Want to play like Mark Knopfler | You need this FRAILING TECHNIQUE

Hi Everyone,
A viewer recently asked for a more in depth look at how Mark Knopfler does his frailing technique on the guitar.
I have put this video together to look at how this is done. Hope you enjoy it and can get something out of it to use in your playing.
Keep practising!
Phil

[@philcaffrey]

If you like my videos and would like to show your appreciation, you can do that by clicking the SUPER THANKS button or going to: www.buymeacoffee.com/philcaffrey . It will really help me to build the channel.

[@Guto-df3hq]

Muito obrigado! Valeu demais Phil😎🎸

[@ThreeRoses36]

Hi Phil, I just brought back to Oz my beautiful old Squier Strat that I had as a kid and decided to make this video my first guitar tutorial to learn how to play it. It is a brilliant insight into MK's style and a great place for me to start! Thank you, Carine

[@philcaffrey]

That's awesome Carine. Those old Squiers are top notch. I am very chuffed that you are going to use one of my videos to let it shine. Good luck and happy practising.

[@craigbriscoe9237]

Thanks for this. Such a useful technique!

[@blhowes]

FANTASTIC tutorial - thank you, Phil!!

[@philcaffrey]

Absolutely my pleasure. 👍

[@stevenelson6895]

Many thanks Phil, top work as always !!! #toon 😊

[@baronsecuna]

Thanks again so much for the great instruction..you are awesome

[@philcaffrey]

Thank you so much. And thanks for your support. 👍

[@mikloskanyo710]

Thanks a lot for this!! 🙏 Would you say this is also a basis of the rhythm of sultans of swing (with a slight variation)? If you could possibly do a video on that it would be much appreciated! I've seen so many videos but the way you've shown this is by far the best of all. Looking forward to more content! 🤓

[@philcaffrey]

Thanks Miklos - I really appreciate the comment. Yes, I agree, MK definitely uses this in Sultans. The more I study his work, the more I realise that this is the basis for many of his songs. I will definitely do a Sultans related video on this - good idea. 👍

[@rudy73000]

Really interesting that the bass is not played only with the thumb, i never noticed. Might be helpful on my learning of "Done with Bonaparte". Big thanks !

[@philcaffrey]

I think you're right Rudy. I'll have to go and listen again to Bonaparte and play along. Thanks for the content and support - appreciated.

[@Ahmed-kv4up]

WE Can count : 1-2and- 3- 4and. Strong Beats with thumb. Other figure: 1and2and3and4and( T Up down Up T Up down Up). Thanks for the explanation.

[@viervalen]

How do you stop the strings after the nails downstroke?

[@philcaffrey]

To stop the strings after the downstroke, use the pads of your fingers. It's all about timing, so start slow, letting the strings ring at first before stopping them. Gradually reduce the time between the downstroke and the stop. This will reduce the amount of ring. Eventually, there will be almost no gap between the downstroke of the nails and the pads stopping the strings. Experiment and find the sweet spot. It can be frustrating at first, but stick with it and you'll be fine. 👍

[@jerryfields4837]

are you righthanded or southpaw sir?

[@philcaffrey]

Hi Jerry. I'm a southpaw, but I flip my vids so that is easier for righties to follow. Sometimes I forget which makes me look confused or completely ambidextrous. I'm often the former but sadly not the latter.

[@jasper_north]

Knopfler sticks out his thumb much more? And his fingers inside his fist???

[@philcaffrey]

He does you are right. I'm sure that not doing it to quite that extreme fundamentally changes the technique, but I'm happy to stand corrected. 🤓

[@jasper_north]

@@philcaffrey When I read about it most say it’s the wanted technique… I don’t know. Looks good!