“King of Pain” (The Police), solo guitar arrangement + loop solo

“King of Pain” from Synchronicity, released on this day, June 17, 1983. The Police were one of my 1st concerts (9th grade). One of several songs I’ve been revisiting from my early teen & preteen years, now that I have the musical knowledge to figure them out (back then, this was way over my head). I’ve always loved this melody and especially the harmonically ambiguous chords (sus, add9 etc).

A few weeks back, I stumbled into this on piano and thought I’d see if it worked on guitar, then threw it together. Mad respect to those who specialize in chord melody. I can think of quite a few who are far superior at this type of thing but thought “what the heck..”. I have another Police tune in mind that just may end up as an arrangement 🤔

Guitar: @espguitars Eclipse USA semi-hollow
Tone: 1965 blackface Fender Deluxe Reverb +
@neuraldsp QC (with chorus/delay)
Joined by @donnermusic_gear AB/Y box
Loop: @boomeranglooper

[deborahd]

Makes me nostalgic for summer afternoons at my best friend’s whose older sister was all about The Police. Remember the days when one would listen to an entire album while reading the insert? Yeah, I miss that.

[CrazyBullEyes]

The creator of the most amazing solo in history for me, return to serenity, spreading his magic all over this song... What a humble wizard you are Mr. Skolnick, thank you🙏

[kencubala]

A favorite guitarist interpreting a song from a favorite band. To me that is a win win.

[Eelgram]

You nailed the subtleties, chording voicings, the sheer "aura" that make Summers a truly unique player. Thanks for sharing this, Alex!

[Mr.Smith_]

Testamemt should cover that. It'd be awesome to see/hear. Skolnick, keep giving us your great guitar wizardry.

[seaneckert]

Alex, you are hands down one of my biggest influences. The 1988 TESTAMENT years are just on another level. Taste, style and technique 2nd to none.

[RezaKhan]

A beautiful way to start my day. Thanks Alex.

[akdragunov]

Wonderful, tasteful cover. I bet you'd have a lot of fun trying a similar arrangement of Synchronicity II given all the key and mood changes

[darrenwardell]

Such talent. I have just watched your "Practice What You Preach" video then this one...Awesome talent

[JerryTheVeganRockstar]

More melody and magic than one song can contain

[smudge]

Ive been playing for 40 years and have spent a lot of time recently reflecting on who influenced me to be the player I am today. I've toured the world and played in front of 50, 000 people.

At the end of the day, Alex Skolnock is the #1 influence on my playing, especially lead approach.

Steve Vai gets the nod for sheer creativity (hes just nuts he can do anything with a guitar).

Tommy Victor from Prong gets the nod for crushing rhythm and brutal riffage, very similar to Testament (Eric) and Pro-Pain.

The 80's will never be duplicated, metal is parked there forever, as far as I'm concerned, and Alex is the best we have. A true master.

So badass to hace this type of access to him and his playing, its unbelievable for a kid reading Guitar World in 1988 to avtually hear this guys voice on youtube lol

Awesome.

[bradbutler]

Wow Alex! absolutely beautiful! You are one of the best ever. 🤘🏻

[mikenollett]

Those are some really nice sounding voicings Alex!

[deenegron]

Your trio's rendition of Electric Eye by JP, is right up there with the original. Thank you for your service 🤘

[markgrafstrom]

Such an exquisite player...magic touch mastery! Alex is my favorite player!!!

[Lizard-of-Oz]

Thank you Alex for your music contribution and for sharing these videos from your home

[theghostofsw]

"There's a little brown spot on my gonch old spot aaaah you get it. 😝 Nice job!

[luisruiz]

Excellent rendition one of my fav guitarist very underrated.

[guitarfan]

I will always treasure this piece of music right here. So beautifully done, from one of my biggest inspirations growing up and still is. The first time I saw you live with Testament was almost 40 years ago. A complete blessing to be able to enjoy this treasure. Thank you, Alex!

[GuitarPrepper]

Alex: the man who inspired me to learn to play 30 years ago 😮....I'm old....keep rocking, your music is always amazing!