Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)

How to Achieve the Mark Knopfler Guitar Sound from “Money for Nothing”

Many guitarists, especially beginners, struggle to capture the exact sound of iconic musicians. Mark Knopfler’s tone on Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” stands out because it’s quite different from his usual bright, snappy Stratocaster sound heard on tracks like “Sultans of Swing.” Instead, Knopfler went for something thicker, more robust, and packed with mid-range punch, perfectly matching the song’s gritty attitude.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark Knopfler used a Les Paul guitar, a departure from his usual Fender Strat.
• A heavy, mid-focused distortion defines the “Money for Nothing” tone.
• The secret ingredient: a wah pedal set in a fixed position.

Behind the Tone: Choosing the Right Gear

It’s common for beginners to assume that Mark Knopfler always plays his iconic red Stratocaster, but “Money for Nothing” showcases his versatility using a Gibson Les Paul. He specifically employed the guitar’s bridge humbucker, giving him a powerful output that’s rich in mids and capable of achieving a thick distortion. For many beginners, adapting to the differences between single-coil and humbucker pickups can feel challenging initially. Each requires subtle adjustments in playing style and gear settings.

Interestingly, Knopfler’s gear choice for this track included a small Laney amplifier, which wasn’t his typical setup. Though uncommon at the time, Laney amps offered a distinct British crunch. Since this exact amplifier is rare today, guitarists often rely on pedals that mimic British-style distortion, such as the Way Huge Superlead. By turning the drive up to about three o’clock, you’ll push your pedal into heavy distortion territory, just right for capturing the signature tone. Remember, too much brightness can ruin this tone, so keep the pedal’s tone knob rolled back, roughly around ten o’clock.

A Little Ambience Goes a Long Way

While experimenting with distortion, many beginners overlook the critical role of reverb. On “Money for Nothing,” there’s significant plate reverb used to emulate a studio ambience, contributing greatly to the overall feel of the song. Don’t be timid: turning the reverb mix higher can dramatically enhance your tone. Just be cautious: too much reverb can muddy your playing, especially during solos or intricate rhythm sections.

The Secret Sauce: The Fixed Wah Technique

Guitar history is full of clever little tricks guitarists use to create signature tones. Knopfler employed a “parked” wah pedal, an approach popularized by guitar legends like Frank Zappa and Michael Schenker. Setting your wah pedal in one position boosts specific mid-range frequencies, giving your guitar a vocal-like quality. This technique requires patience; you’ll need to carefully tweak the pedal’s position to find the perfect resonant frequency. Once it’s dialed in, resist the urge to move it, that sweet spot is crucial to maintaining the iconic sound.

If you’re having trouble initially, you’re not alone. Beginners frequently overuse wah pedals, resulting in a tone that’s too sharp or harsh. Instead, subtlety and patience are key. Finding the right position can transform your tone from average to impressive.

Final Tips for Your Practice

• Use a guitar equipped with a humbucker pickup, preferably in the bridge position.
• Select a British-style distortion pedal to emulate the Laney amplifier.
• Experiment thoroughly with your wah pedal’s position before committing to your final tone.

By carefully following these recommendations, you’ll be well-equipped to emulate one of rock’s most recognizable guitar sounds. Dive in, experiment thoughtfully, and don’t hesitate to revisit your settings regularly as your ears and skills develop.