Walk of Life by Dire Straits

Dire Straits' iconic hit "Walk of Life" is a timeless blend of upbeat rhythm and catchy melodies. This Licklibrary guitar lesson provides a note-for-note breakdown of the song, diving into the unique techniques that define its sound. From foundational rhythmic patterns to expressive lead guitar phrases, this lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also helps you develop versatile guitar skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Magic of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler

The driving force behind "Walk of Life" is Mark Knopfler, the legendary frontman and guitarist of Dire Straits. Known for his distinctive fingerpicking technique and lyrical playing style, Knopfler's approach combines intricate melodies with rhythmic sophistication. His influence extends far beyond the realm of rock, inspiring generations of guitarists with his ability to make complex techniques feel effortlessly musical.

In "Walk of Life," Knopfler's use of open-string riffs, melodic hooks, and a bouncy rhythm creates an infectious groove that has become synonymous with the band’s sound. Learning this song not only pays homage to one of rock's greatest players but also equips you with techniques to expand your own musical vocabulary.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

1. Finger-Picking

Knopfler’s signature finger-picking style is the backbone of "Walk of Life." Instead of using a pick, he employs his fingers to pluck the strings, creating a warm and percussive tone. This technique enhances control and dynamics, enabling players to express subtle nuances in their playing.

Benefit: Mastering finger-picking improves accuracy and tone control, allowing for a more versatile playing style.

2. Open-String Riffs

The infectious riff that defines the song relies on the clever use of open strings to create a flowing, seamless sound. These riffs add a unique brightness and resonance that are key to the song's cheerful feel.

Benefit: Practicing open-string riffs builds dexterity and teaches players how to incorporate open strings into melodic lines for a fuller sound.

3. Slides

Throughout the song, slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the melody. This technique helps to convey emotion and connect phrases in a fluid manner.

Benefit: Learning slides improves fretboard navigation and enhances your phrasing, making your playing more expressive.

4. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic structure of "Walk of Life" is both lively and intricate, with syncopated rhythms driving the song's groove. This interplay between off-beat accents and steady pulse creates an engaging rhythmic texture.

Benefit: Developing syncopated rhythm skills enhances timing and helps you lock into grooves, whether you're playing rhythm or lead guitar.

5. String-Bending

The melodic lead lines feature tasteful string-bending, a staple of expressive guitar playing. These bends are used to reach notes with a singing quality, adding emotional depth to the solos.

Benefit: Practicing string-bending strengthens your fingers and improves pitch control, a vital skill for all lead guitarists.

6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The lesson breaks down Knopfler’s use of hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing phrases. These techniques enable the player to produce notes without re-picking, adding fluidity to solos and melodies.

Benefit: Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs increases finger strength and helps achieve a legato sound.

7. Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar work relies on simple but effective chord progressions that anchor the song. These progressions showcase how to use harmony to support melody and groove.

Benefit: Understanding chord progressions enhances songwriting skills and the ability to create cohesive musical arrangements.

Complete List of Techniques Covered

• Finger-Picking
• Open-String Riffs
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• String-Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions

By the end of this lesson, you'll not only have mastered a timeless classic but also gained valuable techniques to enhance your guitar playing in countless styles. "Walk of Life" is more than just a song—it’s a gateway to becoming a more confident, expressive guitarist. Start your journey with Licklibrary today!