TONEDB

lead guitar from “message in a bottle” by the police | ToneDB

message in a bottle

the police

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

A bright, articulate, and rhythmically complex arpeggiated guitar tone, defined by its shimmering chorus/flanger effect and compressed sustain. It's clean yet punchy, with a distinctive percussive attack that drives the song's iconic riff.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster Custom (likely a 1961 or 1963 model with modified pickups)

Amp: Marshall JMP 100W Super Lead

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: MXR Dyna Comp, Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (Flanger), Maestro Echoplex EP-3 (Tape Echo)

Other: Played with a pick. The arpeggiated riff primarily uses the bridge pickup for brightness and attack, focusing on wide-interval add9 chord voicings (e.g., C#m(add9), A(add9), B(add9), F#m(add9)). The effects are crucial: compressor for sustain and attack, flanger for the signature shimmer, and tape echo for subtle ambience.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Surrey Sound Studios in 1979, engineered by Nigel Gray.
  • The distinctive arpeggiated riff forms the harmonic and rhythmic backbone of the song.
  • The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger is set to a slow rate, creating a chorus-like shimmer rather than a pronounced 'jet' flange.
  • The MXR Dyna Comp is crucial for evening out the dynamics of the arpeggios and adding sustain.
  • The Marshall amp was likely run at a volume where it was clean but could be pushed into slight overdrive with playing dynamics, providing punch and clarity.
  • Minimal room sound was captured, focusing on the direct, punchy amp tone.
  • The guitar part was meticulously performed, with the arpeggios requiring significant finger stretches.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Telecaster-style guitar, primarily on the bridge pickup for brightness.
  • An MXR Dyna Comp (or a similar optical or OTA compressor) early in the signal chain is vital for achieving the percussive attack and consistent sustain of the arpeggios.
  • The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (or a faithful clone/emulation) is non-negotiable for the signature shimmer. Set the 'Rate' slow and 'Range' and 'Color' to achieve a watery, chorus-like effect rather than an intense flange.
  • Employ a Marshall Plexi/JMP style amplifier (or a high-quality modeler emulating one). Aim for a clean to edge-of-breakup tone with plenty of headroom and a bright, articulate character.
  • A tape echo emulation (like an Echoplex EP-3 style pedal or plugin) should be used for subtle slapback or a short, atmospheric delay. Avoid long delay times that would interfere with the arpeggio.
  • Practice the five-note arpeggio pattern (often root-fifth-ninth-fifth-root an octave higher) with precision and consistent dynamics. The wide stretches (e.g., C# on the A string to G# on the G string, then F# on the high E string) are characteristic and challenging.
  • Avoid excessive gain or distortion; clarity and articulation of each note in the arpeggio are paramount.
  • Experiment with pick attack – a firm, consistent attack helps the compressor work effectively and brings out the percussive quality.

Sources