how to play "Sultans Of Swing" on guitar by Dire Straits | PART 1 | RHYTHM & FILLS | guitar lesson

[@verncrouch8549]

Being a drummer before I picked up guitar, I'm betting Mark is doing those little muted thumb clicks to help him keep time. Great tutorial! I'm learning a lot!

[@claudebelanger8524]

As a guitar player myself I can appreciate the work you put in to showing people the entire song. Well done!

[@nigel8649]

I've been playing for decades and I wish there were lessons like this in the '70s, but basically, you had to learn by ear. This guy has a great ear.

[@oldrrocr]

incredible content! thank you!

[@Franklin-pc3xd]

Agreed, and I swear that if I see anybody posting derogatory comments about the length of the video or that the narrator talks too much, I will IMMEDIATELY put that commentator ON REPORT to the KZbin Moderation Battalion for racist and bullying commentary.

[@CHlEFFIN]

I have been playing guitar for about 16 years now, since I was the age of 12 years old. I do not hesitate to say that this single video gave me the biggest jump in dynamics, subtleness and awareness regarding my space within a band in those years… excellent lesson about an absolute MASTERCLASS in guitar playing.

[@willwilburn9473]

I'm recently physically recovered form a serious head injury that re-wired my brain circuits and I can't play anymore. Learning over from scratch. Love your teaching style. Nobody else, that I've found yet, goes through how they have their sound set up. I'll be at your website. Putting this whole lesson up for free will probably get you more paid students, count me as one. THANKS !

[@michael7v6]

William Wilburn good luck. Keep at it. Whatever happened guitar will help heal.

[@djanitatiana]

William, good luck mate, no doubt it's unbelievably frustrating. Hang in there.

[@christiansanders1]

This song has quite possibly my favorite guitar work ever. I’ve only been playing for about a year and a half but I’m prepared to spend the next year and a half learning to play it. The right hand technique, the blending of rhythm and lead in Mark’s playing, there’s so much to learn from this song.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

It takes a lot of time and dedication to learn, but it will be worth it! Cheers, Andy.

[@apachepete4967]

I've seen quite a few " tutors " . . BUT, you Sir, are BY FAR the BEST.

[@terrywood3883]

I’ve been listening to this song since it came out. Always focused more on the solo. But now I have an even more appreciation for all the great fills. I may never learn to play this, but it sure fun watching you break this down. Very satisfying. Almost like watching a skilled mechanic build an engine.

[@davebb36]

Have you ever loved a song so much that you never get sick of it? Bingo !

[@gp85hkg]

I have quite an eclectic taste in music, Dave BB, from the 50's 'til present... but this is my all time favourite (".)

[@Pepperman86]

This one and Ladywritter, its like you're hearing always for the first time

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

Have you ever loved a sing so much you hesitate to learn it. Theres some songs I dont wanna learn bcuz it might change my perspective of it. Yes I'm stupid sorry

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

And this guy missed the pic scrapes. He mentioned it but its important. See why I dont learn songs I love

[@badkatrising3918]

@@theateroftheabsurd2168 underrated comment. Lot of CSNY are like that for me because I’m just a single guitarist

[@thomaspeters5889]

Wow. He uses chord names instead of the painstaking version of string, fret and finger. And a soothing unoffensive approach.

[@erl00558]

Yea! I hate scathing offensive approaches! That approach just doesn’t work with me

[@nemem02]

Oh ❤ I thought I was the only one, yes this the way it should be. Helps in remembering phrases also.

[@jamesfewell2100]

I was 72 born...i remember as kid fell head over heels for this song ... my God man I'm learning this song...im trippin balls San..Mark Knopfler.. it doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing when you hear this song ..you will know by the first chord strummed..hands down excellent lessons floating hands..lol i always like your teachings like i get just excited when you hit the bad ass fill-ins..man amazing thank you now i got some work to do..for real..🎭👍🤓👊

[@CDgrorg]

The way you teach, the clean playing you show, explaining exactly what needs to be explained. You're getting a 5/5 from me, you're teaching, playing and attitude are inspiring. You also have great tone in these videos, highest quality! Thanks for making these videos!

[@drexel11041]

Not sure why 18 people would give this a thumbs down?? By far this is the best lesson I've seen for this song. Thank you for posting!

[@martinguitars2109]

Only losers do thumbs down bro No worries

[@voronOsphere]

18 jackasses voted thumbs down.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Chris P, I agree, what's not to love about this video! These videos are amazing, what a great teacher.

[@creativerefinishingunlimit3589]

Because they play it wrong Prolly can’t learn it right

[@paulyoung4781]

Because they cant play it!! Haha that's probably why mate they probably have gave up

[@seb250cr]

This is where you understand Mark Knopfler's a genius

[@victorgarciaruiz348]

0

[@fredericmilenkovic9950]

Bien vrai

[@Mach1Airspace]

And Andy's - our incredible tutor.

[@skatetodeath666]

2

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

Yeah bcuz not that I can even come close but the real shit they nailed it son

[@peterkossits4794]

I don't think anyone has ever shown that great little calypso bit in the rhythm! Thank you!

[@glx720]

Probably the lesson that will get you million views and follwers, and well deserved to say the least. You are the best thank you.

[@altadena57]

Very well said; I completely agree; one of the best teachers goin'

[@alex.ann_der]

It's a great lesson, but KZbin algorythm (Did I write it well?) recommends this a bit late. This should be in everyone's recommendations

[@michaeltuffin5002]

I agree I've checked them all and this guy is in the 3 best

[@michaeltuffin5002]

@@alex.ann_der yes

[@elijahfroment625]

Hes at 1 million views xD

[@CoopAroundTheWorld]

To me, this is the greatest rock song of all time. Though it’s about trying to make it as a swing band in an era where anything else with a guitar wants to be heard (“they don’t give a damn bout no trumpet playin band - it ain’t what they call rock n’ roll”), I think it speaks to the state of rock music and being in a band today. You struggle and struggle and struggle crafting your sound, but you can’t eat if you can’t play what everyone else wants to hear. Success then is about finding a real balance between your sound and generating enough appeal for strangers to listen, as the Dire Straits did crafting this gem in 1978 when swing was dying. Thanks for the lesson man

[@jd3410]

Great Lesson! Thank you!!! It will take me 20X longer to learn it than it did for you to put together this lesson. I am slow, but persistent and determined to be able to play this song.

[@anthonyvarghese960]

Imparting your music talent to rest of the world in a sincere way, makes you a class apart. Your in-depth knowledge about music theories (major & minor pentatonics etc..) is awesome. Even if the whole world is shut down, I pray that your "shut up & play" continue as long as you are alive. With your lesson, I learned all the fills & solos in a professional way. I bow my head before you, like a humble & thankful disciple to his Great Master ! May God Bless you.

[@ratliff79409]

This album is one of my favorites of all time... It defined an era!

[@luckydog-287]

Hope that you are feeling better!

[@gtr1952]

Thank you for taking the time to do these! I’ve been playing for ~50 years, I don’t read music or tabs, just use the Nashville system. I’ve picked up a lot of little tricks from you that have improved my playing, here and in other videos. Old cats can learn new tricks to, your about the only one I can watch 8)

[@JeromyBranch]

@gtr1952 I am with you bro. Us old dudes can still lick! Andy is an awesome teacher for sure. You should also check out Adrian on anyonecanplayguitar channel. He's a cool dude. He has a lot of interesting content, especially useful for innovating within your own songs.

[@chrisjrust]

This is a fantastic lesson. It was massively helpful for me to have purchased the tab from Shutup & Play to accompany the lesson. It was also massively helpful to use a Vidami pedal to be able to control the video speed (1x, 0.75x, 0.5x, 0.33x, 0.25x), play/pause, loop, jump back/forward 10 seconds. The lesson explains not only the notes, but what is going on. Great explanation of chord shapes, arpeggios, maj/minor pentatonic, bends, vibrato, hammers, flick-offs, muted ghost notes... By far the best one that I have found on the Internet.

[@badkatrising3918]

If you go back and listen to yourself teaching this with all the different licks and listen to yourself commenting on how that is the coolest lick almost every time. You will probably discover you Thoroughly enjoyed teaching this song and listening to this song. That makes a huge difference on presentation because it makes the listener as excited as you are learning all the new licks. Excellent job as always. Have a great holiday season

[@leonardhill4440]

You have made this the easiest to learn I mean to be honest I’ve been playing for awhile but avoided this song like the plague because I watched someone teach it and made it harder than what it is… thank you!

[@jnucleo]

This was Dire Strait's breakthrough song from my recollection back in the day and in my mind will be the song that defines the band. I've got album on LP, cassette and CD, now digital. One of the best albums IMHO. Mark Knopfler's lead licks on "Down to the Waterline" are so tight, he establishes himself as a guitar great on that track. Great lesson on this classic Andy. Keep 'em coming!

[@Kacee2]

Man. I have been playing guitar forever but I just can't get enough of this guys videos. They are all spot on.

[@fkncarl9302]

Arguably the best guitar song ever written.

[@SecretGuitarTeacher]

Thanks for this exceptionally good tutorial. Tiny point, but I hear the 'Time Bell rings' chord at 23:51 as an A7 rather than an A major. Confess I had to listen to it about 100 times to be sure!

[@revelacia]

One of the most well presented guitar tutorials I've seen...

[@AdrianoPedrasPreciosas]

Depois de 5 anos estou aqui novamente assistindo, está música é a mais preferida por músicos do mundo inteiro, meus parabéns

[@stevewoan6]

I love your guitar lessons sir. I have looked at many others, most dont measure up. I have recommended you to friends, alot. If something is very good, quality is important, why not promote it!? Ive been playing for more than 40 years, consider myself an intermediate guitar player. Always loved this song, and doing my best with it. Thank you so much. All the best, Steve in Toronto, Canada

[@docwill184]

Anymore, this is one standard that proves you can really play. When I first heard this on the car radio I I ran in to tell the roomies, "Dylan's got this new song with this just KILLER guitar!" Next day, "I think it's called 'Sultans of Swing!"

[@rolandhansmann6089]

Looking at all those elements played in that song by you, just tells me that Mark Knopfler must be really out of this world! You're doing it amazing!

[@reps138]

this song is a massive undertaking to try and play ! all the variations of the riffs ...the fills..the leads..picking patterns ..its a beast of a song to play

[@willywonka2851]

One of the best lessons I've seen. Knopfler is definitely underrated.

[@jaycee2896]

Underrated....you got to be kidding!

[@fiddleandfart]

No, he's massively rated - by all discerning guitar-players! But, he's a modest man despite his immense guitar prowess, and song-writing legacy.

[@johnmalcolm4822]

Your teaching style works for me. It comes across that you really want more people to play great music. I have been playing for over 60 years but I'm glad I discovered your channel. As Dylan said "He who's not busy bein' born is busy dyin'"

[@gcrauwels941]

This song is just so well crafted. I never get tired of it. Thank you for breaking it down into sections. Excellent. I can somewhat play it now.

[@chrisplunkett159]

This is the best tutorial I've found, thanks for creating it.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

The original studio performance had Knopfler's brother playing the rhythm guitar, and he is actually very good, solid and constant - that was a classic 'in the shadow' situation, a bit like Ragnor Lothbrok and his mighty warrior brother Rolo!

[@docwill184]

To bad Mark is such a dick. Last I knew David lives, performs in Greece and Mark hadn't spoken to him in years.

[@jamiej14544]

You played this perfectly! There are a lot of chord inversions on the chord progression and licks that are based on the minor scale. They are not hard to play, but, as you said, there are a lot of them!

[@imannonymous7707]

Im really glad you always take a few mins to focus on the strum, its always where im weak and this one was no different ,so thanks Ive learned and forgotton this track 3xs

[@kiwasamuels463]

Ive forgoten it twice lol

[@BarefootBill]

Did you say 1878, no wonder the cowboys were dancing with the herd! Man, when this album was released all of us guitarist worked like dogs trying to get this tune down. Good work on this lesson! All of you young pickers should learn this tune. If played well enough, it always sits well with an audience! Edit: Made me breakout my first strat, a '63 and do a rendition. My ol super reverb and my wife are very happy with me today.

[@lukaivanisevic5212]

He said 1978

[@keeleye7225]

@@lukaivanisevic5212 No, he said 1878.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

William Copeland Irie !!! Big ups

[@westfield90]

Your Beatles lessons are amazing as are all your lessons. Your Revolution was the first lesson that I saw that was incredibly accurate.

[@darranedmundson1505]

Andy, please keep sneaking in the snippets of music/guitar theory. It is really useful to keep reenforcing how the notes in the fills relate to the underlying rhythm.

[@_-Skeptic-_]

I'm not trying to teach you or anything, I've learned from you many songs. As I started with classical guitar, I couldn't even play with a pick. Just play with your thumb and index finger for strumming, it's way easier, and for those fast arpeggios, they sound like that when you use three finger instead of only index finger (spanish style). You'll strum without moving your hand like when you are holding a pick. Great job, I love your lessons.

[@santosbelmarez8023]

Beautiful les Paul.

[@SimonM5]

Man I love this song, I heard it the other day and thought I need to try learn this. I'm very intermediate, at the low end of the scale, and this has been such a lesson in strumming, and fills! Took me nearly 3 weeks just to get the first two verses half decent! There's so much to remember but such a worthy challenge. You are such a great teacher🙏

[@Winterfell1066]

Thanks for the lesson. Been working on it all week and almost have it down.

[@Ramonsito1]

Thank you for a wonderful lesson on Mark Knopfler's masterful composition. You are definitely in your element as a teacher of music. Your love for the guitar and your appreciation for this great composition are evident - and infectious. Bravo!

[@mdub1762]

All I can say is thank you . Fortunately I had the skills to absorb everything and I your teaching skill reinforced themes about the importance of the CAGED idea in creating beautiful melodies and allowed me to finally understand this song at the deepest levels of the theory behind it . Thank you so much for your time.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

🎵 For more information on this lesson the DEMO and the TABS: www.shutupandplay.ca/sultans-of-swing--electric.html

[@tysonmyson3121]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jailsoncardoso7126]

Show!!! Suas aulas são excelentes. Magnífico!

[@jamesmoore5403]

Hey bro would you consider Molly Hatchet -Flirting with Disaster & Outlaws - Green Grass & High Tides? Theres no lessons ANYWHERE

[@yudiherdiana4979]

The only youtube channel that I trust when I want to learn a song

[@manishjaggi9392]

This is the first time I feel I can actually play this song! other covers and lessons are not as easy as this one. Amazon work.

[@domhaul1]

absolutely love this, this is the best tutorial channel i have found, you are amazing and a great teacher, THANK YOU

[@alanderson9711]

Thanks for making a vid that shows how easy it is to play this classic and how hard it is to get it tight and correct. Appreciation dial level set to 11.

[@bobarciero4097]

fantastic lesson !! your attention to detail in teaching us how to play these epic songs is special, thank you

[@philipcurley5257]

Clearest ,cleanest lesson ever. Thank you.

[@vanillaslice3016]

A masterwork of a lesson. Thank you for this 26+ minutes of instruction.

[@Jorgediaz0808]

I have watched tons of tutorials to learn how to play this amazing song and definitely this one is the BEST!!

[@Yumekui1166]

天才マークノップラーの楽曲が聴けるとは素晴らしい、ブラボー😂

[@Indianajoe47]

Andy, I am new to your site, but have been working on this song for the last couple of months. I am a senior, about Mark’s age, and a fan of his guitar playing for a long time. I look forward to taking what I have learned so far to another level with your help. I have enjoyed the guitar all my life. So thank you for sharing your musical talent.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thank you. Please check this out sometime: bit.ly/2V7koQj Cheers, Andy

[@joachimeldholm7673]

Another great lesson! Thank you for all the videos you've posted over the years with all being really well done!

[@ryanglambert]

"it's just such a great lick!" is said after basically every lick demo lol, Great job man!

[@1sylvan1]

It just amazes me how one can create these original riffs. I suppose that’s why they’re rich and famous! Thanks for the lessons!

[@cameronbriffa4302]

Man, I love the way you teach. Thanks. This one’s a bit beyond me at this stage - future goals!

[@damianbyers2316]

Andrew, many thanks. Another superb lesson, marked by your usual generosity, great ear, and perfect pace.

[@bobymox]

The amount of licks in this song is increible.Mark put all his skills in one song.👍

[@kenschachsieck1357]

I listened to this when it first posted, and again several other times, and again just now..so many fills. My old brain just can't retain them all..you're a great teacher, keep it up!

[@fersalamanca2606]

thank you for speaking in intervals, chords, notes, scales, modes.. instead of frets. This adds so much value to your explanation that is batshit crazy you offer these for free xD thanks a lot brother!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks @fersalamanca2606. I put a huge amount of time and effort into making these videos. I like to keep them free for those that can't afford it, but if you can, please support what I do. Cheers, Andy www.shutupandplay.ca/donate.html

[@adamblizzard8526]

You my friend are a god amongst men. Thank you so much for putting this video together.

[@jeffsatriani2790]

Nice tutorial

[@LAndre2874]

I'm 48 years old in two weeks July 27th 2021, started playing guitar at age 41. I tried to jump right into this song first year let's just say it was MEH. 7 years later I found your video and you really NAIL it, thanks to you over the last month I've almost got the strumming pattern down and it's sounding a hell of a lot better than it was 7 years ago. Your Channel is great, and you've taught me to play one of my dream guitar songs for 30 years I imagined if I could play guitar this would be the song I wanted to jam out too! Thanks to you I can almost play it,Wrist is killing me from the bar chords!

[@peterjenkins7386]

I have watched a lot of lessons on this particular song, and this is the best, thank you

[@franolivares01]

Está genial!! Muchas gracias!! Pongo estas marcas para repasar, y por si alguien más las usa: 8:50 10:15 10:30 11:53 12:24 12:43 13:15 14:40 16:10 16:57 17:57 18:34 18:41 18:51 19:53 20:07 21:59 22:26 22:37 23:08 23:46 23:57 24:28

[@tunemeister99]

Smooth operation but all sweet progression without the pick make it soothing to the ear. Thanks for this wonderful tutorial. Now Im gonna roll up my sleeves and try it.

[@tsimakis100]

One of the best instructions Ive seen. Cant wait to learn it. Always loved that song.

[@DJ-jw6vm]

This is a fantastic tutorial. It’s super clear, very detailed, and your manner is spot on. Many thanks.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Ok, I did it! 1 down, 2 to go. Not perfect, but I can get through this first section of the song in one "take" without too many stuff-ups. Thanks, Magic Hands! What struck me about this is how much it reminds me of Johnny Marrs's style. Marr isn't much of a soloist, but I think that both he and Knopfler have a deep love of '50s guitarists, and Chet Atkins is definitely an influence.

[@eddiel1538]

I watched many guitar lessons on you tube but must say you are my favourite teacher, thank you very much. Best regards from Australia

[@gcrauwels941]

Easily the best one for this song I've seen yet.

[@Caramel-ff2iu]

Thanks a lot . You are the only one that thought the rhythm properly , which is the first thing to get down

[@maestro109]

I hope you read these comments. Your work is popular enough so you may be able to pay someone to read them for you 😊 As someone who has played the rhythm part for Sultans of Swing many times, I owe much to your tutorial for turning my ignorance into “apparent brilliance.” I’m an OK player on a good day, but working through your lessons have made me seem like a genius.

[@jmorris9631]

You have the most accurate ear of anyone providing lessons on KZbin bar none. You love music … an’ it show like a MF’r !!

[@jerryjohnson575]

Thank u I love the lesson,,,,,, I am a metal morphing into prog...classic rock....I could play a 1000 years.....guitaring goes on forever

[@dziwnypies]

Awesome rhythm/stroke teaching mate. Thanks!

[@Wozniak_15]

This sounds so good... Just like the record.

[@jakubsiekiera2562]

Not really. On the record he uses single-coil pickups Stratocaster played with bare fingers. Still an amazing lesson, just unexpected guitar choice :P

[@WisdomVendor1]

Dude, you have absolutely nailed this tune ! IMO, this is possibly the greatest tune of the past century.

[@Sc-sq4th]

Your great teacher. After learning two of my favourite songs the past two weeks thanks to you. Keep up the good work

[@StealthParrot]

So many people have done this lesson .. but finally it's done right! Awesome man, thank you!

[@RayzaEFC]

Exactly

[@TheWhoQuad]

This is a fantastic lesson. Knopfler has so much going on in this classic and you broke it all down. Thank you so much!

[@Shamilt3]

Great tutorial. I grew up playing with my fingers alone, and notice people who didnt start that way are challenged with Mark's stuff. You've done a great job!

[@jamesmcgowen4428]

This guy has taught me so much so fast that I otherwise would Have took years and years unless I went to a teacher Thank you shut up and play

[@davidclarke8148]

Something special about your lessons, you really make me appreciate every aspect of a song and not just the lead. Really helped me give my playing that kick it needed!

[@cbeserra]

I’ve played this in bands for 20 years, and I’m tuning in to see what I’ve been doing wrong! Excellent job as usual. Thank you

[@francisgarin]

Thanks you for this excellent tutorial. You really GOT the specifics of Mark Knopfler, my personnal hero.

[@bollinger3034]

Being a big fan of Mark Knopfler you just showed how big he is really is. And you did that really well, thank you!

[@sgringo]

From when I was in high school, way back in 1878… Man, how did I get so old?

[@jmack619]

Time flies doesn't,t it!

[@MrAxman53]

Been playing this tune in bands for decades, literally, and still I picked up some great nuances from this lesson. Thanks, and great job!

[@WriterandPhotographer]

Great lesson..........can tell your appreciation for Mark Knopfler (72 years old as of 2022)

[@michaelshoemaker7752]

Thank you very much! I learned the solos from your lesson a good long while ago and always kept practicing it. I finally came back and learned this doing two verses a week and I am finally finished. I actually now know the whole tune! Very happy!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Michael. I put a huge amount of time and effort into making these videos. I like to keep them free for all of those that can't afford it, but if you're getting something from them and have the means please support what I do. Cheers, Andy. www.shutupandplay.ca/donate.html