"Roxanne" by The Police

“Roxanne” by The Police is an iconic track that blends rock, reggae, and jazz influences into a unique sound. Our guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com takes you through each part of this timeless classic, covering every detail to help you master Andy Summers’ intricate and expressive guitar work. This lesson dives deep into the specific techniques used in "Roxanne," breaking down each section with easy-to-follow guidance so you can capture the song’s feel and nuances. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to refine your skills or a seasoned guitarist seeking to expand your repertoire, this lesson will help you elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Andy Summers and His Influence

Andy Summers, the guitarist of The Police, is known for his unconventional approach, blending jazz and reggae with rock. His use of open voicings, syncopated rhythms, and sparse, atmospheric tones helped define the band's sound, making it distinct from other rock bands of the era. Summers’ work on “Roxanne” is a perfect example of his innovative style, featuring a rhythmic yet airy approach that perfectly complements Sting’s vocals and Stewart Copeland’s dynamic drumming. Learning Summers’ techniques in "Roxanne" is an excellent opportunity to explore rhythmic precision, subtle expression, and creative chord work.

Key Techniques Used in "Roxanne"

1. Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in "Roxanne" provide a foundation for the song's unique, reggae-infused sound. Andy Summers uses unconventional voicings that create a layered, spacious effect, enhancing the song's mood. Understanding these progressions gives guitarists a broader vocabulary for constructing sophisticated chords and fitting them into a rhythmic context.

2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Arpeggiated chord progressions form the backbone of Summers’ guitar part, adding texture and movement to the rhythm section. Breaking down each chord into individual notes played sequentially, these arpeggios add a sense of fluidity and elegance to the song. Practicing arpeggios improves finger dexterity and allows players to explore a range of tones within each chord, enriching their overall playing style.

3. Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation plays a crucial role in “Roxanne,” with off-beat accents that give the song its reggae-inspired groove. Summers’ use of syncopated rhythms creates a relaxed yet rhythmically complex feel. Learning syncopation helps guitarists develop rhythmic flexibility, making their playing feel more dynamic and engaging across various musical styles.

4. Slides

Slides add an expressive quality to Summers' melodic phrasing, connecting notes smoothly and adding an extra layer of character to the song's sound. By incorporating slides, guitarists can create a sense of movement and fluidity in their playing, which is essential for replicating the song’s vibe.

5. String Bending

Though subtle, string bending in "Roxanne" enhances certain notes, adding tension and release in specific sections. This technique, when executed with precision, brings out emotional depth, and mastering string bending improves a guitarist’s control over pitch and dynamics.

6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song includes hammer-ons and pull-offs to embellish certain lines, giving them a smooth and flowing quality. These legato techniques allow guitarists to achieve a more connected sound without picking each note, creating a seamless transition that enhances the musicality of a passage.

7. Vibrato

Vibrato adds expression and sustain to notes, especially during slower passages or held notes. Summers uses vibrato sparingly, yet effectively, adding warmth to his tone. Practicing vibrato enhances control and helps guitarists add their own emotional expression to their playing.

8. Open String Riffs

Summers occasionally incorporates open string riffs, which add resonance and sustain to his playing. Open string riffs offer a unique, ringing sound that can fill out a rhythm part, adding depth without overloading the arrangement. Mastering this technique gives guitarists a way to explore fuller, more resonant tones within any piece.

9. Palm Muting

Palm muting is used subtly in "Roxanne" to control resonance and add percussive emphasis in rhythmic sections. By learning this technique, guitarists can create dynamic contrast within a song, using muted tones to vary texture and create tension.

10. Barre Chords

Barre chords are fundamental to Summers’ playing style, allowing him to play complex voicings and maintain a steady rhythm. They are essential for achieving the tonal consistency and structure in “Roxanne.” Learning barre chords strengthens hand positioning and opens up new possibilities for complex chordal arrangements.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the guitar techniques in "Roxanne" goes beyond mastering a single song; it equips guitarists with a range of skills that can be applied across different genres and styles. Mastering arpeggiated chord progressions and syncopated rhythms improves rhythmic precision and timing, while techniques like vibrato, string bending, and hammer-ons/pull-offs add a new level of expressiveness to your playing. Furthermore, learning slides and open string riffs will broaden your approach to melody and phrasing, encouraging a more fluid, dynamic style. By tackling each of these techniques, guitarists build a strong foundation, enhancing both technical skill and musicality.

Technique List

• Vibrato
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Open String Riffs
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords

Our lesson on "Roxanne" breaks down these techniques step-by-step, enabling players to understand and replicate Andy Summers’ unique guitar style. Whether you’re diving into the reggae-infused rock of The Police for the first time or refining your technique, this lesson will deepen your appreciation for Summers' style and expand your skillset.