Lana Del Rey's "Diet Mountain Dew" is a captivating song, blending themes of love, addiction, and the allure of New York City. For guitarists looking to capture the song's essence, understanding the chord progression is key. This article will break down the song's structure and chords, providing a guide for playing "Diet Mountain Dew" on guitar.
Song Structure and Chord Overview
The song revolves around a relatively simple chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The primary chords used are Am, G, and F. The song structure is built around these chords in the intro, verses, choruses, and bridge.
Intro: Setting the Mood
The intro establishes the melancholic yet catchy vibe of the song. The chord progression for the intro is:
Am G F F
This sequence is repeated, creating a foundation for the song's lyrical themes. "You're no good for me, Baby, you're no good for me, You're no good for me, but baby, I want you I want you"
Verse 1: Heart-Shaped Sunglasses and Fast Living
Verse 1 introduces themes of recklessness and infatuation. The chords for the verse are:
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Am F Am G## Am F Am G
Accompanied by lyrics like "Baby put on heart-shaped sunglasses, Cause we gonna take a ride," the chords support the narrative of a wild and potentially destructive relationship. "I'm not gonna listen to what the past says, I've been waiting up all night, Take another drag turn me to ashes, Ready for another lie? Says he's gonna teach me just what fast is, Say it's gonna be alright"
Chorus: New York City and Eternal Love
The chorus is the heart of the song, posing questions about love and desire against the backdrop of New York City. The chorus uses this chord progression:
Am G F F## Am G F F
These are paired with the lyrics "Diet Mountain Dew baby, New York City, Never was there ever a girl so pretty, Do you think we'll be in love forever? Do you think we'll be in love?" and "Diet Mountain Dew baby, New York City, Can we hit it now, low-down and gritty? Do you think we'll be in love forever? Do you think we'll be in love?"
Verse 2: Roller Coasters and Sparkle
Verse 2 continues the story, delving deeper into the complexities of the relationship. The chord progression remains the same as Verse 1:
Am F Am G## Am F Am G
The lyrics, "Let's take Jesus off the dashboard, Got enough on his mind, We both know just what we're here for, Said too many times, Maybe I like this roller coaster, Maybe it keeps me high, Maybe the speed it brings me closer, I could sparkle up your eye," further explore themes of risk and excitement.
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Bridge: Acknowledging the Toxicity
The bridge offers a moment of self-awareness, acknowledging the unhealthy nature of the relationship. The chords are:
Am G F F## Am G F F
These chords accompany the lyrics: "You're no good for me, Baby, you're no good for me, You're no good for me, but baby, I want you I want you, You're no good for me, Baby, you're no good for me, You're no good for me, but baby, I want you I want you."
Chorus Variation: 7-Eleven and White Pontiac Heaven
A variation of the chorus includes specific imagery:
Am G F F
This section features the lyrics "Baby stoppin' at 7-Eleven, There in his white Pontiac Heaven, Do you think we'll be in love forever? Do you think we'll be in love?" These lyrics add a layer of Americana and fleeting moments of paradise to the song.
Outro: Repetition and Longing
The outro echoes the sentiments of the bridge, emphasizing the push-and-pull dynamic of the relationship. The outro's chords are:
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Am G F F## Am G F F
The repetition of "You're no good for me, Baby, you're no good for me, You're no good for me, but baby, I want you I want you" reinforces the central conflict.
Playing "Diet Mountain Dew": Tips and Techniques
- Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern works well for most of the song. Experiment to find what feels right for you.
- Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between Am, G, and F are crucial for maintaining the song's flow. Practice these transitions slowly at first.
- Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are accurately placed on the fretboard to produce clean and clear chords.
- Dynamics: Use dynamics to add emotion to your playing. Play softer during the verses and build intensity during the choruses.
- Listen to the Original: Pay close attention to Lana Del Rey's original recording to capture the nuances of her performance.
Alternative Guitar Tunings and Transcriptions
While the song is typically played in standard tuning, some guitarists might explore alternative tunings for a different sound. Additionally, various online resources offer guitar tablature (tabs) and sheet music for "Diet Mountain Dew." While an accurate music score for “Diet Mountain Dew” by Lana Del Rey may cost around $26.00 USD, delivered within 24 hours, many free resources can provide a starting point.
Thematic Resonance and Musical Interpretation
"Diet Mountain Dew" is more than just a collection of chords; it's a story of love, addiction, and the search for meaning. As you play the song, consider the themes and emotions it conveys. Allow your interpretation to shine through in your performance. The lyrics pose questions such as "Do you think we'll be in love forever? Do you think we'll be in love? Can we get it now, low, down and gritty?"