Lana Del Rey · Born to Die (2012)

Summertime Sadness Chords

Full guitar & piano chord chart — Capo 4th Fret · Key: A (sounds) / F (shapes)

Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey is a cinematic indie-pop ballad known for its hypnotic, melancholic chord loop. With Capo on the 4th fret, the progression — F, Am, G, Dm — repeats with mesmerizing consistency throughout the song, making it accessible for intermediate players while being richly atmospheric.

Artist: Lana Del Rey Album: Born to Die (2012) Capo: Capo 4th Fret Key: A (sounds) / F (shapes) Difficulty: Intermediate Tuning: Standard EADGBE

Full Chord Chart

F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
F / Am / G / Dm F / Am / G / Dm
Em / Am / F / Dm Em / Am / Gsus4
Em / Am / F / Dm Em / Am / Gsus4

Guitar & Piano Playing Tips

The F–Am–G–Dm loop is the entire harmonic foundation of Summertime Sadness — and it works because of its emotional weight, not complexity. The bridge introduces Em and Gsus4 for a brief shift. On guitar, practice a slow, deliberate strumming pattern with slightly muted strings to get that dreamy, languid feel. On piano, sustain the chords and add a slow arpeggiated right hand for a vintage, cinematic texture.

Whether you're practicing on guitar or piano, our online guitar classes and piano lessons at JBX Music cover these exact chord shapes and progressions for all skill levels.

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Chords transcribed for educational purposes. Want to learn guitar or piano? Check our online guitar classes and piano lessons. Book JBX Band for your event — contact us here.