Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” chords engage musicians worldwide. The song has gathered over 3.1 million views and more than 64,800 musicians have saved it to their favorites. Musicians have given this intermediate-level song an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating, with over 2,300 reviews. The song stands out as one of the most popular choices to learn on different instruments.
The song’s elegant simplicity and satisfying arrangement draw musicians to the video games Lana Del Rey chords. We know it best for its video games guitar chords, but this versatile composition works beautifully with video games piano chords and video games ukulele chords after simple adjustments. Millions of musicians now use digital tools to learn this song. This piece explains the chord progressions, strumming patterns, and instrument-specific techniques you need to play this moody classic confidently.
Understanding the Song Structure of ‘Video Games’
The structure of “Video Games” teaches musicians valuable lessons about this iconic ballad. The song sits in F♯ Minor with an unusual arrangement that creates an unsettling and suspenseful listening experience. This unique approach makes a substantial impact on the video games chords that define this composition.
Verse, chorus, and bridge explained
Unlike typical pop songs, “Video Games” follows its own path in structural arrangement. You’ll find a nine-bar verse, a short two-bar pre-chorus, and a nine-bar chorus that later shrinks to five bars. The piano’s chordal riff adds four bars of intro and outro, plus two-bar “re-intros” before the second verse and final chorus.
The simple structural elements include:
- Intro: Sets the melancholic mood with the piano’s chordal riff
- Verse: Nine bars mainly in F♯ Minor where chord changes happen on every beat
- Pre-Chorus: A brief yet powerful section that holds on the dominant chord, creating a pause before flowing into the chorus
- Chorus: Shows a brighter tonality with slower harmonic rhythm as chords change every four beats
The video games lana del rey chords shine in how they flow between sections. The verse blends naturally into the chorus, and the chorus melody sits just slightly higher than the verse. The chorus harmonies create their own push and pull, hinting at a IV-I cadence in A major before taking a turn with G-F♯m parallel motion.
Why structure matters when learning chords
Learning “Video Games” starts with understanding its structure. The song’s pace of about 60 beats per minute needs careful attention to hold notes properly, especially when playing video games piano chords or video games guitar chords.
The song shows subtle yet important differences in chord placement between sections. A major chords land mostly on weak beats in the verse, while F♯m takes the strong beats. The chorus flips this pattern as major chords finally claim the strong beats. This clever approach to chord placement creates the main contrast between verse and chorus, even though both use similar chord progressions.
Musicians learning video games chords benefit from knowing these structural elements:
- Anticipation of changes: Smooth progressions come from knowing when chords switch
- Dynamic expression: Better playing comes from understanding each section’s emotional journey
- Memorization: Pattern recognition makes the song easier to remember
The harmonic rhythm changes too – chords switch less often in the chorus than in the verse. Guitar players need to adjust their strumming patterns, and pianists must adapt their pedal techniques when playing video games lana del rey chords.
Different instruments handle the song’s structure in their own way. The core chord progression stays the same, but video games ukulele chords and other adaptations must respect the song’s structural details to keep its emotional power and unique sound.
Musicians who really understand “Video Games” and its structure can see how the arrangement itself creates that haunting quality, beyond just the individual chords or melody.
Essential Chords Used in ‘Video Games’
The song “Video Games” features a simple yet captivating chord structure in F♯ Minor. This key ranks as the 7th most popular among minor keys and 18th most popular overall. The song’s moody atmosphere comes from its chord selections and placements that create a distinctive sound across instruments.
F#m, A, C#m, D – the core progression
The foundation of video games chords uses four main chords that repeat throughout most sections:
- F#m (F♯, A, C♯): The tonic chord sets the song’s minor key and melancholic mood
- A (A, C♯, E): The relative major chord brings contrast and “brightening”
- C#m (C♯, E, G♯): The minor fifth chord adds depth and tension
- D (D, F♯, A): The sixth chord creates forward motion
F#m and A alternate during verses, with chord changes on every beat. A major chords appear on weak beats during verses, while F#m chords dominate strong beats. The chorus brings major chords to strong beats, creating a subtle yet powerful emotional change.
Additional chords: E, G, Ddim/F
Several other chords enhance the video games lana del rey chords soundscape:
- E (E, G♯, B): Shows up in the chorus to create a brighter sound as emotions build
- G (G, B, D): Builds tension through its relationship to the home key
- Ddim/F (D, F, Ab): A diminished chord with F in the bass adds vital dissonance
The Ddim chord plays a special role in video game chords. This diminished chord uses the root note, minor 3rd, and diminished 5th (flattened 5th). D diminished combines D, F, and Ab. Its tension and uneasiness create perfect moments of suspense in the song’s emotional flow.
Chord variations across instruments
Video games guitar chords work well with standard voicings. Beginners might find the barred F#m challenging. A capo on the 2nd fret lets players use simpler chord shapes in E minor (Em, G, Bm, C).
Video games piano chords present unique challenges. F#m and C#m chords contain two black keys with one white key between them. Expert pianists suggest using the 4th finger on black keys and 2nd on white keys for root position F#m (F#-A-C#).
Video games ukulele chords translate beautifully thanks to the instrument’s bright tone that contrasts with the minor key progression. The ukulele’s standard tuning (G-C-E-A) makes some chords easier than guitar, though F#m remains a bit challenging.
Each instrument brings its own timbral qualities to the chords. The diminished chord sounds more intense on instruments with rich harmonic content like brass and strings compared to simpler harmonic profiles like xylophone.
These carefully chosen chords and their strategic placement create the song’s emotional narrative. The interplay between major and minor chords has helped make “Video Games” a modern classic that works on many instruments.
How to Play ‘Video Games’ on Guitar
Mastering the video games guitar chords needs both technique and theory knowledge. The song’s simple chord patterns make it available to guitar players of all skill levels. Let me show you how to bring Lana Del Rey’s moody ballad to life on your six-string.
Basic strumming pattern
The video games chords follow a simple 2:2 feel that creates the song’s dreamlike quality. You should start with one downstrum per chord—this minimalist approach captures the song’s atmospheric vibe perfectly. The sort of thing I love about this approach is how it helps beginners:
- One downstrum when the chord changes
- Each chord should ring out clearly
- Keep a steady tempo at about 60 beats per minute
Your confidence will grow, and you can add an extra down-up strum on each chord, especially when you have the second repetition of the progression. This gives a fuller sound without overpowering the song’s delicate feel. Note that less is more with this composition.
Capo placement and tuning
The video games lana del rey chords in their original key need your capo on the second fret. This setup lets you use simple chord shapes while keeping the song’s authentic sound. With the capo on the second fret, you’ll play:
Em – G – Em – G – Bm – C – Em
Your capo should sit right behind the fret—not between frets or on top of them—like in finger placement when fretting notes. This position gives clear tones without buzzing. Therefore, good capo placement stops unwanted string tension that could detune your guitar.
The capo becomes your best friend if barre chords give you trouble. It turns tough shapes like F#m into easier Em shapes that new guitarists can play comfortably.
Tips for smooth chord transitions
Start by practicing the Em to G transition repeatedly since it appears often in the verse. Take it slow at first to master the movement, then speed up gradually.
Smooth changes between video games guitar chords work best with “anchor fingers.” To cite an instance, see how keeping your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string helps when moving from Em to G. This technique saves movement and makes progressions smoother.
There’s another reason to try “countdown changes.” Time yourself for 30 seconds and count your clean transitions between two chords. Write down your score and try to beat it next time. A metronome helps develop consistent timing.
video games guitar chords vs tabs
The difference between chords and tabs is vital to learn video games chords. Chord diagrams show which notes to play together on the fretboard, while tablature gives specific finger positions for chords and melodies.
New guitarists often find chord-based learning less frustrating than tabs. This approach lets you:
- Play the song quickly with less to memorize
- Get the song’s basic energy
- Sing while you play more easily
You’ll need tabs to learn specific riffs or solos exactly as recorded. Most guitar players end up using both methods—chords for the song’s foundation and tabs for precise melodic parts.
Whatever method you pick, the video games lana del rey chords create a beautiful foundation that’s perfect even if you haven’t mastered barre chords yet—showing how simple patterns can make powerful music.
Playing ‘Video Games’ on Piano or Keyboard
The piano’s simple beauty creates the foundation of Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.” Learning the video games piano chords feels rewarding. The song was first written on keyboard but sounds amazing on piano. You can play both melody and accompaniment at once, which makes it special.
Simple left-hand/right-hand coordination
Learning video games chords on piano works best when you practice each hand on its own. Your left hand plays single bass notes—F#, A, C#, and D—following the chord roots. The right hand plays either simple thirds or full triads based on your skill level. Here’s the quickest way to build coordination:
- Get comfortable with the left-hand pattern first
- Work on the right-hand chord progression separately
- Put both hands together at a very slow speed
F#m and C#m chords can be tricky because they have two black keys with a white key between them. Your playing will feel more natural if you use your 4th finger on black keys and 2nd on white keys.
Using the sustain pedal effectively
The sustain pedal creates that dreamy feel needed in video games piano chords. Too much pedal makes everything sound messy though. Here’s what you should do:
- Press the pedal as you play each chord
- Release quickly between chord changes, then press again
- Listen carefully so chords don’t blur together
The pedal should match each chord change. A quick “pedal-lift-pedal” motion works best—just enough to clear old sounds without creating gaps.
video games piano chords breakdown
Verses follow F#m-A-F#m-A-C#m-D throughout. The chorus adds E major (sometimes Esus4) and an interesting B diminished over F chord that builds tension.
Your right hand can play:
- Beginner style: Just thirds (F#-A for F#m, A-C# for A chord)
- Intermediate level: Full triads (F#-A-C#, A-C#-E, etc.)
Simplifying the rhythm for beginners
Starting slow helps you learn faster than rushing into full speed. Video games lana del rey chords sound great even with simple patterns:
- Use basic chord shapes without extras
- Make clean moves between chords
- Keep steady timing (around 60 BPM)
The song’s haunting quality comes through even without fancy details from tutorial videos. You can add rhythmic patterns and melody notes later to make it your own version of this modern classic.
Adapting the Song for Ukulele and Other Instruments
The ukulele stands out as a fresh choice when you want to learn video games chords. Its warm, intimate sound adds something special to Lana Del Rey’s haunting ballad.
video games ukulele chords overview
The standard video games ukulele chords use six basic chords: Am, C, Em, F, G, and Fm in the keys of C and Am. Players rate this arrangement at 3.67 (Intermediate). You’ll find the intro and verse follow Am-C-Am-C-Em-F patterns that repeat throughout the song. Some players like to use different voicings such as F♯m-A-F♯m-A-C♯m-D for the intro and verse parts.
Transposing chords for easier play
Learning to transpose video games lana del rey chords means understanding how chord functions work in different keys. Beginners often find success when they transpose up +3 semitones to get simpler fingerings. Roman numeral notation helps you keep track of chord functions (I, ii, iii, etc.) as the actual notes change. To cite an instance, see how transposing from F major to B changes F-Bb-C into B-E-F#.
Maintaining the song’s mood on different instruments
The emotional core of video games chords needs careful attention when played on different instruments. The ukulele’s brighter tone means you should strum more softly than with guitar or piano to capture that melancholic feel. Players often swap out tricky shapes like E♭m with simpler options that work just as well. The song’s distinctive mood shines through when you keep the right tempo and let those chords ring clear, no matter which instrument you choose.
Summing all up
Let’s dive into the engaging chord progressions that make Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” such a hit among musicians everywhere. The song’s simple appearance hides a well-crafted arrangement that sounds amazing on any instrument. The core F#m-A-C#m-D progression packs an emotional punch whether you play it on guitar, piano, or ukulele.
The song’s unique structure is key to nailing its distinctive sound. Its nine-bar verses and the back-and-forth between major and minor chords create that moody vibe fans love so much. The slow tempo at 60 BPM lets each chord ring out and breathe.
Guitar players can make their lives easier by putting a capo on the second fret. This turns those tricky barre chords into simpler shapes. Piano players need to focus on their pedaling and hand coordination to get that dreamy sound just right. Even though the ukulele has a brighter sound, players can still capture the song’s mood through the right key choice and gentle strumming.
“Video Games” shows us that emotional power comes from smart chord choices, not just fancy techniques. The song works well for intermediate players who want to add a modern classic to their playlist. These chord progressions are your gateway to a beautiful piece that still moves musicians and listeners today.
Here are some FAQs about video games chords:
What are the top 10 popular Video Games?
The top 10 popular video games currently include titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, and Valorant. This list changes frequently based on player counts and current trends in the gaming industry, which is separate from musical topics like video games chords.
What are wicked game chords?
The chords for “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak are typically Am, G, C, and D, creating its iconic melancholic sound. These are actual guitar chords, unlike the search term video games chords which typically refers to Lana Del Rey’s song.
What you came for chords?
“What You Came For” by Calvin Harris and Rihanna uses chords like F minor, E♭, and B♭m in its progression. This is different from video games guitar chords which specifically refer to the instrumentation for Lana Del Rey’s hit song.
What is the function of music in Video Games?
Music in video games serves to enhance immersion, set the emotional tone, and provide audio cues for gameplay events. This is a different context than video games piano chords which typically refer to the musical transcription of Lana Del Rey’s song.
What is the best game of 2025?
It is impossible to determine the best game of 2025 as it hasn’t happened yet and game releases are constantly changing. This prediction is unrelated to musical queries about lana del rey video games chords for her popular song.
What is the #1 videogame in the world?
The #1 videogame in the world changes regularly, but games like Minecraft and Fortnite often claim the top spot based on active players. This gaming statistic is separate from searches for video games ukulele chords for musical purposes.
What are the 4 magic chords?
The “4 magic chords” often refer to the common pop progression I-V-vi-IV used in countless songs. These fundamental chords are different from the specific video games lana del rey chords used in her particular song arrangement.
What is a scary chord?
A scary chord is typically a dissonant interval like a diminished fifth (tritone) or augmented chord that creates tension. This music theory concept is unrelated to the specific video games chords people search for to play Lana Del Rey’s song.
What is the 4 chord trick?
The 4 chord trick refers to the common pop progression I-V-vi-IV used in countless popular songs across genres. While this is a fundamental music concept, it’s different from the specific video games guitar chords used in Lana Del Rey’s particular composition.
