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, and E7.
- Strumming: Follow the same pattern. Increase the emphasis towards
the end of the verse.
- Nuances: Use dynamic strumming to emphasize dramatic words like
"You can check out any time you like."

[Outro Solo]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, and E7 (three times).
- Strumming: Follow the same pattern. Allow chords to ring out for
a stronger impression.

[Harmonies]
- Chords: Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, and E7.
- Strumming: Follow the established strumming rhythm. To fade away,
gradually reduce strumming intensity.

[Common Mistakes]
- Rushing chord transitions: Work gently to ensure smooth transitions.
- Strumming too aggressively: Balance your strumming intensity to
match the song's vibe.
- Timing: Use a metronome if necessary to maintain a consistent rhythm.

[Song Facts]
The Eagles released "Hotel California" in 1977 on their album of the
same name. The song's lyrics tell the story of a traveler who finds a
luxurious hotel to be a trap, despite its apparent appeal. It is typically
seen as a satire on the hedonistic and self-indulgent California lifestyle
during the 1970s.

[Artist Bio]
The Eagles, formed in 1971 in Los Angeles, are an American rock band
renowned for their beautiful harmonies and blend of rock, country, and
folk influences. They were successful in the 1970s with classics such as
"Take It Easy," "Desperado," and "Hotel California." The band's lineup
has included Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit.
The Eagles are one of the world's best-selling bands, selling over
150 million records.