rhythm guitar from “roxanne” by the police | ToneDB
roxanne
the police
rhythm guitar
Tone Profile
A clean, slightly jangly rhythm guitar tone with a subtle chorus effect, providing a bright and rhythmic foundation for the song.
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The Story
Andy Summers recorded the rhythm guitar for "Roxanne" using a Fender Telecaster through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier at Surrey Sound Studios in 1978. The distinctive sound features a Roland Dimension D chorus unit, which creates the characteristic spatial enhancement and subtle movement in the clean guitar tone. Producer Chris Thomas and engineer Nigel Gray captured the sound with close-mic'd amplifier placement.
Production Credits
Producer: Chris Thomas
Engineer: Nigel Gray
Recorded at: Surrey Sound Studios
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender TelecasterShop on Reverb
Amp: Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Fender Telecaster or similar guitar with single-coil pickups.
- Use a clean amp setting on a Fender Twin Reverb or similar amp.
- Position a Shure SM57 or similar microphone close to the speaker.
- Add a subtle chorus effect with a Roland Dimension D or similar chorus pedal.
- Adjust EQ to taste, emphasizing high frequencies for brightness.
- Focus on playing tight, rhythmic chords with a clean and precise technique.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Fender Telecaster
Provides authentic single-coil Telecaster tone with the bright, jangly character essential for this clean rhythm sound
Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb
Delivers pristine clean tones with plenty of headroom and built-in effects, similar to the Twin Reverb's clean character
Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb
Authentic reproduction of the exact amplifier model used on the recording, providing the same clean tone foundation
Alternative to: Roland Dimension D
Modern chorus pedal that can replicate the subtle spatial enhancement of the Dimension D's chorus effect
Alternative to: Roland Dimension D
Digital emulation of the exact chorus unit used on the original recording, providing authentic spatial processing
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