Every Breath You Take Guitar Chords: Easy Guide

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Ever wanted to strum along to that iconic The Police hit, "Every Breath You Take"? Well, you're in luck, guys! This song is a fantastic choice for intermediate players and even ambitious beginners looking to expand their repertoire. We're going to break down the every breath you take chords in a way that’s super easy to follow, making sure you can nail that melancholic yet catchy tune in no time. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's dive into the chords that make this classic song so unforgettable. It’s more than just a song; it's a vibe, and mastering its chords will definitely elevate your guitar game. Get ready to impress your friends or just enjoy playing one of the most recognizable melodies from the 80s.

Understanding the Core Chords

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the every breath you take chords. The beauty of this song lies in its relatively simple chord progression, which makes it accessible for many guitarists. The primary chords you'll need to know for "Every Breath You Take" are G Major, D Major, Em (E Minor), and C Major. That’s it! Pretty straightforward, right? These four chords form the backbone of the entire song, appearing in various sequences throughout the verses, choruses, and even the bridge. For those of you who are new to these, let's quickly refresh: G Major is your go-to happy chord, D Major is another bright, open sound, Em adds that touch of melancholy, and C Major provides a nice, smooth transition. When played in the context of this song, they create that signature atmospheric and slightly haunting feel that everyone recognizes. Strumming these chords with the right rhythm and feel is key to capturing the essence of Sting's masterpiece. Don't worry if you're not a guitar virtuoso yet; the pattern is repetitive, which is great for muscle memory. We'll go through the specific progressions in a bit, but first, get comfortable with forming these basic shapes cleanly. Remember, clean chord changes are crucial for a smooth-sounding performance. Practice switching between G and D, D and Em, Em and C, and C back to G until it feels like second nature. This foundation is what will allow you to play along confidently.

The Verse Progression

Now, let's tackle the verse, which is where the song really sets its mood. The every breath you take chords in the verse follow a very consistent pattern. You'll be cycling through Em, G, D, and C. That's right, it’s a simple four-chord loop: Em - G - D - C. This progression repeats for almost the entire verse. It sounds something like this: "Every breath you take, every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you." Each line of the lyric typically gets one chord. So, "Every breath you take" is Em, "every move you make" is G, "every bond you break" is D, and "every step you take" lands on C. Then, the cycle repeats for the next line. This repetition is what gives the verse its hypnotic and slightly obsessive quality. It’s like a musical mantra. When you’re playing it, try to keep your strumming pattern steady and consistent. A common strumming pattern that works well here is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up. However, feel free to experiment to find what sounds best to you and fits the mood. The key is to maintain that steady pulse. Pay attention to the dynamics too. While the chords are simple, the way Sting delivers the vocals adds a lot of emotion. Try to mirror that subtly with your playing – perhaps a bit softer on certain lines, building intensity as the verse progresses. Remember, these are the every breath you take chords that will establish the core feeling of the song. Mastering this verse progression is a huge step towards playing the whole track. Keep practicing those smooth transitions between Em, G, D, and C. You'll find that the more you play it, the more natural it becomes, and you'll start to feel the emotional weight of the chords themselves.

The Chorus and Bridge

Moving onto the chorus, the every breath you take chords shift slightly to add a bit more lift and emphasis, while the bridge offers a slight change of pace. The chorus typically uses the progression G - D - Em - C. Listen to the song, and you'll hear how this sequence provides a more anthemic feel compared to the verse. "Oh can't you see, you belong to me? My poor love was blind, now I’m F*ing blind." Each phrase here often gets a chord, similar to the verse. The G chord might feel like the start of something grander, leading into the D, then the more somber Em, and finally resolving or leading back with the C. This progression is powerful and memorable, making the chorus the undeniable hook of the song. As for the bridge, "Since you've gone I been lost without a trace, I dream at night, I can only see your face." The chords here often maintain the same pattern as the chorus: G - D - Em - C. While the chords themselves might not change drastically, the delivery and instrumentation usually shift, creating a sense of reflection or a slight departure before returning to the main theme. The key is the vocal melody and the overall arrangement. Your job as the guitarist is to provide that solid harmonic foundation. The repetition of these chords in both the chorus and bridge underscores the lyrical themes of obsession and inescapable presence. It's like the music itself is constantly circling back, mirroring the singer's fixation. When you play these sections, try to add a little more strumming energy, perhaps a slightly more driving rhythm, to match the intensity of the chorus. These every breath you take chords, when played with conviction, truly bring the song to life. Don't be afraid to really dig into the strings a bit more during the chorus to make it stand out from the more subdued verses. Mastering these transitions between the verse and chorus chords is crucial for a polished performance. It's all about capturing the dynamics and emotional arc of the song.

Strumming Patterns and Variations

Now that we've got the every breath you take chords down, let's talk about how to make them sound good, guys! Strumming is where the magic happens, and for this song, a simple yet effective pattern will do wonders. A really common and fitting strumming pattern for "Every Breath You Take" is Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up. Let's break that down: that's six strums per chord. You hit the chord once going down, then down again, then up, then up again, then down, and finally up. Practice this pattern slowly at first, making sure each strum is clear and lands on the beat. Once you get the hang of it, try applying it to the chord progressions we discussed. For the verse (Em - G - D - C), you'd strum this pattern once for each chord. For the chorus (G - D - Em - C), you'd do the same. This pattern gives the song its driving yet slightly understated rhythm. However, don't be afraid to experiment! The beauty of guitar is its versatility. You could try a simpler Down - Down - Down - Down pattern for a more minimalist feel, especially during the verses, to really emphasize the lyrics. Or, you could add some palm muting to the down strums to create a percussive effect that mimics the drum beat. Another variation is to simplify the pattern to Down - Up - Down - Up if the six-strum pattern feels too busy. The key is to listen to the original recording and try to capture its feel. Sting's guitar work is quite subtle, so avoid overly complex or aggressive strumming. The goal is to support the melody and the vocals, not overpower them. These every breath you take chords sound best when the strumming is controlled and purposeful. Think about playing each strum with intention. It’s all about creating that atmosphere. You can also vary the intensity – strumming a bit softer in the verses and building up the volume and force in the chorus. This dynamic approach will make your playing much more engaging and true to the spirit of the song. Remember, guys, the strumming pattern is your tool to convey emotion. Have fun with it!

Fingerpicking Option

For you fingerstyle wizards out there, or if you're just looking for a different vibe, "Every Breath You Take" also sounds amazing with fingerpicking. While the original recording features a prominent guitar riff that's more single-note based, adapting the every breath you take chords to a fingerstyle pattern can create a beautiful, intricate sound. Instead of strumming, you'll be plucking individual strings. A common approach is to use a basic arpeggio pattern. For example, on the Em chord, you might pluck the low E string (bass note), then the G string, then the B string, then the high E string, and work your way back down. You can adapt this for each chord: Em, G, D, and C. For the Em, you could play: Bass (Low E), G, B, G, D, G. For the G: Bass (Low E), G, B, G, D, G. For the D: Bass (D string), G, B, G, D, G. And for C: Bass (C string), G, B, G, D, G. You'd essentially be playing the notes within the chord one by one, creating a flowing, melodic line. This technique really highlights the melancholic nature of the song and adds a sophisticated layer. It requires more precision than strumming, but the payoff is a really rich and detailed sound. The iconic riff from the song, which is actually more of a melodic line played over the chords, can also be incorporated or even adapted into your fingerpicking pattern. Experiment with different fingerpicking arrangements. You could try a Travis picking style, or simply focus on playing the root note with your thumb while your other fingers pick out the higher strings. This approach transforms the every breath you take chords into something quite different, often more introspective and delicate. It’s a fantastic way to practice your finger dexterity and learn to hear the individual notes within the chords. Give it a shot, guys! It might just become your favorite way to play this classic.

Putting It All Together

Alright, we've covered the essential every breath you take chords, the verse and chorus progressions, and even some cool strumming and fingerpicking ideas. Now it's time to bring it all together and actually play the song! The structure of "Every Breath You Take" is pretty straightforward: it generally follows a Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus-Outro pattern. So, you'll start with the verse progression (Em - G - D - C), play that a couple of times, then transition into the chorus progression (G - D - Em - C), play that, and repeat. The bridge offers a slight melodic and lyrical shift but often uses the same chord progression as the chorus (G - D - Em - C). The key is to practice smooth transitions between these sections. Focus on making the change from the last chord of the verse (C) to the first chord of the chorus (G) seamless. Similarly, make sure your transitions within the verse and chorus are clean. Don't rush! It's better to play it slowly and correctly than fast and messy. Use a metronome if you need to keep your timing consistent. One crucial tip is to listen intently to the original song. Pay attention to Sting's vocal delivery, the subtle nuances of the guitar playing, and the overall mood. Try to replicate that feel in your own playing. Are the verses more subdued? Is the chorus more powerful? Adjust your strumming intensity and dynamics accordingly. The every breath you take chords are the foundation, but it's the performance that brings them to life. Don't forget about the iconic guitar intro. While it's a single-note melody, you can try playing it as a simple arpeggio or even just focus on the root notes of the chords (E, G, D, C) to get the essence of the intro. As you get more comfortable, you can start improvising or adding your own little flourishes. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning. Playing this song is a rewarding experience, and mastering these every breath you take chords will add a valuable piece to your guitar-playing puzzle. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and soon you'll be playing "Every Breath You Take" like a pro! Remember, consistency is key, guys. Little and often is better than long, infrequent practice sessions. You've got this!

Final Tips for Mastering the Song

So, you've got the every breath you take chords, you've practiced the progressions, and you're feeling pretty good about it. Awesome! But before you head off to jam, let's go over a few final tips to really nail this song and make your playing shine. First off, practice slowly and deliberately. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating, guys. Speed will come with accuracy. Focus on clean chord changes. Make sure every note rings out clearly before you move to the next chord. If you're struggling with a particular change, isolate it. Practice just switching between those two chords back and forth until it feels effortless. Secondly, pay attention to rhythm and timing. "Every Breath You Take" has a distinct, almost hypnotic rhythm. Using a metronome is your best friend here. Start slow, maybe at 60 bpm, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. A solid rhythmic foundation is what makes this song groove. Thirdly, listen to the dynamics. The song isn't just loud or quiet; it has subtle shifts in intensity. Try to replicate this by varying your strumming – play the verses a little softer and build up the energy for the chorus. This will add so much life and emotion to your playing. Fourth, don't neglect the feel. This song is about obsession, about constant presence. Let that seep into your playing. It doesn't mean playing erratically, but rather with a sense of purpose and intensity that matches the lyrical theme. Fifth, record yourself. This can be a bit cringe-worthy at first, but it's one of the most effective ways to identify areas for improvement. You'll hear things you might miss while playing, like timing issues or sloppy chord changes. Finally, have fun with it! Learning guitar should be enjoyable. If you get frustrated, take a break, come back to it later. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Mastering these every breath you take chords is a journey, and each step is a victory. Keep strumming, keep practicing, and keep enjoying the music! You’re well on your way to conquering this classic track. Rock on!