Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits: A Guitarist's Analysis

"Brothers In Arms" is the fifth studio album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1985. This album is a masterpiece showcasing the signature guitar work of lead guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler. With a unique fingerpicking technique and a natural ability to combine storytelling with intricate guitar work, Knopfler has solidified his place in rock history. Brothers in Arms spent 10 weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart, nine weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States and 34 weeks at number one on the Australian Albums Chart, having sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.  

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Jamie Humphries walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Mark Knopfler’s legendary guitar riffs and solos from the tracks; "Money For Nothing” and “So Far Away”, to the iconic title track “Brothers In Arms.” This article delves into the intricacies of each song on the album, highlighting the guitar scales, solos, and techniques employed, as well as Mark Knopfler's contribution to the album.

This analysis for guitarists offers insights into guitar scales, solo analysis, and techniques used throughout the album.

Song-by-Song Analysis

So Far Away

The opening track, "So Far Away," sets the tone for the album with its laid-back groove and clean guitar sound. The song is built around a simple chord progression in G major, with the lead guitar providing melodic embellishments. Knopfler's fingerpicking style and syncopated rhythms create a driving rhythm that meshes perfectly with the bass and drums.

Money for Nothing

"Money for Nothing" is one of Dire Straits' most well-known tracks, featuring an iconic guitar riff that is instantly recognisable. The main riff is played in a G#m pentatonic scale, employing palm muting and power chords to create a powerful and punchy sound. The song also features a memorable solo, showcasing Knopfler's use of pinch harmonics and string bending to create an expressive and dynamic performance.

Walk of Life

"Walk of Life" is a feel-good, upbeat track driven by a boogie-woogie piano riff and a catchy guitar melody. The lead guitar part primarily uses the E major pentatonic scale and features syncopated rhythms, giving the song a lively, bouncy feel. The solo employs double-stops and slides, adding to the song's playful character.

Your Latest Trick

"Your Latest Trick" is a more mellow track, showcasing the band's versatility. The song is based on a Dm chord progression and features a haunting saxophone melody. Knopfler's guitar work here is subtle but effective, using arpeggiated chord progressions and fingerpicking to create a delicate backdrop for the vocals.

Why Worry

"Why Worry" is a beautiful, introspective ballad that demonstrates Knopfler's ability to craft emotional and evocative guitar parts. The song is played in A major, with the lead guitar employing a mix of arpeggios and fingerpicking to create a gentle, soothing sound. The guitar solo showcases the use of slides and vibrato, adding an expressive quality to the performance.

Ride Across the River

"Ride Across the River" is a moody, atmospheric track that transports the listener to another place and time. The song is based on a C#m chord progression, and the lead guitar uses a mix of fingerpicking and arpeggios to create a haunting, ethereal sound. The solo incorporates double-stops and bluesy bends, adding depth and emotion to the track.

The Man's Too Strong

"The Man's Too Strong" is an epic, storytelling song that features powerful lyrics and dynamic guitar work. The song is played in the key of E minor and showcases Knopfler's ability to create memorable riffs and intricate solos. The lead guitar uses a mix of open-string riffs, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to build tension and drama throughout the song.

One World

"One World" is a lively, uptempo track that blends elements of rock, funk, and reggae. The song is played in Bm, and the lead guitar employs a variety of techniques, including syncopated rhythms, octave melodies, and galloping rhythms to create an energetic and infectious groove. The solo features fast alternate picking and legato phrases, demonstrating Knopfler's technical prowess and versatility.

Brothers In Arms

The title track, "Brothers In Arms," is a poignant and powerful ballad that has become one of Dire Straits' most iconic songs. The song is played in G# minor, and the lead guitar uses arpeggiated chord progressions and fingerpicking to create a somber, reflective atmosphere. The guitar solo is one of Knopfler's most memorable, featuring emotive string bending, sustained notes, and tasteful vibrato that adds depth and emotion to the song.

Mark Knopfler's Contribution to the Album

Mark Knopfler, as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Dire Straits, played a crucial role in shaping the sound and success of "Brothers In Arms." His distinctive fingerpicking style, combined with his ability to craft memorable riffs and solos, set the album apart from its contemporaries. His guitar work on the album is marked by a focus on melody, storytelling, and emotion, elevating the songs and making them instantly recognizable.

Knopfler's approach to the guitar is both technical and expressive, seamlessly blending intricate picking patterns, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic solos that captivate the listener. His playing on "Brothers In Arms" showcases his versatility, incorporating elements of rock, blues, country, and folk, and demonstrating his ability to adapt his style to suit the mood and feel of each song.

In conclusion, "Brothers In Arms" is an iconic album that offers guitarists a rich palette of styles, techniques, and musical ideas to explore. Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar work and songwriting have made this album a timeless classic, beloved by fans and musicians alike. Whether you're a guitarist looking to learn new techniques or simply a fan of Dire Straits, "Brothers In Arms" is an album that continues to resonate and inspire over three decades since its release.

Guitar Techniques Used in Brothers In Arms

"Brothers In Arms" features a wide range of guitar techniques, showcasing Mark Knopfler's versatility as a guitarist. Some of the notable techniques used throughout the album include:

• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Tapped harmonics
• Double-stop bends
• Pinched harmonics
• Trills
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Finger-picking
• Palm-muting
• String bending
• Syncopated rhythms
• Open-string riffs
• Arpeggiated chord progressions

Mark Knopfler's unique approach to the guitar and his masterful use of these techniques on the "Brothers In Arms" album have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. The album remains a shining example of the power of storytelling and the art of guitar playing, inspiring generations of guitarists to come.