Learn To Play The Police

Are you ready to explore the unique sonic landscapes of one of the most inventive bands in rock history? Do you want to master the signature guitar techniques of Andy Summers and learn the songs that blended rock, reggae, and new wave into a sound all their own? Prepare to dive into the world of The Police with our comprehensive online guitar course, designed to teach you the essential skills and songs from these post-punk pioneers. This isn’t just another guitar tutorial; it’s a deep dive into the heart of musical innovation. From the iconic arpeggios of “Every Breath You Take” to the reggae-infused rhythms of “Roxanne,” you’ll learn the note-for-note guitar parts that made The Police a global sensation. This is your opportunity to master the sound of a musical revolution.
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Michael Casswell Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Michael Casswell

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Roxanne
2 Every Breath You Take
3 So Lonely
4 Walking On The Moon
5 Message In A Bottle

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

Our “Learn to Play The Police” guitar course is designed for intermediate guitarists who are ready to expand their musical horizons and explore new sonic territories. It’s perfect for players who want to move beyond traditional rock and learn the techniques that made The Police one of the most innovative bands of their time.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Want to learn the secrets of Andy Summers’ guitar style
  • Are looking for authentic, note-for-note Police guitar lessons
  • Want to develop their understanding of harmony and chord theory
  • Are ready to add a new level of sophistication to their playing

This course is more than just learning tabs; it’s about understanding the musical philosophy of The Police. You’ll gain insight into their songwriting, their use of space and texture, and the groundbreaking guitar techniques that made them one of the most influential bands in music history. You’ll learn to play with the same creativity and musicality that made The Police a global phenomenon.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Learning to play The Police offers benefits that go far beyond just mastering these five songs. This course serves as a masterclass in creative guitar playing, providing you with the skills and techniques to play with the sophistication and originality of this iconic band. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to play these classic tracks with precision and confidence, and you’ll have a whole new set of skills to apply to your own playing.

Technical Skills You’ll Develop:

  • Mastery of arpeggiated chord progressions
  • Syncopated and reggae-influenced rhythm guitar skills
  • Use of effects like chorus and delay to create atmospheric textures
  • Advanced chord voicings and extensions
  • Melodic and tasteful soloing techniques
  • Palm-muting for tight, percussive guitar sounds
  • Understanding of Andy Summers’ unique approach to harmony
  • Skills that transfer to a wide range of musical genres
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1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with The Police nor does The Police perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play The Police with Licklibrary.com

Immerse yourself in the iconic tunes of The Police and learn the guitar prowess of Andy Summers, the band's lead guitarist. Summers' unique approach and innovative techniques helped shape the sound of The Police, blending rock with reggae and punk elements, producing a distinct and influential style. This lesson course is taught by Michael Casswell.

Roxanne

The key to "Roxanne" lies in its syncopated rhythms and minor scale usage, mainly the Dorian scale. The verses are characterized by a constant, bouncing reggae rhythm, giving the song its distinct drive. Summers' use of staccato chords paired with Sting's melodic vocal line creates a counterpoint that gives the song its memorable charm. The subtle but effective use of slides and hammer-ons in the solo section brings out a melodic line that speaks volumes in simplicity and musicality.

Every Breath You Take

"Every Breath You Take" is a masterclass in arpeggiated chord progressions. The song is structured around a continuously flowing, syncopated 8th-note guitar line, based on a handful of chords. Summers makes clever use of the major pentatonic scale during the solo, demonstrating his ability to craft memorable lines with few notes. Andy also employs palm-muting to help create the rhythmic feel that propels the song.

So Lonely

The "So Lonely" lesson covers a wide range of techniques, starting with the galloping rhythms in the song's introduction and verses. The core of the song revolves around a handful of power chords, played with a rhythm that combines elements of punk and reggae. Summers' use of octave melodies in the chorus further enriches the song, adding depth to its sonic landscape. The solo section showcases Summers' bluesy bends, proving that rock and blues can seamlessly fuse into reggae.

Walking on the Moon

"Walking on the Moon" showcases Summers' ability to create ethereal textures with his guitar. The song's main riff is a simple yet effective chord progression with the high strings left open, allowing for a ringing, spacious sound. The lead lines are a mixture of double stops and bluesy bends, with the minor pentatonic scale giving it a rock edge. The use of a delay pedal is integral in achieving the spacious, atmospheric sound of the song.

Message in a Bottle

"Message in a Bottle" features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. The main riff is a sequence of arpeggiated chord progressions, played with an alternate picking technique. The unique string skipping pattern of the riff can be challenging but is worth the effort for its iconic sound. Summers’ creative use of the mixolydian mode gives the song a compelling sonic character. During the solo, Summers employs a variety of bends and vibrato, adding an expressive quality to his lines.

Andy Summers' playing style is one of the most distinctive in rock history, blending elements of punk, rock, and reggae into a unique sonic blend. He isn't just a lead guitarist but a sonic architect, sculpting soundscapes that serve the song while pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson:

Each technique listed has a dedicated lesson on Licklibrary.com to help you master it. Learn to play The Police, and in doing so, expand your musical horizons and guitar technique vocabulary. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, this comprehensive course will help you develop your skills, enhance your musical vocabulary, and dive into the timeless catalog of The Police.

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Michael Casswell playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Michael Casswell

It is with great sadness that we post the news of Michael Casswell's tragic death in a swimming accident while on holiday in Spain. All of us at Licklibrary are shocked and saddened by MIke's passing, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time. Michael...

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