Message in a Bottle
by The Police
Album: Reggatta de Blanc
Released: 1979
Genre: New Wave / Post-Punk
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
IntermediateMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding C# minor:
C# minor has a darker, more introspective character. The Aeolian (Natural Minor) mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Pro Tip: Practice the scales and chord progressions in this key to internalize its unique character and improve your improvisation.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in C# minor
C# natural minor (Aeolian)
Notes: C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A - B - C#
Application: Primary harmonic framework for the chord progressions and arpeggiated patterns
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
The signature Andy Summers progression using add9 voicings that create a shimmering, open sound distinct from standard bar chords
Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes Used:
C#m(add9)
A(add9)
B(add9)
F#m(add9)
Harmonic Functions:
- C#m (i):Tonic minor center with add9 creating an open, atmospheric quality
- A (VI):Major sixth degree providing warmth and lift in the minor key
- B (VII):Flattened seventh creating forward motion and rock character
Key Techniques
Add9 Chord Arpeggios
IntermediateAndy Summers' signature technique of arpeggiated add9 chord voicings, using open strings and unusual fingerings to create a shimmering, ringing guitar texture unlike standard chord strumming
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
C#m(add9) - A(add9) - B(add9) - F#m(add9)
Tips:
- • The add9 voicings use open strings where possible for the ringing quality
- • Practice each chord shape individually before connecting them
- • Use a clean tone with chorus effect to approximate Summers' sound
- • Right hand pattern must stay absolutely consistent - use a metronome
Precise Right-Hand Picking
IntermediateFast, consistent alternate picking technique required to maintain the arpeggiated pattern at 150 BPM, demanding precise right-hand control and endurance
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Continuous arpeggio pattern over the chord progression
Tips:
- • Use a thin to medium pick (0.60-0.80mm) for speed and flexibility
- • Keep the wrist loose and pivot from the wrist rather than the elbow
- • Practice at 100 BPM first and slowly increase speed
- • Take breaks if the right hand or forearm becomes tense
Chorus Chord Strumming
IntermediateTransition from the arpeggiated verse pattern to fuller strummed chords in the chorus, requiring a shift in right-hand technique and dynamic level
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
A - B - C#m - A - B - F#m
Tips:
- • Practice the transition from arpeggio to strum to make it seamless
- • Increase strumming dynamics noticeably for the chorus contrast
- • The chorus should feel like an energy release after the controlled verse
- • Use barre chord shapes for the chorus if open voicings feel too thin
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of C# minor. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:25Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
The arpeggiated add9 chord pattern that establishes the songthe iconic vocal hook jangly guitar tone
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Guitar enters alone with the arpeggiated pattern before bass and drums join
- • Clean tone with chorus effect for the characteristic shimmer
- • Each chord rings into the next for harmonic overlap
Verse
0:25-1:15Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Verse continues the arpeggiated pattern with full band accompaniment, Sting's vocal melody riding over the rhythmic guitar texture
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Same arpeggiated pattern continues under the vocals
- • Bass and drums create a driving rhythmic foundation underneath
- • Guitar must remain consistent and steady as the rhythmic anchor
Pre-Chorus
1:15-1:35Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Building section with altered chord progression creating harmonic tension leading into the chorus release
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Progression shifts to build anticipation for the chorus
- • Dynamics may increase slightly through the pre-chorus
- • Same arpeggiated technique maintains continuity
Chorus
1:35-2:10Chord Voicing Exercise
The dynamic release of the chorus with fuller strummed chords replacing the arpeggio pattern, supporting the signature vocal hook
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Full chord strumming replaces the arpeggiated pattern
- • Significant dynamic increase for the chorus impact
- • the signature hook is the song's most memorable moment
Outro
3:40-4:50Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Extended outro with the arpeggiated pattern repeating as the vocal improvises over the progression, creating a hypnotic conclusion
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Returns to the arpeggiated pattern for an extended outro
- • Vocal improvisation and the iconic vocal hook repetitions over the pattern
- • Creates a hypnotic, cyclical feel as the song builds to conclusion
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Single coils for bright, clear arpeggiated tone
Alternatives:
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 3/10
Treble: 7/10
Middle: 5/10
Bass: 4/10
Presence: 6/10
Alternatives:
Effects
Distortion:
None for verses - clean tone is essential for the arpeggiated sections
Reverb:
Short plate reverb for ambience without muddying the arpeggios
Other:
Chorus effect (Boss CE-1 or similar) for the shimmering tone, flanger for select passages, compression for even note volume
Learning Path
Getting Started with Message in a Bottle
Time Estimate: 2-4 weeks
- • Learn basic A minor, E minor, and D minor chord shapes
- • Practice simple arpeggiated picking across chord strings
- • Work on right-hand alternate picking at slow tempos
- • Develop finger independence for add9 chord shapes
Mastering the Add9 Arpeggios
Time Estimate: 4-8 weeks
- • Learn all four add9 chord voicings with open strings
- • Practice the arpeggiated pattern at gradually increasing tempos
- • Work on smooth chord transitions while maintaining the arpeggio
- • Master the transition from arpeggiated verse to strummed chorus
Full Performance at Tempo
Time Estimate: 6-10 weeks
- • Play the complete song at full 150 BPM tempo
- • Develop right-hand endurance for the constant arpeggio pattern
- • Add chorus and flanger effects for authentic Summers tone
- • Perform the complete arrangement with dynamic verse-chorus contrast
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Picking pattern becoming uneven at the fast 150 BPM tempo
- • Not allowing open strings to ring freely in the add9 voicings
- • Losing the arpeggio rhythm during chord transitions
- • Making the chorus too similar in dynamics to the verse - contrast is essential
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with basic alternate picking exercises on single strings
- • Practice each add9 chord shape individually with the arpeggio pattern
- • Work on chord-to-chord transitions at 100 BPM before increasing speed
- • Practice the verse-to-chorus dynamic transition repeatedly
- • Play along with the original recording for tempo and feel reference
Focus Areas
- • Right-hand alternate picking speed and consistency at 150 BPM
- • Clean add9 chord voicings with open strings ringing clearly
- • Chord transition smoothness while maintaining the arpeggio pattern
- • Dynamic contrast between arpeggiated verses and strummed choruses
Metronome Work
- • Start the arpeggio pattern at 100 BPM with sixteenth-note subdivisions
- • Increase by 5 BPM increments until reaching full tempo at 150 BPM
- • Practice chord changes with quarter-note clicks to lock in the groove
- • Work on endurance by playing the full arpeggio pattern for 4-5 minutes continuously