Quick Licks - Mark Knopfler

Dive into the intricate guitar world of Mark Knopfler with our "Quick Licks - Mark Knopfler" tutorial series at Licklibrary.com. This extensive collection of lessons is designed to help guitarists of all levels explore the unique techniques of one of rock's most distinctive players. Let's examine the core techniques featured in this series and understand their importance for any aspiring guitarist. This course is taught by Jamie Humphries.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 great licks in the style of Joe Satriani. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Classic Strat tone guide
• Finger picking
• Lead guitar work
• Pentatonic bending 
• D natural minor scale soloing 
• Double and triple stops

Technique Breakdown

Classic Strat Tone Guide

The Classic Strat tone, synonymous with Knopfler's sound, is a focus of our lessons. You'll learn how to achieve that renowned crisp, bell-like Stratocaster sound, including the right EQ settings and pickup choices. This tone is fundamental for various music styles and is a vital element in replicating Knopfler's sound.

Finger Picking

Knopfler's unconventional approach to guitar involves prominent finger-picking, which allows for nuanced string interaction. Our tutorials emphasize developing finger independence, enabling the simultaneous articulation of complex rhythmic patterns and melodies. This technique not only adds textural richness to your playing but also ensures a fluid transition between notes.

Lead Guitar Work

Explore the essence of Knopfler’s melodic lead guitar techniques. Our lessons break down how he constructs emotionally resonant solos with a narrative quality. They emphasize developing a story-like progression in your solos, integrating his signature legato style and dynamic expressiveness.

Pentatonic Bending

Learn to master pentatonic bends, a key feature of Knopfler's expressive style. Our lessons focus on executing these bends with precision and emotion, vital for adding depth and feeling to your playing. This technique is essential for bringing life to simple pentatonic scales.

D Natural Minor Scale Soloing

Knopfler often employs the D natural minor scale for its somber, rich tones. Our tutorials guide you through utilizing this scale in your solos, allowing you to add a moodier, more introspective quality to your improvisations and compositions.

Double and Triple Stops

The lessons also delve into double and triple stops, where you play two or three strings simultaneously, often with bends to create a fuller sound. This technique enriches your riffs and is a potent way to craft memorable musical phrases.

Benefits of Practicing with a Backing Track

Incorporating these techniques with a backing track, as featured in our lessons, is crucial. Practicing with backing tracks helps integrate the licks into musical scenarios, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and adaptability to different harmonic contexts. It’s an effective way to prepare for live playing and jam sessions.

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Style

Mark Knopfler, celebrated for his role in Dire Straits, is known for his fluid finger-picking style, blending rock with jazz and blues elements. His distinctive approach, characterized by a clear, articulate touch on the strings, is a study in expressive, narrative-driven guitar playing. Learning his style teaches the importance of selective note use, dynamics, and the guitar's expressive range.

Technique List

Here's a list of techniques that you will explore in the "Quick Licks - Mark Knopfler" series:

• Vibrato
• Finger Picking
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Sustain

Whether you're just starting your guitar journey or are a seasoned player looking to delve deeper into Mark Knopfler's unique style, the "Quick Licks - Mark Knopfler" series has something to offer. These lessons are tailored to enhance your technical skills while immersing you in the stylistic nuances of a guitar legend.