Mark Knopfler
Dire Straits / Solo
The fingerstyle virtuoso of Dire Straits. Known for his lyrical, vocal-like phrasing and refusal to use a pick, he crafted some of rock's most iconic clean tones using Stratocasters, volume swells, and boundless dynamic control.
SIGNATURE TONE
A pristine, touch-sensitive clean tone with extraordinary dynamic range. Achieved by playing fingerstyle (flesh, not nail) on a Stratocaster bridge/middle pickup combination into a clean Fender or Music Man amp, using the volume knob to swell notes into blooming, vocal-like lines.
SIGNAL CHAINS BY ERA
Explore how the rig evolved over time
Early Dire Straits Era
Breakthrough period featuring Sultans of Swing and establishing his fingerstyle Stratocaster sound with minimal effects.
Love Over Gold Era
Sophisticated production with Pete Cornish-designed rack system, Schecter Dream Machines, and expanded tonal palette.
Brothers in Arms Era
Peak commercial success with pristine Stratocaster tones, Marshall JTM45 for Money for Nothing, and National resonator.