Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits

The iconic track "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits stands as a masterpiece of intricate guitar work, blending complex techniques with seamless execution. Licklibrary's note-for-note guitar lesson for this legendary song offers players an in-depth understanding of the techniques that define this track and help guitarists elevate their skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Mark Knopfler's Legacy

"Sultans of Swing" is the hallmark of Dire Straits’ debut album, showcasing Mark Knopfler's distinct finger-picking technique and melodic phrasing. Knopfler's unique playing style, characterised by his expressive dynamics and tasteful use of vibrato, has influenced generations of guitarists. His blend of blues, rock, and jazz phrasing, combined with lyrical storytelling, has solidified him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Learning "Sultans of Swing" not only provides a glimpse into his genius but also equips players with invaluable techniques for their musical journey.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Finger-Picking

Mark Knopfler’s signature finger-picking style is the backbone of "Sultans of Swing." This technique involves using the fingers instead of a pick to pluck the strings, allowing for greater articulation and dynamic control. Finger-picking enhances precision and gives guitarists the ability to combine rhythm and lead seamlessly.

Hybrid Picking

The song incorporates hybrid picking, which combines the use of a pick and fingers. This technique allows players to achieve rapid transitions between notes and maintain fluidity in complex passages. Mastering hybrid picking improves versatility and opens doors to a wider range of playing styles.

Vibrato

Knopfler’s tasteful vibrato adds emotional depth and expression to the melodies. Vibrato involves varying the pitch of a note by slightly bending the string. It enhances sustain and gives a voice-like quality to the guitar.

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String Bending and Bluesy Bends

The song employs smooth string bending and expressive bluesy bends to achieve its soulful phrasing. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to change its pitch, often mimicking the sound of a human voice. These techniques are essential for adding emotion to solos.

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Learn more about Bluesy Bends

Slides

Knopfler uses slides to transition between notes smoothly. Sliding up or down the fretboard creates a fluid, legato effect that enhances the lyrical quality of the melodies.

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Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song features arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of a chord are played sequentially rather than strummed. This technique provides a shimmering, intricate texture to the rhythm sections.

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Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are central to the smooth legato phrases found throughout the track. These techniques involve quickly fretting or releasing notes to create fluid and connected melodies.

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Double Stops

Knopfler’s use of double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, adds richness to the solos. This technique is great for creating harmonies and thickening melodies.

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Open String Riffs

The song makes clever use of open string riffs, utilising the natural resonance of open strings to create a bright and dynamic tone. This technique is useful for building memorable riffs and enhancing tonal clarity.

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Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique in "Sultans of Swing" serves as a building block for developing well-rounded guitar skills. Mastering these techniques improves finger strength, dexterity, and timing while enhancing a player's ability to inject emotion and creativity into their playing. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or an experienced player, diving into this song is an opportunity to sharpen your craft and learn from one of the best.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Open String Riffs

By mastering "Sultans of Swing," you'll not only enhance your technical abilities but also gain insight into the artistry of Mark Knopfler, inspiring your playing for years to come.