Riff Tone

Englishman In New York

Sting

Guitarjazz1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, maple neck, stock single-coil pickups)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s model, studio recording)

PickupsFender single-coil (stock Stratocaster pickups, likely Alnico V)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5

mid6

treble7

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1987. Guitarist on the original recording is Hiram Bullock. No evidence of pedals or effects other than amp reverb and possible studio compression. No evidence of chorus, delay, or modulation on the riff section. All evidence points to a clean Stratocaster into a Fender Twin Reverb with moderate reverb. Pickup selector likely in position 4 (neck + middle) for glassy, percussive tone.

Tone Character(10)

clean and glassybright and articulatepercussive and funkydynamic and touch-sensitiveslightly compressed (studio)spacious with moderate reverbno audible distortionneck + middle pickup sparkletight attackwarm yet present highs

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, dynamic control, and clean articulation to achieve the percussive, funky feel. No advanced techniques, but subtlety and groove are essential.

Sources

Sting's "Englishman In NY" - instrumental cover + a Strat sound sample - Audio-Video Of You Playing - JustinGuitar Community Sting, Englishman In New York 3 WAYS TO PLAY - YouTube

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