Money For Nothing - Dire Straits

The "Money For Nothing" guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com is your gateway to mastering one of the most iconic rock guitar tracks ever recorded. This lesson offers an in-depth exploration of the techniques that define the song and contribute to Mark Knopfler's legendary guitar style. By focusing on precision, dynamics, and nuanced techniques, this lesson empowers guitarists to replicate the signature sound of "Money For Nothing" and refine their overall playing skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

"Money For Nothing" is a standout track from Dire Straits' 1985 album Brothers in Arms. The song, driven by Mark Knopfler's unique guitar style, remains one of the most recognisable riffs in rock history. Knopfler, known for his fingerpicking technique, soulful phrasing, and remarkable tone, has influenced countless guitarists with his distinct playing approach. His tone on "Money For Nothing" was achieved using a Gibson Les Paul Standard (often mistaken for a Gibson Les Paul due to its similar body shape) and a custom amp setting, showcasing his ability to craft iconic sounds with minimal equipment.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Finger-Picking

Mark Knopfler's signature finger-picking technique is central to "Money For Nothing." Using the thumb and fingers instead of a pick, Knopfler achieves a warm, dynamic sound with exceptional control over note articulation. Learning finger-picking enhances your ability to play intricate riffs and adds a personal touch to your playing style.

Muted Riffs

The opening riff employs subtle palm-muting to create its percussive groove. This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand near the bridge while plucking the strings. Mastering palm-muting will improve your rhythm control and dynamic range.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the song to transition smoothly between notes, adding a fluid and expressive quality to the riffs and solos. Practicing slides enhances fretboard navigation and adds a polished feel to your playing.

Vibrato

Knopfler’s use of vibrato adds emotion and sustain to his lead lines. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note by subtly moving the fretting hand back and forth. This technique improves expressiveness and allows for more personal interpretation of melodies.

String Bending

Expressive string bends, where a note is pushed or pulled to reach a higher pitch, are essential to the lead guitar work in "Money For Nothing." This technique strengthens your finger control and adds an emotive quality to solos.

Double Stops

The lesson also explores the use of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, as heard in some of Knopfler's melodic phrases. Double stops expand harmonic possibilities and add texture to your playing.

Rakes

Rakes add a percussive element to chords and individual notes. In "Money For Nothing," they help accentuate key parts of the riff and solo, enhancing rhythmic precision and articulation skills.

Hybrid Picking

Knopfler’s style often blends finger-picking and picking with a plectrum. Hybrid picking involves using a pick and the remaining fingers of your picking hand simultaneously. This technique boosts your versatility and enables complex patterns.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

1. Finger Control and Precision: Techniques like finger-picking and hybrid picking refine your touch and timing, enabling nuanced performances.
2. Enhanced Dynamics: Mastering vibrato, muted riffs, and rakes improves your control over volume and expression.
3. Creative Phrasing: Incorporating slides, string bends, and double stops expands your melodic vocabulary.
4. Fretboard Navigation: Practicing slides and rakes enhances your ability to move fluidly across the fretboard.
5. Improved Articulation: Techniques such as palm-muting and hybrid picking elevate the clarity and definition of your playing.

List of Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Palm-Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Rakes
• Hybrid Picking

Explore these techniques in detail with our expertly crafted lesson, and unlock the secrets of "Money For Nothing" today. Happy playing!