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Mastering The Deftones Riff: Your Ultimate Guide To 'My Own Summer (Shove It)' Tabs And Tone

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Deftones’ "My Own Summer (Shove It)" is more than just a song; it's a foundational blueprint for the alternative metal and nu-metal sound of the late 90s, famous for its unique atmosphere and crushing guitar tone. As of this current date in December 2025, the demand for accurate, up-to-date tabs and a deep dive into the gear behind this breakthrough track remains incredibly high, making it a perennial search for guitarists and bassists alike.

The song, a lead single from the platinum-certified 1997 album *Around the Fur*, is a masterclass in controlled aggression and dynamic contrast, defined by Stephen Carpenter's heavy, low-tuned riffing and Chi Cheng's complementary bass work. Mastering this track requires more than just knowing the notes; it demands understanding the specific tunings and the legendary equipment that shaped its sound, which we will break down in this ultimate guide.

The Architects of Sound: Deftones' Core Musicians (Guitar & Bass)

To truly understand the "My Own Summer" tabs, one must first appreciate the unique roles and history of the two principal string players who crafted its sound: Stephen Carpenter and the late Chi Cheng.

Stephen Carpenter (Guitar)

  • Role: Co-founder and lead guitarist of Deftones.
  • Musical Evolution: Initially a player of traditional six-string guitars, Carpenter was heavily influenced by bands like Fear Factory, which led him to experiment with lower tunings and eventually transition to seven-string and later eight-string guitars to achieve a heavier, more extended range sound.
  • Gear Endorsements: He is famously endorsed by ESP Guitars, Marshall Amplifiers, and Line 6.
  • Iconic Guitar: During the *Around the Fur* era, Carpenter primarily used the ESP M-II or his signature LTD SC-200QM, a six-string model, which he tuned down significantly to achieve the song's signature low-end punch.

Chi Cheng (Bass)

  • Role: Original bassist for Deftones (1988–2008).
  • Legacy: Cheng's playing was renowned for its chameleonic tones and rhythmic complexity, often playing counter-melodies that perfectly complemented Carpenter’s monolithic guitar riffs. He was instrumental in defining the band's dynamic range.
  • Instrument: Cheng predominantly used a Fender Precision Bass, utilizing a fingerstyle technique that added warmth and depth to the low frequencies.
  • Tragic Note: Cheng tragically passed away in 2013 after a long period of semi-comatose following a 2008 car accident. His low-end legacy remains a cornerstone of Deftones' early work.

Decoding the Drop: Essential Tuning for 'My Own Summer'

The most critical element in accurately playing "My Own Summer (Shove It)" is the tuning. The song's massive, sludgy sound is a direct result of the guitar and bass being tuned far lower than standard. This low tuning is key to achieving the correct tone and feel of the main riff.

Guitar Tuning: Drop C# (Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)

Stephen Carpenter utilized a six-string guitar for this track, tuned to a variation of Drop D, but detuned a full half-step down.

  • Standard E-to-Drop C# Conversion:
    • Low E string tuned down to C# (Db)
    • A string tuned down to G# (Ab)
    • D string tuned down to C# (Db)
    • G string tuned down to F# (Gb)
    • B string tuned down to Bb (A#)
    • High E string tuned down to Eb (D#)
  • Why this tuning? This "Drop" configuration (where the lowest string is a full step lower than the adjacent string) allows for easy, one-finger power chords (octaves) on the lowest three strings, perfect for the heavy, driving main riff.

Bass Tuning: C# G# C# F#

Chi Cheng's bass line is equally crucial, and it follows a similar, heavy drop tuning.

  • Standard E-to-C# G# C# F# Conversion:
    • E string tuned down to C#
    • A string tuned down to G#
    • D string tuned down to C#
    • G string tuned down to F#
  • Note: This is essentially a standard four-string bass tuned down 1.5 steps (three half-steps) and then the E string dropped an additional whole step to match the guitar's lowest C#.

The 5 Essential Steps to Master the 'My Own Summer' Riff

The main riff of "My Own Summer (Shove It)" is an exercise in percussive rhythm and dynamic control. It is deceptively simple but requires strict palm-muting and precise timing. The song is divided into two main sections: the heavy, almost staccato verses and the soaring, chorus-drenched chorus.

1. The Intro/Main Verse Riff

The riff that opens the song is played on the lowest three strings (C#, G#, C#). It is a rapid, palm-muted chugging pattern that gives the track its aggressive, driving feel. The key technique here is heavy palm-muting right at the bridge to create a tight, percussive ‘chug’ sound, punctuated by open chord releases.

2. The Chorus Riff and Effects

The chorus, where Chino Moreno screams "Shove it, shove it, shove it," is where the tone shifts dramatically. Carpenter lifts the palm-muting, allowing the full, crushing distortion to ring out. More importantly, this section features a prominent effect, often believed to be a chorus or flanger pedal, which adds a swirling, atmospheric layer to the heavy chords, creating the iconic contrast between the quiet verses and the loud choruses.

3. Mastering the Dynamics (P-M vs. Full Release)

Deftones is a band defined by dynamics, and this song is the perfect example. The transition from the tight, palm-muted (P-M) verse to the open, full-distortion chorus must be instantaneous and extreme. Practice the quick switch between the heavy palm-muting technique and the full, open-string power chords to nail the song's signature push and pull.

4. The Bass Counter-Melody

For bassists, the challenge is not just the tuning but playing Chi Cheng’s complex, often sliding lines. While the guitar is playing a rhythmic, blocky riff, the bass often provides a more melodic, fluid counterpoint, especially in the verses. Focus on the slides and the slightly delayed attack to get that signature 'chameleonic' bass tone that sits perfectly in the mix.

5. Achieving the Stephen Carpenter Tone

The tone for this song is thick, saturated, and powerful. To replicate it, aim for the following setup:

  • Amp: A high-gain amp head like a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (the classic choice for this era) or a Marshall JMP-1 preamp with a MonoBloc power amp.
  • Settings: Maximize the gain, scoop the mid-range slightly (but not too much to lose punch), and boost the low-end to handle the Drop C# tuning.
  • Effects: A high-quality Chorus or Flanger pedal is essential for the atmospheric wash during the main chorus section.

The Enduring Impact of 'Around the Fur'

"My Own Summer (Shove It)" was the lead single from Deftones’ second major label album, *Around the Fur*, released in 1997. The album itself is a landmark in alternative metal, showcasing the band’s evolution from the more straightforward nu-metal sound of their debut, *Adrenaline*, into a more atmospheric and experimental territory.

Vocalist Chino Moreno explained the song's meaning as a "futile rage against the sun," a feeling of sadness or bad luck against the general happiness or brightness of summer, captured in the famous lyric: "Hey you, big star; tell me when it’s over." The song's success propelled Deftones from an underground favorite to a mainstream force, cementing their place as one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Whether you are a guitarist chasing the perfect Drop C# chunk or a bassist trying to nail Chi Cheng's nuanced slides, the accurate and up-to-date tabs for "My Own Summer (Shove It)" remain a vital piece of the modern metal musician's repertoire. With the right tuning and attention to the dynamic shifts, you can effectively capture the power of this iconic track.

Mastering the Deftones Riff: Your Ultimate Guide to 'My Own Summer (Shove It)' Tabs and Tone
my own summer tabs
my own summer tabs

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