Mark Knopfler

Approval Rate: 75%

75%Approval ratio

Reviews 34

Sort by:
  • by

    lgchandler2011

    Thu Dec 22 2011

    A style all his own.

  • by

    knopflerdirest_raits

    Mon Aug 16 2010

    Oh man, Knopfler is so good... He can play slow, but great solos (for example in 'Brothers In Arms') or very fast solos ('Sultans Of Swing'). He talks with his guitar, shares his feelings ('Tunnel Of Love') or writes and plays just epic songs ('Telegraph Road'). One of the greatest riffs of all time is made by him ('Money For Nothing') and funny riffs too ('Walk Of Life'). Solos you won't hear immediately, but which are great ('Lady Writer') or short, prominent solos ('Calling Elvis'). I think Knopfler can play all kinds of guitar and that's why he is so amazing.

  • by

    samiam

    Sat Aug 29 2009

    I've always thought Knopfler's talent was best expressed in the line from Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" about "guitar George"..."he knows all the chords but it's strictly rhythm, he doesn't want to make it cry or sing". Knopfler is from the "less is more" school of playing and seems to favor sparse licks over fiery solos like his opening in "Money for Nothing". His best work yet was with Chet Atkins on the "Neck & Neck" album; particularly on a track called "Tahitian Skies".

  • by

    front476

    Fri Jan 23 2009

    A very talented musician! Many times he doesn't recieve the credit that he probably should. I think many people just weren't too familiar with some of his work.

  • by

    caroline112

    Wed Oct 08 2008

    luv his bluesy sound...his playing made dire straits

  • by

    snowjack

    Thu Sep 18 2008

    Mark is the best guitarist I have ever heard

  • by

    the_masked_cracka

    Tue Aug 19 2008

    a very underrated player

  • by

    veepee78

    Tue Aug 05 2008

    Sultan of Swing!

  • by

    bigbirdwpg

    Thu Jul 31 2008

    Most musical of any. I can listen to his music all day, which is not something I can of any other player/singer.

  • by

    beauman

    Thu Jul 24 2008

    Better than santana

  • by

    lloyd985

    Thu Jun 26 2008

    80's Rock

  • by

    twansalem

    Mon Jun 23 2008

    Did some great work with possibly the greatest guitarist of all time, Chet Atkins.

  • by

    kinger75002

    Fri Jun 20 2008

    What are you kidding me?  He is a guitarist, not a great guitarist.

  • by

    frankswildyear_s

    Tue Jun 10 2008

    He has a remarkable, maybe even unique ability to fire off a blistering solo nestled in the context of a laid back groove. Is also quite versatile, excelling at riff driven hard rock, exemplified by the album Making Movies, atmospheric soundscapes, like on the album Love Over Gold and simple folk/blues as was evident on much of the first two Dire Straits albums and a lot of his solo work.  While he's not the greatest guitarist to ever strap on a Fender, he is a solid technician who caught a wave in the late 70's early 80's and rode it with fine style and grace, never embarrassing himself.  He had the good sense to retreat to a tasteful country gentleman status that has served his legacy well.

  • by

    tekaris

    Sat May 17 2008

    Knopfler is not just one of the best guitar players of all time but he has the soul of a poet and a style like no other. He is difficult to imitate so not many try. I bow to his masterful handling of the instrument. His surreal solos seem to transcend time.

  • by

    lemberg

    Sun Mar 16 2008

    I dont like his style.

  • by

    onehorse

    Fri Mar 14 2008

    In 1994 I heard a song on the radio called "When It Comes To You" by John Anderson and immediately called the station to find out who played the guitar on that particular song. (As I already knew but had to ask) It was Mark Knopfler. His distinct playing style puts him in the top 5 of all time in my book.

  • by

    angryjed

    Mon Dec 03 2007

    Considering all the great things people say about his playing, but I've yet to hear anything that wows me. Give him credit for playing guitar in the age of disco.

  • by

    dangerhouse

    Mon Sep 24 2007

    Has contributed little to the genre.

  • by

    johnnybgoode

    Thu Sep 20 2007

    Phrasing, touch, feel, timing, melody. I listened to countless guitarists over the last 30 years. The majority are all superb in their own right. Yet I also seem to return to the "Knop". Definitely right up there with the very best. The guy's done it all as far as I'm concerned...stadium supergroup etc. Now he can record what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants. I can't see anyone turning down a chance to work with Mr. Knopfler. Everyone has their own opinion and rightly so but for me Mark is an inspirational player.

  • by

    astromike

    Wed Sep 12 2007

    I would say he's in the top 10.  I mean I don't even think the guy used a guitar pick.  Thats hard to do, takes talent.

  • by

    srsherr

    Thu Aug 23 2007

    if not the greatest guitarist of all time (he has to be top 5); he is the smoothest player ever

  • by

    rikadog

    Wed Jul 11 2007

    A true musician and superb player

  • by

    skinandbones

    Mon Jul 02 2007

    He really influenced me when I was young

  • by

    creamysoda

    Sat Apr 14 2007

    Sentimental and cheesy

  • by

    wistler

    Wed Apr 04 2007

    Knopfler MUST be underrated! I find it hard to break him down in some ways, but I must plead some ignorance as I don't know Dire Straits as well as I SHOULD.  I heard him collaborate with others and the obvious comes to mind too-" Sultans of Swing "has some sweet playing-a real command of his instrument and such a fluid sound. And yes, his sound is NOT flashy.  I definately appreciate his musicanship as a team player, evident just from listening to his instrument.  Now, much differently in style, he tears up that "Money for Nothing" song with a killer hook, and again, there's nothing overbearing about his musical sensibilities....I need to listen to more Knopfler for sure!

  • by

    redoedo

    Thu Mar 22 2007

    Terribly underrated. His modesty, lack of flash and quiet brilliance is likely the cause for this, but it makes his talent no less evident. One of the greats and certainly deserving of a higher position on this list.

  • by

    ilikepie

    Fri Mar 09 2007

    He can play the honky-tonk like anything...Great guitarist, doesn't need to be brutal with his axe, his bittersweet and melodic tones make great listening. 'Sultans of Swing' and 'King's Call' are perfect examples of this.

  • by

    victor83

    Fri Mar 09 2007

    I agree with markgtrplyr. Here is a guy who can actually PLAY a guitar....not just make it scream with amps and reverb. Without a doubt, one of the best ever.Update: Now this is the best guitar player of all time. There...now the Van Halen/ hendrix guys can get off each other and attack me.

  • by

    irishgit

    Fri Mar 09 2007

    I always think of Knopfler as a guy who kind of sneaks up on you as a guitarist, rather than knocking you on your ass with power or jaw-dropping riffs. That's not an insult, nor is it meant to be. The guy is a superlative musician.

  • by

    petemomp

    Wed Feb 28 2007

    Absolutely amazing the sound this guy can coax from his guitar. Anyone who can not only make each note sound beautiful but also has such great melody is 5 star in my book. Shame on you lot who dont rate him.

  • by

    koilman

    Tue Feb 27 2007

    My favorite guitarist of all time! Has an unbelievable ability to make a guitar talk....not scream. After all, its not about how many notes you can play, but more about what you convey with the ones you do.

  • by

    hiccup

    Thu Feb 22 2007

    I love the extreme polarization in votes for Knopfler.  I'm definitely closer to the 5-Star side of things.  This guy can play a guitar like no other...well, almost no other.  I have seen several live videos of this guy in concert and while his stage presence is nothing to turn heads, his hands are magic.  And while I don't usually base votes of skill on pure speed, some of Mark's solos make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end...and that's something special.  He can pick a guitar better than any guitarist that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.  Also, I find his deadpan expression and flat delivery of his lyrics quite amusing.

  • by

    watergrass

    Tue Jan 16 2007

    I like Mark, cant argue with the music, fantastic numbers. I just wish Dire Straits would come up with a tour or something. It's been too long.