The Man’s Too Strong – Dire Straits | Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

"The Man’s Too Strong" by Dire Straits is a masterful acoustic-driven track from the legendary Brothers in Arms album. Featuring intricate playing techniques and an emotive vocal performance by Mark Knopfler, the song blends storytelling with dynamic guitar work, making it a fantastic piece to learn for any guitarist looking to expand their skills.

At LickLibrary, our note-for-note guitar lesson takes you through the song’s structure and techniques, ensuring that you master every nuance of the original performance. This lesson covers essential techniques such as alternate tunings, vibrato, slides, and pull-offs, all of which play a crucial role in the song’s unique character. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Alternate Tunings

One of the key elements of "The Man’s Too Strong" is its alternate tuning, which gives the guitar a fuller, richer resonance that enhances the song’s dramatic dynamics. Learning how to play in different tunings allows guitarists to explore new chord voicings, open-string drones, and a wider harmonic palette. This is an essential skill for players who want to broaden their understanding of guitar tones and textures.

Vibrato

Knopfler’s vibrato is a defining part of his expressive playing style, and in this song, it adds depth and emotion to sustained notes. Vibrato is a crucial technique that enhances musical phrasing by making notes sing and sustain with character. Developing a strong vibrato technique will improve control and expressiveness, allowing you to bring your own personality into your playing.

Slides

Slides are frequently used in this song to create smooth, connected notes that add to its fluid and expressive feel. By sliding between frets rather than picking every note, you can achieve a more lyrical and legato sound. This technique is not only useful for playing Dire Straits songs but is also fundamental in blues, country, and rock guitar.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs allow for effortless note transitions and contribute to the song’s dynamic phrasing. By executing smooth pull-offs, you can create fast, fluid passages without excessive picking, improving your speed and efficiency on the fretboard. This technique is invaluable for legato playing and melodic embellishments across various genres.

About the Guitar Work in "The Man’s Too Strong"

Mark Knopfler, the driving force behind Dire Straits, is renowned for his fingerpicking technique, dynamic touch, and ability to craft intricate yet melodic guitar parts. In this song, he employs alternate tunings and expressive phrasing to create a rich and immersive sonic landscape. Knopfler’s guitar work is both subtle and powerful, blending delicate passages with forceful strumming to mirror the song’s lyrical depth. His ability to seamlessly integrate folk, blues, and rock influences makes him one of the most distinctive guitarists in history.

Master "The Man’s Too Strong" with LickLibrary

This lesson breaks down each section of the song with detailed, step-by-step instruction, helping you to understand the nuances of Mark Knopfler’s playing style. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your technique or an advanced player wanting to perfect your expression, this lesson provides the perfect learning experience.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Tunings
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Pull-Offs

Start mastering "The Man’s Too Strong" today and elevate your guitar playing with this essential Dire Straits classic!