"Fragile" by Sting
Sting’s timeless ballad "Fragile" is a masterclass in musical subtlety, melodic expression, and technical proficiency. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve crafted a detailed note-for-note guitar lesson to help you explore the unique techniques and emotional depth that define this iconic song. Whether you’re an aspiring guitarist seeking to broaden your technical skill set or a fan of Sting’s evocative style, this lesson offers insights into the intricate guitar work that makes "Fragile" so memorable. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
The Guitarists Behind "Fragile"
"Fragile" features the exquisite guitar work of Dominic Miller, Sting’s long-time collaborator. Miller’s playing is characterised by a delicate touch, intricate fingerpicking, and an ability to convey profound emotion through subtle nuance. His influence spans beyond Sting’s catalog, impacting the acoustic and electric guitar worlds with his tasteful arrangements and technical finesse. Studying "Fragile" offers students a deeper understanding of how emotion and technique can seamlessly blend to create a lasting impression.
Key Guitar Techniques in "Fragile"
Finger-Picking
"Fragile" relies heavily on finger-picking, a technique that allows for precise control and nuanced dynamics. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use your thumb and fingers to articulate the song’s melodic arpeggios and harmonised bass lines.
Benefit: Mastering finger-picking enhances your ability to play intricate patterns with clarity and precision, making it essential for genres like folk, classical, and acoustic rock.
Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
The song’s gentle flow is built on arpeggiated chord progressions, where chords are played note by note rather than strummed. These progressions create a sense of movement and harmonic depth.
Benefit: Practicing arpeggiated chords improves finger independence and strengthens your understanding of chord structures, enabling you to add textural variety to your playing.
Learn about arpeggiated chord progressions
Slides
Dominic Miller uses smooth slides to transition between notes, adding fluidity and a lyrical quality to the guitar lines. This technique is particularly evident in the song’s melodic phrases.
Benefit: Slides help create a connected, vocal-like quality in your playing, making melodies more expressive and seamless.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
"Fragile" features subtle use of hammer-ons and pull-offs to embellish melodic runs and chord transitions. These techniques add flair without disrupting the song’s gentle dynamics.
Benefit: Hammer-ons and pull-offs improve finger strength and coordination, allowing for smoother, more expressive phrasing.
Open String Riffs
The open strings in "Fragile" provide a resonant and natural sound that complements the song’s acoustic vibe. Integrating open-string riffs into your playing creates a fuller, more expansive tone.
Benefit: This technique is excellent for developing creativity in songwriting and enhancing the sustain and richness of your compositions.
Barre Chords
The song’s chord progression requires proficiency in barre chords, a foundational skill that allows for complex harmonic shifts and full-bodied sound.
Benefit: Mastering barre chords unlocks the ability to play across the fretboard and strengthens your hands for extended playing sessions.
Why Learn "Fragile"?
Learning "Fragile" by Sting is not just about mastering a song; it’s about expanding your musical vocabulary. The combination of technical techniques like finger-picking and slides with expressive dynamics helps guitarists develop as well-rounded musicians. Furthermore, understanding how Dominic Miller’s approach serves the song’s emotional narrative provides invaluable lessons in artistry and subtlety.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
Here’s a list of the key guitar techniques you’ll explore in this lesson. Click on each technique to dive deeper:
Embark on your journey to mastering "Fragile" today with LickLibrary.com, and bring the timeless beauty of this classic into your repertoire!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Jamie Humphries
Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...