Anders "Andy" Summers stands as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music, his name synonymous with the revolutionary sound of The Police. Moving beyond the traditional roles of rhythm or lead, Summers crafted a unique sonic landscape that defined a generation and continues to inspire musicians decades later. His approach to the instrument combined technical mastery with a deep understanding of space, texture, and melody, resulting in a voice that was instantly recognizable. This exploration delves into the techniques, gear, and legacy of a man who turned the guitar into a personal orchestra.
The Police: Revolutionizing Rock Guitar
Before examining the man and his methods, it is essential to understand the context of his most famous work. As the guitarist for The Police, Summers operated in a tight trio format, which demanded a level of musicianship and adaptability rarely required. He was not just providing backing chords; he was painting the atmosphere. Tracks like "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon" showcase his ability to use the guitar as a foundational element, creating dense walls of sound with delay and chorus that made the trio feel like a full band. His interplay with drummer Stewart Copeland formed the rhythmic engine, while bassist Mike Dirnt locked in to provide the groove, leaving Summers free to explore the higher registers and atmospheric textures.
Iconic Techniques and Sound
Summers' signature sound is built on a foundation of specific techniques that transformed how the guitar was used in pop and rock. His liberal use of delay and chorus effects created a shimmering, cascading effect that gave The Police their ethereal quality. He frequently employed arpeggios, breaking down chords into individual notes to play melodic lines that danced around the rhythm section. This technique is perhaps most famously heard in the intro to "Message in a Bottle," where a simple chord progression becomes a hypnotic, rolling wave of sound. Furthermore, his use of counterpoint—the art of playing a different melodic line against the main riff—added a sophisticated layer of complexity to otherwise straightforward songs.
Gear and the Guitarist's Toolkit
The equipment chosen by a guitarist is an extension of their voice, and Summers' rig during the peak of The Police was as iconic as his playing style. He became closely associated with the Fender Telecaster, particularly a sunburst model he played extensively on "Zenyatta Mondatta." The Telecaster's sharp, biting tone was perfect for cutting through the mix, especially when drenched in effects. His signal chain was a carefully curated ecosystem designed to achieve his signature "wall of sound." This typically included MXR Carbon Copy analog delays set to long, evolving repeats, Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus for that lush, watery modulation, and occasionally a compressor to even out his dynamics and ensure sustain.
