STING'S MOST COPIED RIFF - Why it's so HARD to get it right

The riff that leaves many guitarist in shock! But why is this song so hard to get down?

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0:00 The riff we all know
0:54 The bass line
1:15 The basic chords
1:46 Travis picking
2:15 7th and sus chord
3:33 Spread triads & syncopation
4:28 Anticipated bass
5:28 The correct chords
6:28 Different fingering
7:03 Inversions & figured bass
9:22 Acoustic Adventure
9:58 Difficult chord 1
11:46 Difficult chord 2
12:35 Easier solution
13:03 The ending
13:25 The entire riff
13:53 Modulation
15:10 Little jam with Mary Spender

Thanks to @MarySpender for the little jam :)

Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on YouTube.

Thank you for watching!
Paul

Below is the gear and services I use to make these videos. They redirect to websites and provide me with a small kickback should purchase any of these things.

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[PaulDavids]

Honored that Dominic Miller saw and commented on this video in Rick's interview! I meant it all with the greatest deal of respect :)
A few things I'd like to add:
1. I mention Sting in the title because I am pretty sure almost everyone knows Shape of My Heart to be a Sting song.
2. I give Dominic a lot of credit (rightfully so, he is a master!). At 0:28 I mention him in the under title, at 0:37 I mention 'the original guitarist' at 0:42 I mention he co-wrote the song. At 5:39 I literally say Dominic wrote the riff. And there's many more mentions across the whole video.
3. At 10:42 I mention he avoids the chord when playing it live, and I think it so friggin AWESOME that now he started playing 'the right chord again'! What a champ.
4. I should have been more clear in saying he wrote the riff. Yep!

[listeriamonocytogenes]

Did you also come after seeing Rick Beato's interview with Dominic Miller? 😂

[StonyBlazestation]

As soon as Dominic mentioned "some Dutch guy" in his Rick Beato interview I knew it had to be Paul.

[Matt]

Who is here because Dominic Miller mentions "SOME DUTCH GUY" in Rick Beato's interview with him? :D

[scottm.]

Your video and audio production here is simply amazing. The camera is always where it should be, transitions are seamless, the lighting is natural, and audio is 100% consistent. Aside from great content, your viewers REALLY appreciate the production values you bring!

[devmely]

The challenging aspect lies not only in successfully playing that riff once without any errors but in maintaining its flawless execution throughout the entirety of the song. 😅

[peterbonnema]

I actually learned this song from this video for the first time. Normally I use sheet music but actually seeing someone do it, explain it, and hear a clear example seems way more effective.

[michamozdzen]

It will not be an exaggeration to say that this was one of the most engaging guitar lessons I have ever watched.

[cjcampbell]

Dominic Miller went to the school I did when he was younger. He came to do a talk for our high school about his life and career. Later that day, my music teacher arranged a surprise guitar lesson for me with him, it was such an incredible moment for me.

[FrankBatistaElJibaro]

@Paul Davids The way you show the evolution of the logic behind the creation of these songs is absolutely amazing. Great job.

[derekstocker]

So beautifully played AND explained.
Thanks so much for explaining this wonderful riff and letting us in on its secrets!

[mark-]

In that Beato interview, Sting said something to the effect of, "It's all about surprise. If you haven't surprised me in the first eight bars, I'm turning you off." He definitely practiced what he preached. He's one of the best composers/songwriters I've had the pleasure of hearing.

[JaredEdwards]

10:59 I went down this rabbit hole once. I think he's actually hitting a harmonic with that note. Incredible control.

[inky]

Truly wonderful. The ASMR of stunning guitar lessons and film/editing/sound/lighting craft. Thank you!

[AverageCarGuy]

I know nothing about guitar and have very little interest in even learning, but your video is so amazing and engaging that I’ve watched it in full three times. Your friend’s singing in the end was the perfect way to end it and she has a lovely voice and her own way of signing it which is sublime. Thank you for enriching my life with this rich content. ❤

[MalMotorDedo]

This way of explaining the song is absolutely amazing, entertaining af, never stop doing it 😂

[svdumitrescu]

You're not only a master of guitar and music theory, you're a magician. Man you're great. I've never watched a guitar riff so extensively analyzed and well explained like this one.

[Kurlach]

Paul, this was a beautiful video. It’s so so far beyond my level yet I watched the whole thing. Your friends singing was absolutely wonderful, I’d sit through a gig with you both.
Thanks for sharing with us all

[HarryVerey]

Outstanding detailed tutorial with top quality video and audio production. Brilliant musician. Lovely vocals from Mary Spender too!. Subscribed !

[lawrenrich]

These guy with his easy gentle demeanour .. not to mention his slick editing skills .. deserves his 3 million plus subs.