| REVIEWER | RATING & REVIEW |
 | beau625 (0)
07/24/2008 | Better than santana
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | FancyNancy (0)
07/03/2008 | What a diverse guitarist! He is truly a virtuoso player...and fast!!!
Sultans of swing is amazing work!
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | twansalem (36)
06/23/2008 | Did some great work with possibly the greatest guitarist of all time, Chet Atkins.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | kinger75002 (0)
06/20/2008 | What are you kidding me? He is a guitarist, not a great guitarist.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | FranksWildYears (48)
06/10/2008 | 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.
(6 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | DynaSword11252 (27)
06/10/2008 | If he is underrated, then so is Jill Yan, Yan is a genius!
(4 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | tekaris (0)
05/17/2008 | 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.
(2 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | lemberg (0)
03/16/2008 | I dont like his style.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| OneHorse (0)
03/14/2008 | 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.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | jel (0)
03/14/2008 | mark is the best guitar player...
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| stuartmcewen (0)
02/28/2008 | Music is personal, for me he is the best.
(1 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
| angryjed (2)
12/03/2007 | 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.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | DAON (0)
11/14/2007 | A very beautiful player and a very good songwritter!
(0 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
| dangerhouse (0)
09/24/2007 | Has contributed little to the genre.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | johnnybgoode (0)
09/20/2007 | 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.
(1 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | Astromike (18)
09/12/2007 | 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.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| srsherr (0)
08/23/2007 | if not the greatest guitarist of all time (he has to be top 5); he is the smoothest player ever
(0 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | rikadog (0)
07/11/2007 | A true musician and superb player
(1 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | skinandbones (1)
07/02/2007 | He really influenced me when I was young
(0 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | aussiemat (0)
06/29/2007 | The Celtic thread of Knopfler's style is haunting and unforgettable. Take the top ten guitarist of all time and have them play the same song and the only one you can pick out clearly is Knopfler.
(1 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
| creamysoda (0)
04/14/2007 | Sentimental and cheesy
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| wistler (2)
04/04/2007 | 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!
(3 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | Redoedo (39)
03/22/2007 | 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.
(6 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
| curtisstambay (0)
03/11/2007 | The master of feminine guitar.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | Victor83 (35)
03/09/2007 | 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.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | irishgit (138)
03/09/2007 | 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.
(3 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
 | ILikePie (49)
03/09/2007 | 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.
(5 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | petemomp (0)
02/28/2007 | 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.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | koilman (0)
02/27/2007 | 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.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Hiccup (0)
02/22/2007 | 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.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| markgtrplyr (0)
02/14/2007 | There may be guys who are technically more proficient than Mark Knopfler - you know the guys I'm talking about - they'll play 38,240 32nd "souless" sterile notes in 4 seconds with ten fingers and 8 toes - but I doubt there's a more tasteful guitarist on the planet.
And for those pinheads who claim he's boring or nothing more than a rhythm player at best, give the outro solo to Speedway At Nazereth a listen and then come back and tell me he's a "boring" player.
I once read an interview where Mark's good friend - Eric Clapton - actually admitted to feeling "intimidated" every time he took the stage with Knopfler.
That comment sums up how good this guy is and how respected he is by other players.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | watergrass (1)
01/16/2007 | 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.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | Chrisrianna (14)
01/09/2007 | A good rhythm guitarist at best.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| jackr (0)
01/08/2007 | Best guitarist i have ever heard both live and recorded in the studio. The best technical guitarist of the century. Best finger style guitarist ever, i.e. classical gas. Can adapt a great solo to any song. Even though is an old now he can still kick the ass of any other guitarist.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| kiwimatt (1)
01/08/2007 | by far the best i have ever heard live - ppl here knocking him have obviously never heard him play
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| johnsimmons (0)
01/01/2007 | The Greatest living guitar player. Since Chet Atkins passed.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | wes101010 (0)
01/01/2007 | Champion. Can use a pick as well as other artists but is easily one of the best fingerpickers in the world. Played in bands with other greats like Clapton, Elton John, Chet Atkins, BB King, Sting & Phill Collins. A great guitarist overall.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| watumbi (0)
12/03/2006 | Overrated and boring.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | lawrencefamily99 (0)
11/28/2006 | Very clean style of playing, has nice riffs and phrasing, not flashy, but way over rated.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | bassman44113 (16)
09/02/2006 | I really enjoy Marks playing. One of the best concerts Ive ever seen was Mark Knopfler playing with Eric Clapton. It was outstanding!
(5 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| taikamya (0)
08/07/2006 | after Paco de Lucia and EC, he is the 3rd acoustic guitarist god...
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Limpin' Trenchfoot (16)
07/26/2006 | Only on the basis of his guitar skills 5 stars. He's got a very individual tone which comes largely from his right hand technique and most important he's tasteful and economical in his playing. The 1st 2 or 3 albums were pretty good then Dire Straits lost it when they went Stateside and megaplatinum. Sultans of Swing yes, The Walk , no way.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| angelontheisland (0)
06/11/2006 | Limp dick guitarist.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| lakesidebluewaterglad... (1)
05/22/2006 | One of the best guitarists of all time in his genre.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| sabcat (0)
05/20/2006 | What can this guy not do on a guitar?
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| SammieW (0)
05/16/2006 | Beautiful rifts.
Equally accomplished on acoustic as on electric.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| leftfinger (2)
04/17/2006 | Tasty player. Thinks about what he's playing - can play the flashy licks but chooses not to most of the time.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| lightfinger2000 (2)
04/01/2006 | pretty darn good player but not a top 20
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Rockon64 (2)
03/28/2006 | If the great Chet Atkins thinks he's good enogh to play on his album, who am I to argue? Love the solos in "Sultans of Swing".
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| tossa (0)
03/25/2006 | No way. Not even close.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| brownfinger (0)
03/17/2006 | Very feminine lead guitarist. Lacks grunt and balls
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | doobiesNhof (21)
03/15/2006 | Often overlooked, Knopfler is a remarkable guitarist and is one of the best ever to stroke the strings. Founder of Dire Straits and has had a brilliant solo career also.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| downeastdon (0)
03/14/2006 | What can I say? They just don't get any better than Mark Knopfler!! Best of all time- hands down!!
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| stevehowedammit (0)
02/24/2006 | The best guitarist of the top 7 rated here, no doubt. Melodic player who plays just the right note without over kill associated with many other guitarists
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| fordie020376 (0)
12/21/2005 | Quite Simply the GREATEST Guitarist of all time. Just watch the guy play live & appreciate not only his top songs but his sheer stage presense and ability to play guitar like no other.
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| norman342 (0)
12/19/2005 | just an average guy over rated
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| adous (0)
11/20/2005 | he is greatist guitarist
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| stevie vai (0)
09/12/2005 | not verry interesting songs and is boring
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| va_libertarian (0)
08/03/2005 | Unbelievbable talent. Knopfler has the uncanny knack of matching his style to the song. Rather than constant pyrotechnics that some seem to prefer, from Knopfler you hear an amazing range of playing styles.
He also seems equally at home on acoustic guitar and Dobro, in addition to his many electrics.
There simply is no one else like him.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| musicprof (1)
07/29/2005 | One of the most over-looked and under-rated players of all time. His work with Dire Straits and as a solo or guest picker is easily recognizable and always spot-on!
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Foxinkent (0)
06/01/2005 | Totally unique, efficient and effective. Never a bum note.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| alpepper (21)
12/02/2004 | Maybe not up there with Hendrix, but Mark Knopfler's chops were distinctive. Sultans of Swing, Lady Writer, Money for Nothing, Brothers in Arms are just a few of his great songs with Knopfler's great guitar in there.
(4 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Saronix (0)
11/27/2004 | Dont get me wrong, Dire straits were amazing, but i also think Mark wasnt that great.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| JagDeepView (0)
05/01/2004 | The heart and soul of Dire Straits, Knopflers crystal-clear solos and softly spoken vocals make up a most relaxed evening U may have...
(5 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Daley (0)
03/05/2004 | the unique style of Knopfler. great
(3 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
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