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Shadow Of California Chords by Blue Öyster Cult

Shadow Of California chords by Blue Öyster Cult

Guitar chords with lyrics

Shadow Of California by Blue Öyster Cult: Guitar, Bass & Songwriting Insights

"Shadow of California" by Blue Öyster Cult, from their 1980 album "Cultösaurus Erectus," features a driving rhythm section with Joe Bouchard on bass and Albert Bouchard on drums. Guitarist Buck Dharma showcases his melodic soloing and use of harmonics throughout the song. The track's production incorporates a layered guitar sound with a touch of reverb, characteristic of the band's signature hard rock sound.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate 💪
Key: Em

Intro:
D C#   C  B  Em
D C#   C  B  Em   Em

Em  Em7 Em (x2)

Verse 1:
Em           Em7            Em
 Beneath the freeway at the cloverleaf junction
  Em             Em7  Em
A symbol of good luck eminates darkness
    A           A7      A
The shadow will grow to cover California
Em               Em7       Em
Somewhere on the road from San Bernadino
    B                      C  D  C
Its future is steering the past ... will not pass
🎸
Accuracy Rating: - Votes: -
Em  Em7 Em (x2)

Verse 2:
Em           Em7         Em
Speed is the game in the shadow of kings
          Em         Em7      Em
Where the company of angels fly
       A                A7       A
They appear at the crossroads at once in the future
Em          Em7             Em
Clad in the darkness on the highways of night
B          C D C            Em  Em7 Em
With no love ... from the past

Chorus:
D             Em                 C
  Night makes right (Night makes right)
             G
The symbol remains
D             Em     C
  Into the dark-ness  (Must)
              G
Must pour the brains
       D  C#     C  B  Em
In the shadow of Ca-li-fornia

Bridge:
D C#   C  B  Em  Em7 Em  Em  Em7 Em
Em (x12)
Em  Em/G Em Emadd11 Em Em/G  Em  Em/G Em Emadd11 Em  Em7 Em (x8)
Em  Em7 Em
Em  Em7 B5

Verse 2:
    Em            Em7 Em
Revolution by night   grant me this future
Em           Em7           Em
Kings of the shadow on the highways of night
     A        A7         A
From San Bernadino these angels are racing
Em     Em7           Em
  This night to your city
    B            C D C
The host of angels ... Los Angeles

Chorus:
D             Em           C
  Night makes right (The symbol)
             G
The symbol remains
D             Em           C
  Into the dark-ness must (Oooh)
              G
Must pour the brains
D             Em           C
  Night makes right (The symbol)
             G
The symbol remains
D             Em           C
  Into the dark-ness must (Oooh)
              G
Must pour the brains
       D  C#     C  B  Em    Em7 Em
In the shadow of Ca-li-fornia
       D  C#     C  B  Em    Em7 Em
In the shadow of Ca-li-fornia
       D  C#     C  B  Em    Em7 Em
In the shadow of Ca-li-fornia
       D  C#     C  B  Em    Em Em
In the shadow of Ca-li-fornia

Outro:
Em  Em/G Em Emadd11 Em Em/G
Em  Em/G Em Emadd11 Em Em7 Em
(ad. lib + fade out)

Published:

Last updated:

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Blue Öyster Cult chords for Shadow of california

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This guitar chords tutorial for "Shadow Of California" by Blue Öyster Cult is crafted for Intermediate players ready to learn and grow. Whether you're just starting or refining your skills, this guide meets you where you are.

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