The song structure and what you're learning

"My Own Summer (Shove It)" by Deftones is built on two main guitar parts that repeat throughout most of the song: a heavy, syncopated riff and a simpler rhythm pattern underneath it. The tuning is dropped D, which means you lower your low E string down one full step to D. This gives the song its thick, dark tone. You'll spend most of the song playing these two parts in different combinations rather than learning dozens of separate sections.

The song doesn't have a traditional verse-chorus structure. Instead, it cycles through the main riff, adds layers, strips them back, and builds tension. This makes it easier to learn than it might sound—once you have the two core riffs down, you can play along with the song and understand how they fit together.

Key Takeaways

  • Tune your low E string down to D (dropped D tuning) before you start, as this is essential to the song's sound.
  • The main riff uses a syncopated rhythm on the 5th and 7th frets of the D string, played with muted and unmuted notes in a specific pattern.
  • The rhythm guitar underneath plays simpler power chords on the D and A strings, which you can learn separately and then layer with the main riff.
  • Practice the timing and muting technique first—the feel of the song depends more on rhythm and dynamics than on complicated finger positions.

Tuning to dropped D

Start by tuning your low E string down one full step to D. You can use a tuner, or you can tune by ear: play the open D string (the fourth string), then adjust the low E string until it matches that pitch exactly. Once it's in tune, the rest of your strings stay in standard tuning (A, D, G, B, E from second to sixth string).

Dropped D tuning is common in heavy music because it lets you play power chords with just one finger—you can barre across the D and A strings at any fret and get a full, heavy sound. It also makes the low D string ring naturally, which is what gives "My Own Summer" its foundation.

Learning the main riff

The main riff lives on the D string (your lowest string, now tuned to D). It uses the 5th fret (A note) and the 7th fret (B note), played in a specific rhythm with muting in between. The pattern is roughly: play the 5th fret, mute the string (by laying your finger on it without pressing), play the 7th fret, mute again, then repeat. The muting creates the percussive, choppy feel that makes the riff recognizable.

Practice this slowly at first—around 60 beats per minute—and focus on the timing of the mutes. The mutes should be quick and clean, not sloppy. Once you can play it smoothly at a slow tempo, gradually speed it up. The actual song tempo is around 120 beats per minute, but don't rush there. Accuracy at a slower speed will get you to the right speed faster than trying to play it fast before you're ready.

Use a metronome or play along with a drum machine set to a steady beat. This trains your timing and makes it easier to lock in with the song when you play it later. The riff should feel locked to the beat, not floating around it.

Adding the rhythm guitar underneath

While the main riff is playing on the D string, a second guitar (or the same guitar in a different section of the song) plays a simpler rhythm pattern using power chords. In dropped D, a power chord is just two notes: the root and the fifth. On the D string and A string, you can play a D5 power chord by barring your index finger across both strings at the 5th fret, or an A5 by barring at the 7th fret.

The rhythm guitar typically plays a steady, driving pattern—often hitting the chord on the beat and then adding a second hit partway through the beat to create momentum. This is easier to learn than the main riff because it's just two frets and a straightforward rhythm. Practice it separately until it feels natural, then try playing both parts at the same time: the main riff on the D string with your right hand, and the rhythm chord with your left hand on the D and A strings.

This layering is where the song really comes alive. The main riff is interesting, but the rhythm underneath is what makes it heavy and hypnotic. Don't skip this step—learning both parts is what lets you understand how the song is actually constructed.

Muting technique and dynamics

The feel of "My Own Summer" depends heavily on muting and how hard you pick. Muting means laying your fretting finger lightly on the string without pressing it down fully, which deadens the note and creates a percussive "chop" sound. This is different from letting the string ring open. Practice muting by playing a note normally, then when ready laying your finger back on the string to stop it from ringing.

Dynamics means varying how hard you pick. The song isn't played at full volume the whole way through. Some sections are quieter and more controlled, while others are heavier and more aggressive. Listen to the original song and notice where the guitar is digging in hard and where it's pulling back. Try to match that feel when you play. This is what separates a technically correct version from one that actually sounds like the song.

Playing along with the recording

Once you can play both the main riff and the rhythm part separately, put on the song and try to play along. Start at a section where only one part is playing—usually the intro or a quieter verse—so you're not overwhelmed. Play just the main riff first, and focus on locking in with the drums and bass. Once that feels solid, try adding the rhythm part on top.

If you lose your place, stop and listen for a few bars to find where you are in the song, then jump back in. This is normal and happens to everyone. The more you play along, the more familiar the song structure becomes, and the easier it is to stay locked in.

Common trouble spots and how to fix them

The most common issue is rushing the tempo. The syncopated rhythm of the main riff can feel like it wants to speed up, especially when you're concentrating on the muting. Use a metronome and trust it—don't let your hands pull the tempo faster. If you're consistently speeding up, slow down by 10 beats per minute and rebuild from there.

The second issue is sloppy muting. If your mutes sound unclear or the rhythm feels loose, you're probably not laying your finger on the string firmly enough to stop it from ringing. The mute should be crisp and clean. Practice the muting motion separately from the picking motion until both feel independent and controlled.

The third issue is forgetting to switch between the main riff and the rhythm part. The song cycles between sections where one or both are playing. Listen to the original carefully and mark on a piece of paper or in a tab where each part comes in and drops out. This visual map helps you stay oriented when you're playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a specific type of guitar or amplifier?

No. The song was recorded on a standard electric guitar through a heavy amplifier, but you can learn and play it on any electric guitar. The dropped D tuning and muting technique matter more than the specific gear. If you're playing through a small practice amp, the song will sound different but still recognizable.

What if I can't get the muting to sound right?

Muting takes time to develop. Practice the muting motion without picking—just lay your finger on the string and lift it repeatedly until the motion feels natural. Then add the picking slowly. It's a coordination skill, not a strength skill, so patience and repetition matter more than effort.

Can I play this in standard tuning instead of dropped D?

Technically yes, but it won't sound the same. Dropped D is part of what makes the song heavy and dark. If you're learning the song, it's worth taking the time to tune down. If you're just trying to understand the finger positions, standard tuning will work, but you'll lose the authentic tone.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

If you already play guitar, you can learn the basic riff and rhythm in a few practice sessions—maybe a week of regular practice. Playing it smoothly and confidently with the recording takes longer, usually two to four weeks depending on how often you practice. Don't rush it; focus on accuracy first and speed will follow.