For the last week and a bit since this video was released, I was hooked to this song by Ellie Goulding.  The repeating guitar riff in the verses of this angry piece simply intrigued me.  The tempo and Ellie’s voice kept the guitar sounding very urgent, but it was also the tone of the guitar…where did it come from?

I immediately thought “Message In A Bottle” by the Police, but no.  While this could have been an influence for the sound and urgency, this was not the match for what I remember hearing.  I finally figured it out this morning, though – Maroon 5’s “Maps” was where I heard this guitar!  The chord progression and clear sounding tone are very similar, albeit Ellie’s version is played at a more rapid tempo.  I really enjoy how versatile the guitar is and how a similar sound or riff from a guitar can be used in such different songs.  Great job, Ellie!