I've been playing guitar for about 25 years and would always get frustrated with this lick, knowing that I wasn't getting it quite right. Thank you so much for pointing out the nuances that make it the iconic lick that it is. Now I can finally play it right!
I stumbled across this video on a whim and I can't give you enough props. I've been playing for well over 30 years and I always love running across players who like music and playing the way you do. I can tell because it's rare to find someone willing (or capable) to break a lesson so far down and truly attempt to teach every aspect of the riff. Best of luck and keep teaching. You are reaching people.
l just want to say there is a ton of videos on this money for nothing and I think you are the only one that does it right. Great job. Hope you keep doing videos
You are so right about how important it is to nail this right off the bat if you're actually performing it. I've worked at this for a very long time and having it "down" in my basement practice space is totally different from being sonically alone on stage with this hugely iconic lick. I found I really needed to have it "down"...no thinking about what's happening. When the moon and stars are aligned I'm very close. Thanks for this great lesson and wise words about Knopfler's vibe.
I just found this channel ! I've been stumbling' and scratching' around Guitar for 43 years and I just want to keep learning and improving. There are frequency boxes(pedals) that will give you that sound called EHX Cock Fight in reference to the Wah pedal half cocked and then a little more expensive or "Boutique version is the "Atomic Cock" I believe. These are some of the best lessons I have ever come across and it is very cool you to make these. I am dirt poor and disabled but when I can I will donate something. Peace-
This is the only completely accurate transcription of this song ever put on this channel trust me he is nailing it note for note. I washed a lot cuz I couldn't figure it out myself your badass brother
I’ve watched a bunch of other videos trying to learn this song, this is without a doubt the most helpful tutorial I’ve every watch thank you very much, there where some bits I couldn’t get right this video helped me out a lot thank you
As usual, the very best lesson for a given song on the internet. I just want to encourage anyone who appreciates your quality lessons to DONATE to your cause! Keep up the great work!
The picking style favors a banjo picking style called "Claw hammer. Adapted from Bluegrass music where the thumb and first two fingers are used like a claw hammer, they usually wore banjo picks on the fingers. Just a bit of info I knew when my brother was learning how to play the banjo.
Best one I've seen so far. Tricky riff but you make it very clear. The tone is spot on, but then again, Mark has explained the wah trick in numerous interviews. Still, top marks for your vid. Well done, mate.
Best most accurate money for nothing lick apart from Mark Knopfler himself! Good work thanks!! I used to play this in my bedroom in 1990 and thought I had it but you've got the extra two or three notes I didn't get nailed - spot on. Need to get my old six string out and try again 😃
Pefect.... you nailed it. Definitely one of those textured, nuanced sort of riffs that can be played a million ways but theres only one way that sounds right.
When you've never played it before it sounds like an easy and repetitive lick. But when you get down to the nuts and bolts of it it's fairly complex and as the video says, very unique.
Thank you for your video. I heard this on the radio the other day and thought. 'Hey, this is when MTV was just kicking off and music videos were all the rage!!!' Nice memories of when my youth was going off the straight and narrow!!! As someone that does 'covers' of all these songs, you have to try to take ownership of them, just as you would with the singing, but you're right. This one is one of those you have to nail. No way around it. Thunderstruck is another one.
There's actually 2 ways Knopfler plays this. Originally it was the Les Paul with a wah around half open (as per this lesson). later Knopfler switched to Penta Suhr guitars with active tone, so he just rolls the tone halfway into the "cut" section. So there's ways for passive and active users to get that sound
I never thought of using the wah as a notch to get that sound! Your double stop demos on this are great. So many guys fly through stuff without revealing the crucial details like that! THANK you! Do you have any original recordings? Would love to hear your stuff loosed from the cover chain.
Sir... Best tone and lesson on here, by a mile. I learnt it from you. I can confirm in an interview with the man himself, he confirms it was a Marshall amp and wah pedal. I have seen lessons on here claiming EVERYONE else is doing it wrong, whilst make a huge chain on various profilers. Kempers, Zoom, etc!!! NONE of which even existed in 1987. Your work is so much closer to the original, they should all watch you and be schooled properly 👌
Hello there Sir I’m hailing from Chicago Illinois thank you so much for these master classes on multiple classics such as this one I’m learning today Ps I appreciate the way you teach your classes 😊
I have a show coming up next month where we are doing some eighties tunes, including this one. I've played it before but never worried much about the precision of the lick. Your lesson not only convinced me to take the time to learn it right, but by the time you were through, I've improved 100 percent. Now I just have to get it smooth. Thanks so much for your excellent video lesson. I'll be back for more.
Yet another excellent lesson that illustrates all the subtleties of this great riff. As always, your guitar isn't too loud and not overly distorted, one of my pet hates. You are one of the best teachers out there, thanks and please keep up the good work this is quality stuff my man.
This was in today’s email, so I figured I’d comment on tone. If you don’t have a Wah pedal, the best way to get that sound is with a humbucking guitar (like Andy’s Les Paul-a Strat didn’t work for me), a fuzz box, use the bridge pickup, and roll the tone knob all the way down. Adjust the fuzz til you get the tone that sounds right. That’s what worked for me. Not that I played it well, but I got the sound. 😂
This is the best video I've seem for this on the Tube. Nicely done. I might be able to actually learn this now from your work. I know how much time and effort doing these videos take so thank you for your efforts. You are a great guitarist and wish i could be 1/10th as good.
That was spot on chief... thanks a lot for this. You are right about how much more there is to it than just getting the lick right though, in my opinion knopfler is playing with his guitar and with the audio gear and his rig as well. Seems to me he is having the time of his life during his recording session (more than 8 minutes !) and never seems to have played like that recording; live or othewise again.
You're welcome brother. You are an amazing person. You are giving the gift of music to hundreds of thousands of people. I've downloaded several of your videos and plan to learn some good songs from them. Thanks again. What's your name?
Yeah Jeff Andy is the best out there. He has an extensive amount of education, experience and natural talent. I've tried to research Andy but can not find who he played or plays with currently. I've asked him before he didn't reply. So I just took it as he didn't see my post or he wants to ensure privacy. I respect both. Ok God bless you Jeff and Andy and all.
I've been watching your videos for quite some time, very helpful, extremely intricate. Your knowledge and interpretations of sound in songs are impeccable. Great videos!!
Hey recently I decided to learn this song and so found plenty of tutorials This song is 99% THE WAY YOU PLAY and 1% the tabs And your video is THE ONLY ONE dedicating time to the way you must play Thanks a lot for detailed efforts I subscribed and activated notifies
Appretiation moment: Probably the whole channel s demonetized due copyright claims and this guy keeps uploading videos and teaching us. I bet you guys did not think of that. Thanks Mr guitar teacher
Sounds great. I was always told he didnt use a half cocked wah. I usually roll the tone back without the wah but i think a half cocked wah sounds more like it truthfully
Sir. Thank you, so much for the time and effort you have put in to this video. I believe you have replicated everything as Mark Knopfler intended. Right down to the finest nuances. With your help, and a reasonable amount of effort, I can now play one of the greatest tunes, ever!!!
Excellent...the best lesson on this intro yet! Knopfler is a great player who is hard to figure out. Your rendition sounds as good or better...thanks, adding this to my library today!
Very nice video. I remember listening to the beginning of this song over and over when I was a kid, it was this riff that really got me into rock and wanting to play guitar.
Best tutorial of one of rocks all time best riffs.. And you are right ...it is VERY frustrating to get that thumb and claw technique down. There is so much intricate detail in this riff , and you mastered it beautifully. Subscribed!
As has been said you are amazing - such patience and skill working out tunes. Love all that you do. To copy MK absolutely to the "t" one would have to be as musically brilliant as he is. In my opinion he is undoubtedly the best guitarist on the planet barre none.
+Vineet Goel As awesome as this lesson is, I think one thing that is missing is the timing information. It would be nice if you could talk about what section of riffs start at what beat etc.
This one was always tricky for me, it sounds like he double the guitar tracks in the studio with slight variations on each track. This sounds spot on though, nice playing!
Жаль я не знаю английского, мне плохо понятно, приходится только смотреть. It's a pity I don't know English, I don't understand it well, I just have to watch it.
I really appreciate the time , energy, and effort put forth!!! Everything from the black sheet in the background to your sharp black long sleeve sweater, just adds class to all of your vids!!! Dif. One of the best on the Tube!!!! Hopefully soon I will be in a place where I can donate so I can SUPPORT THE CAUSE!!!!
![Dire Straits - Money for Nothing [Basel -92 ~ HD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M6uKHcxdCrs/mqdefault.jpg)
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been playing guitar for about 25 years and would always get frustrated with this lick, knowing that I wasn't getting it quite right. Thank you so much for pointing out the nuances that make it the iconic lick that it is. Now I can finally play it right!
***** You're welcome David. cheers
You are the best teacher I've seen. You don't waste time with over talk. You play more so we can see what your doing. Thanks for a good lesson!!
MICHAEL DAVIS Thanks Michael. cheers
MICHAEL DAVIS Definitely agree, no time wasted, just straight lesson. Bravo.
MICHAEL DAVIS this is the best 🎸 song
You posted this 5 years ago, and here I am 5 years later still watching your lesson. Thank you.
9 since since he posted it and it's one of the most accurate versions/teachings of this I've heard.
Marks music is so individual. There’s no one else like him.
The best. No other video’s show the consistent accuracy of your teachings.
He does the main riff through slowly at 6:12 , its key. Great job, only guy online ive seen nail it.
Yup, not a super difficult song to learn, but extra points for playing it like Knopfler did on the record.
I agree, he does do a great job. But, if you wanna see it nailed, watch the mark knopfler video
Closest to Mark I have heard
bongofury67 no shet lol!
More than the right way that you played this riff, I'm very impressed with the perfect guitar tone you got. Congratulations. That was amazing!!
I stumbled across this video on a whim and I can't give you enough props. I've been playing for well over 30 years and I always love running across players who like music and playing the way you do. I can tell because it's rare to find someone willing (or capable) to break a lesson so far down and truly attempt to teach every aspect of the riff. Best of luck and keep teaching. You are reaching people.
deep6dlh ii
Your rendering of this Knopfler riff is the best and most accurate I've heard. Well done.
l just want to say there is a ton of videos on this money for nothing and I think you are the only one that does it right. Great job. Hope you keep doing videos
+Randy Feguer Thanks Randy. cheers
Haha!
I agree. The only one which is right!
Dude that harmonic is so what makes this lesson. Nailed it
I’m a beginner player but I’m determined to learn this 😂
Andy probably has the best tutorial lessons on the web, Bobby Harrison is pretty good. Just different styles of teaching
Just learned it finally today! So proud of myself haha hope you’ve learned it by now
me too!! :)
Wow amazing guys. How long have you been playing guitar
its been 9 mounths how are you now?
Fantastic lesson. Never heard anyone else play it so accurately with all nuances. Thank you!
watching for years i hope you are being really appreciated mr shut up lol the best teacher award
Best place to learn a new song ever. Much better than before youtube when we learned the wrong way and now have to unlearn those years. Thanks.
You are correct with the wah pedal. That is one of the things he uses to get that tone.
You sir are far and away the best teacher on RUclips, you nail every nuance of the songs you play.
By far the best instructional videos on RUclips. You are the go-to guy when I want to learn a new riff!
I love it that way, playing the whole thing first before the talking and detailing.
You are so right about how important it is to nail this right off the bat if you're actually performing it. I've worked at this for a very long time and having it "down" in my basement practice space is totally different from being sonically alone on stage with this hugely iconic lick. I found I really needed to have it "down"...no thinking about what's happening. When the moon and stars are aligned I'm very close. Thanks for this great lesson and wise words about Knopfler's vibe.
+George Bednarczyk Thanks George.
Finally I got it right... thank you... this is the best money for nothing lesson in RUclips...
superb tuition. I return to this quite often to iron out any little bad habits. A flawless lesson and excellent teacher.
You are a genius and an amazing teacher! Less of the mumbo jumbo and straight to the point.. but kind!
Best lesson for this online - better and way more in-depth than even Knopfler's! Thanks!
You are one of the finest player and teacher I’ve watched on yt
So glad I found this channel I've been playing for about a year now and the is the best channel for guitar tutorials I've seen yet!!!
Garret Hursh Thanks Garret. cheers
I just found this channel ! I've been stumbling' and scratching' around Guitar for 43 years and I just want to keep learning and improving. There are frequency boxes(pedals) that will give you that sound called EHX Cock Fight in reference to the Wah pedal half cocked and then a little more expensive or "Boutique version is the "Atomic Cock" I believe. These are some of the best lessons I have ever come across and it is very cool you to make these. I am dirt poor and disabled but when I can I will donate something. Peace-
This is the only completely accurate transcription of this song ever put on this channel trust me he is nailing it note for note. I washed a lot cuz I couldn't figure it out myself your badass brother
THAT'S THE WAY YOU DO IT! Thanks!!! I learned right along with your explanation. Long live Mark Knopfler.
I’ve watched a bunch of other videos trying to learn this song, this is without a doubt the most helpful tutorial I’ve every watch thank you very much, there where some bits I couldn’t get right this video helped me out a lot thank you
Whoever you are, geeze, you're such a great instructor and player. The faceless man with all black clothing. I love it.
One of the best teachers I ever seen.Keep teaching us.ths
Of my fave 4 How-to-Play vloggers, you nailed this best.
You've got the tone down just right. Awesome work.
Guitar God Secrets Thanks again bud. cheers
As usual, the very best lesson for a given song on the internet. I just want to encourage anyone who appreciates your quality lessons to DONATE to your cause! Keep up the great work!
This is actually accurate. So many play this different to the original. Thankyou.
The picking style favors a banjo picking style called "Claw hammer. Adapted from Bluegrass music where the thumb and first two fingers are used like a claw hammer, they usually wore banjo picks on the fingers. Just a bit of info I knew when my brother was learning how to play the banjo.
I just watched a video where the great Tim Pierce said he learned a Zeppelin song from you. What an honor.
Great work, and rock on dude!
Thanks Edward. Tim is a great guitar player, but he's an even nicer person.
Best one I've seen so far. Tricky riff but you make it very clear. The tone is spot on, but then again, Mark has explained the wah trick in numerous interviews. Still, top marks for your vid. Well done, mate.
You are the best Instructor I've seen.
Best most accurate money for nothing lick apart from Mark Knopfler himself! Good work thanks!! I used to play this in my bedroom in 1990 and thought I had it but you've got the extra two or three notes I didn't get nailed - spot on. Need to get my old six string out and try again 😃
Trevor England Thanks Trevor.
Pefect.... you nailed it. Definitely one of those textured, nuanced sort of riffs that can be played a million ways but theres only one way that sounds right.
When you've never played it before it sounds like an easy and repetitive lick. But when you get down to the nuts and bolts of it it's fairly complex and as the video says, very unique.
Definitely the best lesson on here for this.
Thank you for your video. I heard this on the radio the other day and thought. 'Hey, this is when MTV was just kicking off and music videos were all the rage!!!' Nice memories of when my youth was going off the straight and narrow!!! As someone that does 'covers' of all these songs, you have to try to take ownership of them, just as you would with the singing, but you're right. This one is one of those you have to nail. No way around it. Thunderstruck is another one.
Your videos continue to increase my skill at guitar phenomenally
The best lesson from the best teacher as always. Thank you!
There's actually 2 ways Knopfler plays this. Originally it was the Les Paul with a wah around half open (as per this lesson). later Knopfler switched to Penta Suhr guitars with active tone, so he just rolls the tone halfway into the "cut" section. So there's ways for passive and active users to get that sound
Maaan, you nailed Knopfler's tone on this one. Great job!
I never thought of using the wah as a notch to get that sound! Your double stop demos on this are great. So many guys fly through stuff without revealing the crucial details like that! THANK you! Do you have any original recordings? Would love to hear your stuff loosed from the cover chain.
"You may have to go over this video a few times" HAHAHAHA.
Understatement of the year :)
Sir... Best tone and lesson on here, by a mile.
I learnt it from you.
I can confirm in an interview with the man himself, he confirms it was a Marshall amp and wah pedal.
I have seen lessons on here claiming EVERYONE else is doing it wrong, whilst make a huge chain on various profilers. Kempers, Zoom, etc!!!
NONE of which even existed in 1987.
Your work is so much closer to the original, they should all watch you and be schooled properly 👌
Hello there Sir I’m hailing from Chicago Illinois thank you so much for these master classes on multiple classics such as this one I’m learning today
Ps I appreciate the way you teach your classes 😊
Thanks for the kind words. Cheers, Andy.
some of the best lessons on youtube
One man I met in sixty years, almost like you! Congratulations
I have a show coming up next month where we are doing some eighties tunes, including this one. I've played it before but never worried much about the precision of the lick. Your lesson not only convinced me to take the time to learn it right, but by the time you were through, I've improved 100 percent. Now I just have to get it smooth. Thanks so much for your excellent video lesson. I'll be back for more.
guitarvocs Glad it helped. Thanks.
By far the best tutorial of this song I've seen, in other guides it doesn't sound nearly as full, thank you.
Yet another excellent lesson that illustrates all the subtleties of this great riff. As always, your guitar isn't too loud and not overly distorted, one of my pet hates. You are one of the best teachers out there, thanks and please keep up the good work this is quality stuff my man.
You are a great player and teacher. Thank you.
nailed the tone! Nice lesson, Knopfler is a god!
Great lesson and you've saved me a quite a few hours working out what he was doing. I like your attitude too totally unpatronizing.
This was in today’s email, so I figured I’d comment on tone. If you don’t have a Wah pedal, the best way to get that sound is with a humbucking guitar (like Andy’s Les Paul-a Strat didn’t work for me), a fuzz box, use the bridge pickup, and roll the tone knob all the way down. Adjust the fuzz til you get the tone that sounds right.
That’s what worked for me. Not that I played it well, but I got the sound. 😂
Such a spot on lesson. Thank you so much for noticing those incredible nuances!
This is the best video I've seem for this on the Tube. Nicely done. I might be able to actually learn this now from your work. I know how much time and effort doing these videos take so thank you for your efforts. You are a great guitarist and wish i could be 1/10th as good.
That was spot on chief... thanks a lot for this. You are right about how much more there is to it than just getting the lick right though, in my opinion knopfler is playing with his guitar and with the audio gear and his rig as well. Seems to me he is having the time of his life during his recording session (more than 8 minutes !) and never seems to have played like that recording; live or othewise again.
Shivers running down my spine. awesome!
Can we give the man a very well deserved million views?!!
You are a great teacher! Probably one of the best I've seen on RUclips.
Jeff Lagneaux Thanks so much Jeff! cheers
You're welcome brother. You are an
amazing person. You are giving the gift of music to hundreds of thousands of people. I've downloaded several of your videos and plan to learn some good songs from them. Thanks again. What's your name?
Really digging the frequency of these tunes!
Just spot on and you are truly a remarkable player and instructor. This is a bitch of a lick and you break it down nicely. Thank you.
Jeff Clapton777 Thanks Jeff!
Yeah Jeff Andy is the best out there. He has an extensive amount of education, experience and natural talent. I've tried to research Andy but can not find who he played or plays with currently. I've asked him before he didn't reply. So I just took it as he didn't see my post or he wants to ensure privacy. I respect both. Ok God bless you Jeff and Andy and all.
I've been watching your videos for quite some time, very helpful, extremely intricate. Your knowledge and interpretations of sound in songs are impeccable. Great videos!!
Hey recently I decided to learn this song and so found plenty of tutorials
This song is 99% THE WAY YOU PLAY and 1% the tabs
And your video is THE ONLY ONE dedicating time to the way you must play
Thanks a lot for detailed efforts
I subscribed and activated notifies
Much thanks ! You have a way of saying as well as playing what is needed to get thru to my thick head. Thanks for sharing.
This is a fantastic tutorial, I thank you so much! Step by step, gorgeous teaching! Wow!!!
Appretiation moment: Probably the whole channel s demonetized due copyright claims and this guy keeps uploading videos and teaching us. I bet you guys did not think of that. Thanks Mr guitar teacher
Sounds great. I was always told he didnt use a half cocked wah. I usually roll the tone back without the wah but i think a half cocked wah sounds more like it truthfully
You are a great teacher - really clear up the finer points. And so clearly! Thank you. Thanks for not over-teaching :)
Sir. Thank you, so much for the time and effort you have put in to this video.
I believe you have replicated everything as Mark Knopfler intended. Right down to the finest nuances.
With your help, and a reasonable amount of effort, I can now play one of the greatest tunes, ever!!!
seemingly the only person who plays this correctly on youtube
Excellent...the best lesson on this intro yet!
Knopfler is a great player who is hard to figure out. Your rendition sounds as good or better...thanks, adding this to my library today!
gearmeister Thanks!
Very nice video. I remember listening to the beginning of this song over and over when I was a kid, it was this riff that really got me into rock and wanting to play guitar.
Love this guy's guitar man! Thanks for posting!
Thank you so much for the AWESOME lesson!
Best tutorial of one of rocks all time best riffs.. And you are right ...it is VERY frustrating to get that thumb and claw technique down. There is so much intricate detail in this riff , and you mastered it beautifully. Subscribed!
fantastic video! not only nailed the tone, but nailed a good lesson :)
thanks!!
best tutorial of this song so far! very nice! Thanks for sharing
As has been said you are amazing - such patience and skill working out tunes. Love all that you do. To copy MK absolutely to the "t" one would have to be as musically brilliant as he is. In my opinion he is undoubtedly the best guitarist on the planet barre none.
eagle52 Thank you. Yeah MK is a special player for sure. cheers
your lesson on this song is the best. I saw other videos for this song and your sound and notes are right on!! Cheers!
+Vineet Goel As awesome as this lesson is, I think one thing that is missing is the timing information. It would be nice if you could talk about what section of riffs start at what beat etc.
Another "master class" from a top guitarist! Many thanks for sharing.
great lesson for a really tricky riff, great advice too
Great, great lesson. The best on youTube by far. THANK YOU :) Now I just have 2 practice it a 1,000x's
This one was always tricky for me, it sounds like he double the guitar tracks in the studio with slight variations on each track. This sounds spot on though, nice playing!
When I someday nail this riff, I’m buying myself a new guitar!! 💕
That is one beast of a riff.
Best lick of all time
🎵 For more information on this lesson and the TAB: www.shutupandplay.ca/money-for-nothing--rhythm.html
✌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Quick Question :
Did you Coil Split the Pickups ?
Жаль я не знаю английского, мне плохо понятно, приходится только смотреть. It's a pity I don't know English, I don't understand it well, I just have to watch it.
Awesome Lesson Brother!
Im learning this With my Band and I Wonder what Knopfler is gonna Play in the Verse and the chorus ?
You've nailed it once again. Bravo! I recall reading ages ago that Knopfler also used a wah the same way you are for his tone on this song. Good ear.
I really appreciate the time , energy, and effort put forth!!! Everything from the black sheet in the background to your sharp black long sleeve sweater, just adds class to all of your vids!!! Dif. One of the best on the Tube!!!! Hopefully soon I will be in a place where I can donate so I can SUPPORT THE CAUSE!!!!
Chris Claypool Thanks Chris.
Great ear you have and excellent lesson! Thank you for this!
Great lesson, Thanks! I always wanted to learn this Riff by ear but it always eluded me. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.