Sting - Message in a Bottle Guitar Lesson
Message in a Bottle
Brad walks you through a step-by-step process as he teaches you how to play the classic song "Message in a Bottle."
Taught by Brad Henecke in Rock Guitar with Brad Henecke seriesLength: 10:22Difficulty: 3.0 of 5
A. Music Theory2nd RiffThe 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#.B. Playing the Intro
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.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 fingerNotice how the pinky barres the D and G strings. This fingering doubles the fifth of the chord in order to create a fuller sound.
5th string, 7th fret: middle finger
4th string, 9th fret: pinky
3rd string, 9th fret: pinky
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.Chorus
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.Effects
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.Chapter 3: (0:57) Final Thoughts That's all folks!
Supplemental Learning Material
Rock Guitar with Brad Henecke
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsIn this Phase 2 series Brad Henecke will school you in the art of rock guitar. You will not only learn how to play some of your favorite songs in this series, but you will also learn how to create your own.
Lesson 1
Basic Rock Guitar
This lesson covers the absolute basics of rock guitar. Learn about the electric guitar, pickups, amplifiers, changing strings, and more.
Length: 52:09 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Learning Chords
The first step of your rock guitar experience is learning some of the more popular chords and that is what this lesson is all about.
Length: 42:30 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Barre Chords and More
Brad Henecke introduces common strumming patterns and barre chords.
Length: 42:23 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Your First Song
In this lesson Brad covers some of the more advanced barre chord shapes. He applies these shapes to the song "Hotel California."
Length: 41:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Blues and Scales
Rock has its roots in the blues. Brad helps you explore the wonderful world of blues in this lesson. He also covers some chord theory.
Length: 48:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tricks and Lead
This lesson is all about specific techniques used by lead guitarists.
Length: 52:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Jammin With Scales
This lesson details how to improvise with the blues scale.
Length: 27:27 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
3 Songs
In this fun lesson, Brad Henecke teaches you riffs from 3 classic rock songs.
Length: 28:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Power Chords
Power chords help give rock music that "punch you in the face" feel. Learn basic power chords in this lesson.
Length: 13:22 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
2 New Songs
Are you ready to learn "Ain't Talking About Love" by Van Halen and "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC? That's what this lesson is all about.
Length: 27:32 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale
In this lesson Brad teaches the first pattern of the minor pentatonic scale and explains how it relates to the blues scale.
Length: 14:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Second Position
Brad covers the second pattern for both the minor blues and minor pentatonic scales.
Length: 9:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Message in a Bottle
Learn the classic rock song "Message in a Bottle."
Length: 10:22 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Third Position
This great lesson covers the 3rd fretboard pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.
Length: 7:19 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Colorful Chord Tension
Brad demonstrates how open strings can be added to chord shapes you are already familiar with.
Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
The 4th Position
Brad covers the 4th pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.
Length: 8:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Daytripper
In this lesson Brad demonstrates how to play the Beatles song "Daytripper."
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The 5th Position
Brad demonstrates the 5th pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales. He also discusses practicing and memorizing them.
Length: 13:05 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
"Brown Eyed Girl"
Learn the classic rock song "Brown Eyed Girl" in this episode of Rock Guitar.
Length: 11:23 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Phrasing
Brad introduces you to the importance of phrasing. Quality phrasing is essential when performing any melodic line.
Length: 14:19 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Basics of Tapping
Tapping is an idiomatic guitar technique that offers a unique sound.
Length: 14:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Intro to Modes
Learning the modes is essential to the development of your scale vocabulary.
Length: 31:04 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Understanding Chord Shapes
Brad further explains what chord shapes are and how they relate to barre chords.
Length: 10:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Natural Harmonics
Learn the right and left hand mechanics involved in playing harmonics.
Length: 13:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Advanced Harmonics
Brad covers more advanced harmonic techniques such as harp harmonics, pinch harmonics and tap harmonics.
Length: 16:10 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Dorian Mode
Brad moves on in his modal lesson series to explain the Dorian mode. Includes 2 backing tracks.
Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Phrygian Mode
Brad explains and demonstrates the Phrygian mode.
Length: 13:33 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Lydian mode
Brad continues his discussion of the modes. You will learn the Lydian mode in this lesson.
Length: 9:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Mixolydian Mode
Brad explains the Mixolydian mode and its practical applications.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Aeolian Mode
Continuing with his modal lessons, Brad Henecke teaches the Aeolian mode.
Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Locrian Mode
The final lesson in our modal series covers the Locrian mode.
Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Ace Zone
Brad teaches some licks inspired by Ace Frehley of KISS. Incorporate these licks into your own solos.
Length: 7:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Learn Licks
In this lesson Brad Henecke teaches you some fun licks that can be used in your own guitar solos.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Blues Licks
Brad Henecke demonstrates some cool blues licks.
Length: 17:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Modes and Scales
Brad Henecke provides an alternate way of comparing modes and scales.
Length: 8:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
A Different View
In the last lesson, Brad Henecke compared some scales that are major or dominant in quality. Now, he repeats this process with minor scales.
Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
One String Scales
This lesson is all about 1 string scales. Learning scales on 1 string is essential to your knowledge of the fretboard.
Length: 8:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
One String Ionian Mode
Brad demonstrates a one string version of the Ionian mode. This lesson demonstrates the importance of horizontal scales.
Length: 7:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Aeolian Mode on One String
Brad continues his discussion of single string scales. He explains how to play the Aeolian mode across a single string.
Length: 4:11 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Octave Scales
Brad explains how to locate octaves within scale patterns. He demonstrates a cool lick that involves playing simultaneous octaves.
Length: 7:07 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Using Octaves
Brad explains how to use octaves in the context of an exercise. Octaves can also be used to build effective licks.
Length: 5:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Harmonic Minor Scale
Brad introduces the harmonic minor scale. He explains how it can be applied to the solo break in "Sweet Child O' Mine."
Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Learning by Ear
Brad Henecke provides valuable tips regarding the process of learning songs by ear.
Length: 23:00 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Ear Training Game
Improve your ear training by playing "The Tone Is Right" with Brad Henecke.
Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Diminished Arpeggio
Brad Henecke explains diminished chords and provides a fun diminished arpeggio exercise.
Length: 19:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Understanding Time Signatures
Brad Henecke addresses time signatures.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 47
Diminished Chords
Brad Henecke explains the construction of diminished seventh chords. He also provides a diminished chord exercise.
Length: 10:30 Difficulty: 2.5 FREE
Open G Tuning
Brad Henecke introduces open G tuning in this lesson.
Length: 23:50 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Drop D Tuning
Brad Henecke introduces drop D tuning in this lesson. He explains many advantages of this tuning.
Length: 12:57 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
G Major Pentatonic
Brad Henecke teaches the G major pentatonic scale. He demonstrates all 5 patterns and explains how they can be transposed to any key.
Length: 22:50 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Changing Scales with Chords
In this lesson Brad Henecke talks about changing the pentatonic/blues scales with each chord in a chord progression.
Length: 11:08 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Mixolydian Scale and Chords
Brad will show how to use the Mixolydian scale with a blues chord progression.
Length: 6:56 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Gear and Effects
This lesson is all about gear and effects. Brad begins his discussion with power conditioning and removing hiss from your amplifier. He progresses to discuss a plethora of effects pedals. Brad explores...
Length: 52:48 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
The Wah Pedal
In this lesson, Brad Henecke introduces the wah pedal and demonstrates its many applications.
Length: 15:53 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About Brad Henecke
View Full Biography
Brad Henecke was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5th of 1963. He has been a fan of music for as long as he & his family can remember. You could always find him running around the farm wailing on his cardboard guitar, pretending to be a member of the rock band KISS. Additional inspiration came during his first concert when he got the chance to see Boston & Sammy Hagar in the early 1970's.
This opened up a whole new world of rock and roll music for him; his parents noticed his growing interest in music and enrolled him into guitar lessons when he was 13.
From there he jumped into two years of lessons at a local music store in Cedar Rapids. After discovering Eddie Van Halen, Brad knew that the
guitar would always be a part of his life. He took his love throughout the city as he played as a pit musician & jammed at parties for friends.
This made him thirsty for more. He enrolled classes at Kirkwood Community College & also took lessons from the one & only Craig-Erickson (www.craig-erickson.com).
His love for music landed him a gig opening for Molly Hatchet in Cedar Rapids with a band called "Slap & Tickle". He has also played in the Greeley
Stampede show for quite a few years with "True North".
Brad is currently playing in Greeley, Colorado with a rock band titled "Ragged Doll". They play a wide variety of music with an emphasis on
classic rock from the 60's to present, with Brad playing electric guitar in the five piece lineup.
He currently jams on his all-time favorite guitar: a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24. Beyond guitar, he plays also plays drums & bass guitar. He has
also been known to thrash a banjo from time to time. He is still actively playing & passing his 31 years of playing experience on to others (you!).
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Fun, but frustrating with the pinky stretch. Damn these hands! :)
The opening riff should definitely be played first finger, then second then 4th. The physical ability to stretch between 1st and 2nd is greater compared to the max distance between 3rd and 4th therefore when played this way it makes the final stretch to 4th easier. This is correct technique it feels tough at first though. Playing 1st, 3rd, 4th is more cumbersome and is not the way to encourage better technique and greater speed ultimately.
I'm new here. How does this song relate to the pentatonic scales in the adjoining lessons?
how do you get your guitar to sound like that?????
dosent sound like it , but ok
what is the strumming pattern? just down or are you palm muting
I never really thought of learning this song until now, but I am really enjoying learning to play this. Keep up the great lessons.
oy... i am 11 and my fingers are tiny
I find this really tricky to play using my first, third and fourth fingers. It's that third/fourth finger stretch that's really tough for me! But if I play with first, second and fourth fingers, I find the stretch much easier. Is there any reason why I shouldn't be playing it this way? I'm worried I might be getting into bad habbits. Damn these small hands!!
How do you get that cool effect with your amp?
This song is quite a stretch on the pinky. I can't seem to get the G string to ring when I use my pinky on it. Any hints to help me out?
Thanks Brad! I've been wanting to learn this song for oh, maybe ten years now. Never got around to it.
Fixed, thank you for the heads up.
Thanks for telling us about that mistake, you are right! Just testing you and you pasted. LOL. :) I'll let MR. Jeff know and im sure it will get fixed soon.
I believe you have posted the wrong chord diagram in the Message in a Bottle lesson for C# Minor Barre Chord...It should be the Am shape Barre on 4th fret...which is what you actually played...The diagram shows the Em shape on 4th fret, which is actually G# Minor. Thank You.
kk thx bro:rockout:
yes, its in standard tuning
I was just wondering what tuning that this song was in...is it in standard E or what?