Tone Profile

A clean, bright, and spacious arpeggiated guitar tone, defined by its subtle flanging/chorus modulation and compressed sustain, creating an iconic atmospheric and slightly melancholic sound.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Recorded at AIR Studios, Montserrat, engineered by Hugh Padgham.
• The iconic arpeggiated guitar part was reportedly laid down in a single take by Andy Summers.
• The tone relies heavily on the interplay between the Telecaster's bright output, compression for sustain and evenness, and the distinctive shimmer from the Electric Mistress.
• The Echoplex likely added a subtle ambience and depth rather than a prominent delay effect.
• The Roland Bolt amp provided a clean, solid platform for the effects.

Recreation Tips

• Use a Telecaster-style guitar, favoring the bridge pickup for brightness and clarity.
• A compressor (like an MXR Dyna Comp) is essential early in your signal chain to achieve the necessary sustain and to even out the dynamics of the arpeggios.
• The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress is key for the signature modulation. Set the Rate slow, and adjust Color and Range to achieve a shimmering, chorus-like texture rather than an overt 'jet flange' sound.
• If a vintage Roland Bolt amp is unavailable, use a clean solid-state or tube amp with good headroom (e.g., Fender Deluxe Reverb, Roland JC-120, or another clean pedal platform amp).
• Practice the wide-interval arpeggio pattern meticulously. Fingerpicking or hybrid picking (pick and fingers) will help achieve the correct articulation and string separation.
• Add a touch of subtle tape-style delay (emulating an Echoplex EP-3) for space and depth. Keep the mix level low and feedback minimal.
• Consider engaging an onboard preamp or a clean boost if your Telecaster has one, or use a separate clean boost pedal for a bit more push and sustain if needed.

Original Gear

• Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster(guitar)
• Roland Bolt 60 (Vintage)(amp)
• Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue (as an alternative amp)(amp)
• MXR M102 Dyna Comp Compressor(pedal)
• Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress XO Flanger(pedal)
• Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo (EP-3 style)(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)