Learn "Message in a Bottle" by The Police on Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Message in a Bottle on the guitar. The iconic riff for this song was masterfully created by the brilliant Andy Summers, and it's a staple in The Police's discography that every aspiring guitarist should know.

The Chord Progression

To kick things off, we'll delve into the chord progression of this iconic riff. The song begins with a C sharp, then transitions to an A. Next, it shifts up two frets to a B add 9. The progression then slides all the way down to an F sharp, concluding the sequence. This pattern repeats throughout the song, creating an energetic rhythm that's characteristic of The Police's music.

The Push Effect

What's particularly interesting about this song, and what makes it stand out amongst others, is the little push happening within the progression. Except for the first chord, all the chord changes happen on the 'and,' a beat earlier than expected. This is what's known as a 'push'. This technique adds a lot of energy to the song, and it's a fun skill to master as you refine your guitar-playing abilities.

The Strumming Pattern

Now, let's talk about the strumming pattern. Many guitarists, myself included, favor alternate picking, where you play a down pick on the beat and an up strum on the notes that fall between the beats. However, in this particular song, it felt more natural for me to play a down pick on the bass note, an up pick in between, and a down pick on the highest note.

This might not align perfectly with the theoretical approach, but the key to mastering any instrument is to find what feels right for you. It's a personal decision, and I always encourage my students to choose the most comfortable and intuitive method.

Wrapping Up

By the end of the video, you'll have a good grasp of how to play Message in a Bottle. With its unique chord progression and strumming pattern, it's a great song to add to your repertoire, whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist.

Remember, learning to play an instrument is a journey, not a destination. So, keep practicing, stay persistent, and most of all, have fun with it. Who knows, you might even come up with your own tune that could be your next big hit! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your guitar, watch the video, and let's dive into learning Message in a Bottle!

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