Unleashing the "Diamond Dave" Attitude
Runnin’ with the Devil is the opening track from Van Halen's explosive 1978 debut album. Vocally, it is less about complex melodic lines and more about swagger, rhythm, and raw power. David Lee Roth doesn't just sing the lyrics; he announces them.
The song features a unique blend of baritone speak-singing in the verses and piercing, siren-like screams. This contrast is what makes the song difficult. You need to be relaxed and conversational one moment, and explosive the next.
AI Coach Tip: Attitude over Pitch
In the verses, perfect pitch is less important than rhythmic placement. David Lee Roth uses Sprechgesang (speak-singing). If you try to make the verses too melodic, you lose the rock 'n' roll feel. Stay behind the beat slightly.
Phase 1: The Iconic Scream (Intro)
The song opens with a collection of car horns slowed down, followed by Roth's legendary scream. This is a high C#6. To achieve this safely, you cannot just push your chest voice higher.
Technique: Start with a vocal fry and slide rapidly into your head voice or whistle register. Think of it as a siren. Ensure your neck muscles are relaxed; if you see veins popping, you are straining, not singing.
Phase 2: The Verses (0:48 - 1:20)
The verses ("I live my life like there's no tomorrow") sit in a comfortable mid-range (E3-B3). The challenge here is the tone. It needs to be forward and "bratty."
- Diction: Roth often slides into words. Don't hit the consonants too hard.
- Volume: Keep the volume at a 6/10 here. You need headroom to get louder for the chorus.
- The "Yeah!": The ad-libs are just as important as the lyrics. Practice your exclamations to sound spontaneous, not rehearsed.
Phase 3: The Chorus Harmonies
The chorus ("Runnin' with the Devil") relies heavily on backing harmonies. While Roth sings the melody, bassist Michael Anthony provides the high harmony that gives Van Halen its signature sound.
If you are singing the lead, stay grounded in your chest mix on the note G#4. Don't let your voice thin out too much, or you will be drowned out by the guitars.
Frequently Asked Questions
The intro screams hit a piercing C#6. This is extremely high for a male vocalist and requires developed head voice or whistle register technique.
The song is technically in C# Minor. However, Van Halen tuned their instruments down a half-step (Eb Standard), so while they played in D positions, it sounds like C#.
Yes! You can opt to sing the intro in a strong falsetto rather than a grit-scream. The Singing Coach AI app will still score you on pitch accuracy even if you modify the tone texture.
