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lead guitar from “roxanne” by the police | ToneDB

roxanne

the police

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, articulate, and cutting Telecaster tone with a distinctive percussive attack. Characterized by subtle, shimmering modulation and a touch of analog delay adding space without washing out the clarity.

Signal Chain

Instrument: 1961/63 Fender Telecaster Custom (heavily modified with overwound bridge pickup, neck humbucker, and built-in preamp/boost - likely using bridge pickup)

Amp: Marshall JMP 100W Super Lead head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: MXR Dyna Comp, Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (Flanger/Filter Matrix), MXR Analog Delay (M118)

Other: Effects likely placed in front of the amp. Microphone positioned on-axis, slightly off-center of one speaker cone, a few inches back.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in early 1978 at Surrey Sound Studios for the album 'Outlandos d'Amour'.
  • The album was recorded on a relatively tight budget, contributing to a direct and raw sound.
  • Andy Summers typically used his Marshall 100W head and 4x12 cabinet in the studio.
  • The guitar sound is predominantly clean, emphasizing the Telecaster's natural brightness and the character of the effects.
  • Minimal studio ambience was used on the guitar; space comes primarily from the delay pedal.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Telecaster-style guitar, using the bridge pickup for its characteristic bite and twang.
  • Set your amplifier for a clean to edge-of-breakup tone with plenty of headroom. A Marshall Plexi-style amp is ideal.
  • The MXR Dyna Comp (or similar compressor) should be used subtly to even out dynamics and add sustain to the staccato chords.
  • The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress is key: use a slow rate and moderate depth for a subtle, watery shimmer or light chorus, not an overpowering flange.
  • Employ an analog delay with a single, relatively short repeat (e.g., 150-250ms) mixed low in the signal to add depth without cluttering the sound.
  • Focus on a precise, percussive picking technique, especially for the reggae-influenced muted chord stabs in the main riff.
  • Consider the built-in preamp/boost on Summers' Telecaster; a clean boost pedal could replicate this if your guitar signal needs more push into the effects or amp.

Sources