Message in a Bottle – The Police

Discover the iconic guitar work of Andy Summers in our note-for-note guitar lesson of Message in a Bottle by The Police, exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This timeless new wave classic, known for its jangly, layered textures and rhythmic precision, is a masterclass in creative guitar playing. In this in-depth lesson, you’ll break down every part of the track while developing essential techniques that will transform your playing, no matter your current skill level. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Song Breakdown

Message in a Bottle is built around one of the most recognisable guitar riffs in rock history. Andy Summers crafted a guitar part that fuses rhythmic intensity with harmonic sophistication, laying the foundation for the song’s unforgettable sound. In our lesson, we dissect the riff's intricate structure and help you understand not just how to play it, but why it works musically. The lesson also covers the chordal textures, fills, and melodic flourishes that make the song unique and enduring.

Throughout the track, Summers uses an array of guitar techniques that reward players with improved dexterity, timing, and musicality. Our Licklibrary lesson walks you through each of these techniques step-by-step, with on-screen tab, slow-motion demonstrations, and expert insights from professional guitar tutors.

Meet the Guitarist: Andy Summers

Andy Summers, guitarist for The Police, brought a jazz-informed sensibility and a deep knowledge of harmony to his playing. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on power chords and pentatonic licks, Summers explored voicings and rhythmic interplay. His playing on Message in a Bottle is a perfect example of this approach—complex yet accessible, technical yet always musical.

His influence can be heard in the work of guitarists like John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), The Edge (U2), and Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Learning from Summers' playing will expand your musical vocabulary and encourage a more nuanced approach to rhythm and harmony.

Techniques You’ll Learn

Our guitar lesson on Message in a Bottle is not just about learning a song—it’s about mastering the techniques that power it. Here's a closer look at the core techniques we focus on in the lesson, along with the benefits they bring:

Arpeggios

The song’s main riff is built on broken chords or arpeggios. Learning how to play arpeggios fluently builds precision in both your picking and fretting hand. It helps develop control, smooth string transitions, and a deeper understanding of harmony.

Chord Progressions

The song features unconventional chord voicings that don't follow traditional rock formats. Learning to navigate these unique chord progressions expands your fretboard knowledge and gives you tools to write more interesting music.

Alternate Picking

To play the riff cleanly at tempo, you’ll need efficient alternate picking. This technique helps increase speed and accuracy, particularly when skipping strings or playing arpeggiated lines.

Slides

There are several expressive slides throughout the song that connect chords and melodic fragments. Mastering slides improves your phrasing and adds fluidity to your playing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These legato elements help add dynamics and fluidity to melodic phrases. They also build finger strength and are crucial for playing more complex licks cleanly and expressively. Check out hammer-ons and pull-offs for deeper technique tips.

String Bending

Though used sparingly, the subtle use of string bending in fills and embellishments showcases expressive phrasing. Practicing this builds control and helps you add emotion to your playing.

Barre Chords

Some sections of the song involve full barre chords, which are essential for playing voicings across the neck. Building strength and consistency with barre chords allows for better rhythm playing and chord transitions.

Open String Riffs

The riff utilizes open-string riffs, giving it a chiming, expansive quality. This technique teaches you how to integrate open strings for added tonal depth.

Why Learn This Song?

Message in a Bottle is more than a classic—it’s a blueprint for melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic guitar playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your accuracy or an intermediate player exploring new voicings, this lesson will push you forward. You'll come away with practical skills that apply to countless other songs and genres, from rock to pop, funk to indie.

Our lesson is designed to help you not only play the parts, but also understand the musical ideas behind them. That’s the Licklibrary difference—educational, professional, and always inspiring.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Open String Riffs
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

Start mastering Message in a Bottle today with Licklibrary’s expert-led guitar lessons—and bring one of the most inventive guitar parts in rock history into your own playing.