So Far Away by Dire Straits – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

“So Far Away” by Dire Straits is a timeless classic that perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature sound—clean, expressive guitar playing, tasteful phrasing, and melodic songwriting. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on “So Far Away” is an ideal opportunity for guitarists to dive into the world of Mark Knopfler, whose unique playing style combines subtle techniques with an emotive touch that defines the sound of Dire Straits.

This lesson focuses on four fundamental guitar techniques found throughout the song: finger picking, double stops, slides, and power chords. These techniques are demonstrated clearly and broken down step-by-step so you can master the song in an authentic and playable way—true to the original recording. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Techniques Used

Finger Picking

Knopfler’s signature finger picking style is the backbone of “So Far Away.” He often uses his thumb and index fingers independently, creating a rolling, syncopated rhythm that blends lead and rhythm guitar into a single cohesive voice. The absence of a pick brings out the warmth of the guitar and allows for better dynamic control and articulation.

Benefit to the player: Learning this technique helps you develop right-hand independence, dynamic control, and musical nuance. It’s essential for players interested in acoustic rock, folk, blues, and country guitar.

Double Stops

The song features tasteful use of double stops—playing two notes simultaneously to create harmonized melodic lines and rhythmic accents. Knopfler uses them to great effect, adding texture and depth to the guitar parts without overcrowding the mix.

Benefit to the player: Mastering double stops improves your fretboard awareness and helps in creating harmonies within lead lines. It’s a powerful tool for rhythm and lead players alike, useful across blues, rock, and country genres.

Slides

Slides are used throughout “So Far Away” to connect phrases and add smooth transitions between notes. Whether it’s sliding into chords or notes within a melody, this subtle touch adds character and makes the guitar lines more expressive.

Benefit to the player: Practicing slides develops your ability to move fluidly across the neck while maintaining tone and timing. It’s a key ingredient for adding emotion and movement to solos and riffs.

Power Chords

Although “So Far Away” isn’t a heavy track, it uses power chords in places to give emphasis and strength to certain sections. These simple yet effective chord shapes provide a clean, driving force behind the rhythm guitar.

Benefit to the player: Power chords are essential for every guitarist, especially those diving into rock and pop. They teach left-hand coordination and right-hand precision, and they’re a solid foundation for rhythm guitar playing.

About the Song and Its Guitar Style

Released in 1985 as the opening track on the band’s iconic Brothers in Arms album, “So Far Away” is a brilliant example of Mark Knopfler’s smooth, effortless playing. The song blends pop and rock sensibilities with the rootsy charm of blues, driven by a laid-back groove and understated guitar work that rewards precision and feel.

What makes this track so compelling is Knopfler’s clean tone, lack of reliance on heavy effects, and his signature fingerstyle approach, which brings an intimacy and groove that picks alone can’t replicate. Learning this track gives guitarists insight into how to serve the song while still showcasing character and control.

About the Guitar Player – Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler is widely regarded as one of the most tasteful and technically skilled guitarists in rock history. Known for his expressive dynamics and a fingerstyle technique that set him apart from his contemporaries, Knopfler built a sound that’s both melodic and percussive, combining rock, blues, and country influences.

His work in Dire Straits influenced a generation of guitar players who sought tone and feel over flash. From intricate chord voicings to storytelling solos, Knopfler’s guitar work emphasizes economy and expression—a perfect study for players wanting to improve their touch and musicality.

Summary

Learning “So Far Away” with our expert guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com gives you more than just the ability to play a classic song—it’s a doorway into the unique world of Mark Knopfler’s guitar mastery. By studying his technique, tone, and phrasing, you’ll gain skills that are applicable across genres and will elevate your overall playing.

Each section of this song teaches valuable musical techniques that are as important today as they were when the song was first released. Whether you’re refining your fingerstyle playing, adding double stops to your solos, incorporating slides, or tightening your rhythm with power chords, this lesson offers essential tools for every serious guitarist.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger Picking
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Power Chords