Riff Tone

Roxanne

The Police

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1971 Fender Telecaster (modded with Gibson humbucker in neck position, maple neck, brass bridge saddles, custom switching)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (Black Panel, mid-1970s)

PickupsBridge single-coil (Fender Telecaster bridge pickup)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionMXR MXR Dyna Comp

Notes

Studio recording, 1978. Andy Summers used his heavily modded 1971 Telecaster into a Fender Twin Reverb for the 'Roxanne' riff. No evidence of Marshall or Mesa/Boogie for this part. Effects were minimal and clean for the riff section. Compression likely from MXR Dyna Comp. No chorus or flanger on this riff. Pete Cornish board may have been used for switching, but not for effects in this section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatetight, percussive attackclean, glassy highssnappy single-coil biteminimal breakupslightly compresseddynamic and responsivereggae-inspired rhythmic claritystudio-clean with little ambiencefocused midrange

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated reggae rhythm, precise muting, and dynamic control for clean articulation. While not technically advanced, the feel and timing are critical for authenticity.