
The eight-bar template 3 is the primary chord progression for Every Breath You Take. Template 2 is the main chord progression for Let’s Twist Again (Chubby Checker). The four-bar template 1 works for songs like Last Kiss (Pearl Jam) To demonstrate here are three of the most common doo-wop chord progression templates. Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Click here Basic Doo-wop chord progression templatesĮqually important as knowing the chord sequence in a given chord progression is the ability to recognize the form (number of bars) in the progression. So when you start to write a song with a time tested and proven chord progression you are halfway there. It has the effect of a comfortable old pair of shoes. While not as common today as a chord progression template whenever it is used people love it. When I said this progression was popular in the ’50 and ’60s the interesting thing is that it is still popular today.Ī shortlist of songs that use this progression or a variation of the progression would include:īlue Moon, True Blue, Last Kiss, Ti Amo, Stand By Me, Should I Do It, Hungry Heart, etc., In the key of C, the chord progression would be C – Am – F – G The doo-wop progression, represented in Roman numerals looks like this: I–vi–IV–V. The 1 – 6 – 4 – 5 is also known as the doo-wop progression and was a very popular progression used in many songs in the ’50s and early ’60s. The primary chord progression for Every Breath You Take is based on the 1 – 6 – 4 – 5 progression. Well to answer that question as to why this song resonates with so many people a good place to start is with the basics. Every Breath You Take Chords: Chord Progression The more the songwriter insists it’s “just a song” the more people read into it. In fact, that’s the fun with music every listener can have their own interpretation of what the song is about.įor instance, what is Don McClean’s’ song American Pie about? Of course all of the above helped create this very successful song.įor example, the lyrics could be interpreted as making reference to Big Brother surveillance and control. Was it Drummer Stewart Copeland’s contribution or producer Hugh Padgham’s suggestions?

Was it Andy Summers Béla Bartók inspired guitar part?Ĭould it be Gordon Sumner’s (Sting) lyrics?

In May 2019, Music publishing giant BMI performance statistics confirmed “Every Breath You Take” as being the most played song in radio history. Released 20th May 1983, Every Breath You Take is a remarkable song that is recognized worldwide as both the Police’s and Sting’s signature song.
