Learn To Play Dire Straits

Guitars Lessons by Jamie Humphries

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Learn To Play Dire Straits

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Dire Straits, led by the iconic Mark Knopfler, carved a niche in the world of rock with their blend of jazz, folk, and pure rock n' roll. Their songs are poetic and narrative, layered with nuanced guitar techniques and a unique sonic atmosphere. If you are a guitarist, delving into their catalog is not just a chance to expand your repertoire, but also a masterclass in guitar craftsmanship. Let's embark on a journey to understand and play some of Dire Straits' legendary tracks with "Learn To Play Dire Straits" by Licklibrary. This course is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Sultans of Swing

Money for Nothing

Brothers in Arms

Private Investigations

Romeo and Juliet

Lesson Performance Notes

1. Sultans Of Swing

Rooted in a D minor scale, this song captures the essence of jazz and blues in a rock format. The solo employs the D natural minor scale and the D Dorian mode. Knopfler’s fingerpicking technique, combined with his quick runs and intricate chord progressions, makes this track a must-learn for aspiring guitarists.

2. Money For Nothing

This track boasts a driving rhythm and a timeless riff, mainly using the G and D minor scales. The opening guitar line is especially noteworthy, achieved through a combination of pick and finger style, known as hybrid picking. The song features heavy use of power chords, creating its anthemic rock sound.

3. Brothers In Arms

Set in the key of G# minor, this melancholic ballad is filled with soulful guitar lines. The song utilizes a combination of chord progressions and arpeggios. Its solo is a pure expression of emotion, where each note resonates deeply, making it a study in expressive guitar phrasing.

4. Private Investigations

A haunting and atmospheric piece, this track is built on the A minor scale. It showcases Knopfler’s unparalleled prowess in fingerpicking, creating a sonic texture that is delicate yet intricate. The song evolves from hushed whispers to a soaring solo, teaching dynamics and tonal variations.

5. Romeo And Juliet

Played in open G tuning, this ballad is an ode to love. It combines chords and individual note runs, creating a seamless meld of rhythm and melody. The song employs the use of a capo on the 3rd fret, modifying its tonal quality. The harmonic interplay between vocals and the guitar lines makes this track a beauty to play and sing.

Mark Knopfler's Contribution

Mark Knopfler isn't just a guitarist; he's a storyteller. Each strum, pluck, or bend is not just a note but a word in his musical narrative. His playing is not about speed or technical prowess (though he has plenty of both), but about the emotion and story he conveys through his guitar. His style, predominantly finger-picking, lends a unique texture to Dire Straits' sound. Knopfler’s attention to detail, his ability to switch between different scales seamlessly, and his mastery over various techniques make him one of the most revered guitarists of all time.

Guitar Techniques Covered in These Lessons:

If you want to not only play but feel the music of Dire Straits, "Learn To Play Dire Straits" by Licklibrary is your go-to resource. Dive deep into the magic of Mark Knopfler’s guitar work and elevate your playing to new heights.

Features multi-angle high quality video lessons

A screenshot of a guitar tuition course by LickLibrary A screenshot of a close-up of a guitar instructor explaining a fretboard.

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Technical Details

  • Code

    RDR0046

  • Artist

    Dire Straits

  • Media

    Online Stream, Download, 2x DVD set

  • Media format

    PAL Only

  • Genre

    Rock, Country, Acoustic

  • Skill level

    Suitable For All

  • EIN No

    5060088820636

  • TAB NOT Included

  • NB: If purchasing as 'DVD', please ensure that your DVD player fully supports the 'Media format' (PAL Only) that this product is available in, as indicated above.

Frequently added to order

Dire Straits - Backing Tracks

Five guitar backing tracks to classic Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms, Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Money for Nothing, Private Investigations.

SAVE MONEY - add this backing track to your basket and get it for JUST US$9.24

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Jamie Humphries

Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...

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