"Message in a Bottle" | Free Online Guitar Lesson

lesson summary

Lesson 13 of 47 in our Rock Series: "Message in a Bottle"

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A. Music Theory

The chord shapes used in the intro section are a Sting trademark. The same chord shapes can be found in the Police hit “Every Breath You Take.” These chords consist of a basic power chord shape. Then the note a minor 9th from the root is added. Take a look at the first chord shape in the song. This chord consists of the root, the fifth, and the ninth. The root note is C#. Count up five steps in the scale to the next note. The fifth is G#. Then, the ninth is added to the chord. A ninth interval is an octave plus a major second. A major second from C# is D#. Thus, the ninth is D#.

Note the sound of this chord. It has a very ambiguous sound due to the fact that it lacks the third scale degree. As a result, the chord shape is neither major nor minor. This gives the chord a “floaty” or ethereal quality.

B. Playing the Intro

These chord shapes require some large stretches with the left hand. Brad plays the middle note with the third finger. You may find it easier to play this note with the second finger instead.

Be careful when repetitiously practicing anything that involves large finger stretches. Overexertion of the finger muscles can lead to serious conditions like tendonitis. If you experience any pain or discomfort, take a break and rest your hands.

The intro progression consists of the following chord changes: C#, A, B, F#. The shapes for A and F# have their roots on the sixth string. Brad demonstrates two alternate methods of playing these two chords. Here is the appropriate fingering for the A chord:

6th string, 5th fret: Play with first finger
5th string, 7th fret: middle finger
4th string, 9th fret: pinky
3rd string, 9th fret: pinky

Notice how the pinky barres the D and G strings. This fingering doubles the fifth of the chord in order to create a fuller sound.

To play the F# shape, simply slide the A shape down three frets.

The second part of the verse features a palm-muted pre-chorus riff. This basic I IV V chord progression is played entirely with power chords. This progression is in the key of A Major. Consequently, the I IV V chords are A, D, and E respectively. This chord progression can also be played using major barre chords. Open chord shapes are an interesting third option. Experiment with each option, and decide which one you prefer. Regardless of which option you choose, play the rhythm in eighth notes while palm-muting.

The latter portion of this riff features a progression consisting of F#m and D. F#m is played as a 6th string root barre chord. D is a 5th string root barre chord.

Note: Open the “Supplemental Content” tab for fretboard diagrams of the pre-chorus chords.

The first half of the chorus consists of only two chords – C#m and A. Use the appropriate barre chord shapes for these chords. Each chord is strummed for a measure each. Watch Brad carefully for the exact strumming rhythm.

The chorus transitions back into the verse section with a strummed F#m7 barre chord. Hold this chord out for two measures before returning to the verse.

Note: Open the “Supplemental Content” tab for fretboard diagrams of the chorus chords.

Brad chooses to play “Message in a Bottle” with a heavy chorus sound. Police guitarist Andy Summers used this effect on the original recording as well.

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