TONEDB

lead guitar from “walking on the moon” by the police | ToneDB

walking on the moon

the police

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A clean, spacious, and iconic guitar tone characterized by its prominent chorus/flanger effect and a distinct, rhythmic delay that creates an ethereal, floating quality.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster Custom (likely a '61 or '63, modified with a Gibson PAF humbucker in the neck and an overwound bridge pickup)

Amp: Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead 100W (run relatively clean)

Microphone: Shure SM57 or Neumann U87

Processing: MXR Dyna Comp, Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (Flanger/Filter Matrix), Echoplex EP-3 Tape Delay

Other: The Echoplex delay is crucial, often set to a dotted eighth note or quarter note timed with the song's tempo, creating a signature rhythmic interplay. Effects order likely: Guitar -> Compressor -> Flanger/Chorus -> Delay -> Amp.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Surrey Sound Studios in 1979 for the album 'Reggatta de Blanc'.
  • The guitar tone is remarkably clean, allowing the effects to be heard clearly and contribute significantly to the song's atmosphere.
  • Andy Summers' playing style, utilizing hybrid picking and letting notes ring, complements the effects used.
  • The delay acts almost as a secondary rhythmic instrument, filling space and adding complexity.
  • The Electric Mistress provides the distinctive watery, shimmering modulation.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Telecaster-style guitar, preferably with a single-coil bridge pickup for bite, though Summers' was modified.
  • Use a clean or slightly pushed amplifier. A Marshall-style amp with good headroom is ideal.
  • An MXR Dyna Comp or similar compressor at the start of your chain will help with sustain and even out dynamics.
  • The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress is key. Set it for a chorus-like shimmer rather than an intense flanging effect. Rate around 9-10 o'clock, Range and Color to taste (often around noon).
  • A tape delay emulation (like an Echoplex EP-3 style pedal) is essential. Set the delay time to a dotted eighth note (approx 394ms for the song's 132 BPM tempo) or a quarter note. Mix the delay fairly prominently.
  • Experiment with pick attack; a lighter touch can enhance the clarity and ethereal quality when using multiple effects.
  • Consider the effects order: Compressor -> Chorus/Flanger -> Delay.

Sources