Introduction

Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits is unquestionably one of the greatest and most distinctive guitarists of the modern age. In an age where most electric guitarists used a pick Knopfler bucked the trend by using his fingers in a similar yet distinctive style to say Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. This song was one of my dad’s favourites, and I recall him jokingly saying that I wasn’t a true guitarist until I could play this.

“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits is a classic rock song that has captivated audiences since its release in 1978. The song is originally played on electric guitar but translates beautifully to acoustic guitar, offering a rich and nuanced interpretation. The piece is set in the key of D minor and typically performed at a lively tempo of around 149 BPM.

The song features intricate fingerstyle picking and smooth chord transitions, with occasional key changes to the relative F major that add depth and complexity. The iconic guitar solo, known for its fluid and melodic phrasing, presents a challenging yet rewarding experience for acoustic guitarists. The combination of rhythmic precision and expressive dynamics is essential to capturing the essence of the song.

Some features are listed below

• 25 guitar licks (small series of notes used as a ‘call & response’ between the vocals

• 2 stand alone ‘signature’ solos

• Key of D minor

• BPM at 149

• Fingerpicking (don’t use a  pick!)

• Recorded with a 61 Fender Stratocaster

I have painstakingly transcribed the entire song as accurately as I could and I’ve made 4 video tutorials and a backing track. Of course I’m teaching you how to play this using an acoustic guitar so I have out of necessity changed some of the fingering locations to make life easier for acoustic players. Performing “Sultans of Swing” on acoustic guitar requires a combination of technical skill and musical sensitivity. The guitarist must focus on finding a way to play the bends on an acoustic guitar which is much harder to do than it is on electric. I tend to ‘fake’ these bends or replace them with slides or just the actual notes themselves. By ‘fake’ I mean I imply that the bend has hit the correct pitch whereas in reality that is usually not the case.

Musical Style

Mark Knopfler’s musical style is characterised by his unique fingerpicking technique, melodic sensibility, and ability to blend various genres, including rock, blues, and folk. Known for his clean, articulate playing and expressive phrasing, Knopfler’s guitar work is both technically impressive and deeply emotive. His compositions often feature intricate guitar lines, dynamic shifts, and a strong sense of storytelling through music. Knopfler’s influence extends across multiple genres, making him one of the most respected guitarists in the rock music world.

Notable Songs

Five notable songs by Dire Straits:

• Brothers in Arms

• Lady Writer

• Money for Nothing

• Romeo and Juliet

• Tunnel of Love

Let your fingers fly!

Josh