Sultans Of Swing by Jay Smith

It was kind of a dare to see if I could not only play and sing this great Dire Straits song, but make my own backing track sequence from scratch. I learned it last week and played it on 2 gigs so far. Probably not an exact copy of Mark Knopfler's studio version because I didn't play it with my fingers. I used a hybrid picking style with a pick and 2 fingers. I listened to the live versions of this song by Dire Straits. He doesn't play it even close to the original studio version, so I have no worries if I play it a tad different. I'm playing my custom Smitty Sparklecaster that I built and painted. It has Lace Sensor gold pickups. I am playing into a Line 6 pod XT Live fx pedal and straight into my mixer. The backing track was created on my Ensoniq ASR-10 keyboard. Yes, that's me playing all the parts. It is not an mp3. It's a midi sequence made solely for my Ensoniq keyboard. I have made 1000s of sequences for my Ensoniq ASR to play. I have access to all of them at my gigs.

[@leftyjaysmith]

3.3 million views of my version of this song as of (Apr 26, 2020). Thanks everybody that has watched this video. During the quarantine, I've posted nearly 50 more videos of all varieties, even keyboard. I appreciate you watching during these tough times. stay safe everybody.

[@Mishtiman]

Wonderful rendition of the timeless classic Jay!! Ur a wonderful musician, with lovely voice. :)

[@ZeroTheHeroGOAT]

Great version, thanks for uploading!

[@jetransantos7265]

Espetacular apresentação dele e o máximo sem sombras de dúvidas ele e bom

[@ZeJuank]

4+ million now XD really nice cover by the way!

[@peternemes6770]

I just discovered it, for godness sake!! It's never too late. ✌️ Very well done Sir!! 👍👍👍

[@leftyjaysmith]

WOW...2 million views on January 5, 2019. Thank you everybody that has watched this video. I'm still quite busy gigging. Hopefully, I will be able to add more vids to my channel soon.

[@vadimbelsky2877]

Fantastic

[@jaimealexisedades8871]

Great job Jay!!! Are you really left handed?

[@leftyjaysmith]

@@bonnienadinenewman Yeah, i'd gladly teach him to play guitar (for a price) LOL. heck, i'm not young. I'm 60 yrs old. but thanks!!!

[@Gasana_M]

Believe me even Mark Knopfler himself would enjoy watching this

[@someguyonthewebyoudontknow]

Jay, I just found this today during Covid and I found is super inspiring! If a 60 year old accountant can rock the sultans, there is hope for me learning it. Truly an epic performance!

[@hrvojewaldenstein4909]

Over and over again I'm listening..and figuring how amazingly the guy performs!

[@kadena9273]

This is the best cover I've came across ! Bdw , he's a lefty , and that makes it even more interesting !

[@leftyjaysmith]

I would like to thank you for the positive comments about my version of this song. sorry for the long comments that follows...For those that say I should play the song without a pick.... I really don't care to idolize Knopfler enough to change my picking style after 54 years of guitar playing. I play a hybrid style, which allows me to use a pick and my middle finger. The video doesnt show it very well, but I am using my finger in areas of the song. As far as playing the song exactly like Knopfler... I've looked at countless videos of him playing this song live and have yet to see him play it the same way twice. Probably in the studio, he laid down many tracks of guitar solos and picked from the bunch to be the final mix for the studio version. but since this is his "big hit", he is forced to play it every night. he just jams on it for 10-12 minutes so you cant even recognize the song. That is just my feelings about this song. I never wanted to be another Knopfler clone. Again, sorry for the long message. Thanks again for watching all my videos on youtube. Jay

[@sampiolomacoolet6723]

BLOODY HELL YOU ARE SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Nemes_Imre]

Do not worry about negative reviews! I was also a guitarist and I can say, how great you are singing and you play guitar! Congratulations!

[@jimwebb9869]

Jay Smith you rock

[@neilclarkson9281]

neiil diamobs

[@hugq14]

Jay Smith No need to apologize!! You are really talented! Talented guitar player AND singer, all at the same time!! Great cover!! Keep on rocking!

[@theroguetomato5362]

Wow. The first person to do Sultans of Swing where I can understand what he's singing.

[@dominiqueacelus8417]

I like that you play very good

[@yankleber]

I was thinking the very same thing! His articulation is perfect!

[@ofeliadulay3979]

I totally agree! 👍🏻

[@JayJay-gl2df]

You don't understand the original either

[@JayJay-gl2df]

@Victor González Fuente Mark knopfler's pronunciation isn't that bad surely I thought everyone knew the words from years ago

[@beatricepeter995]

I have come back listening to a good guitar playing with a clear voice in tune .Everthing is smooth What a match between the original and the cover

[@michaelfitzsimmons2796]

Best cover of this song I've ever heard! And from a lefty, no less! Thank you for the post!

[@rosalindarengel]

Try to see cover of REO brothers of the Philippines. It is also cool

[@pahoskins]

Self taught! Your own backing track! And...you did all this in a couple of days! The talent you have displayed leaves me in awe! Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful cover of Sultans of Swing.

[@LucasMarak]

This is the first time am seeing such a wonderful piece doing Mark Knopfler's so wonderfully

[@salvadorvillaflor5976]

Am so happy for Mr, Jimmy Smith though he's already old yet he's like a young teen strumming the string in a simple way very great

[@ernestodelapena4014]

Playing guitar as a lefty, I bowed my head to you Sir! There’s a special talent on you on the top of your talent!!!!

[@davibispo1321]

What a kind of rendition! Congratulations from Brazil! Sultans of Swing is a cultural heritage of the world!

[@fatimasantos5472]

Falou com convicçao.#

[@justinalfrick8775]

Uh

[@sobeit1927]

Yeah very very well done .

[@leftyjaysmith]

thanks to everyone that has viewed my videos. i never thought i'd have a video reach 1 million views on youtube, especially a 6 minute song like this one. i'm so use to seeing 30 second videos of funny things go viral. needless to say, this one has been on youtube since 2015 and only took off the last 5-6 months. this one is getting very close to breaking that 1 mil plateau. I will be adding more videos over the summer of 2018. my gigging slows down during the summer and it gives me time to learn more songs and do some recording/session work. make sure you check my other youtube channel "southpawjay". it has some gigging videos along with some videos of my sparkle guitars that i painted here in SW Florida.

[@rhianjones1319]

“Jay Smith i am sure Dire Straits would be proud of your cover version of their Song Sultans Of Swings very much indeed “

[@yagmurcamd]

Perfect harmony, human voice and guitar sound, thank you so much for your efforts and sharing.

[@mosrite60]

Amazing cover right here. wow. Great sound. Thats how you do it guitar players.

[@iknowyouknowiknow7389]

2k people disliked this who cannot play this.

[@louismaitre288]

Those who disliked it, it's obvious, are totally unable to get to his level of rendition of that song.

[@ringphapamkashung2151]

Noobs won't understand... But i give a big like thumb to u... 👍👍👍

[@marysegrandjean8056]

@@louismaitre288 a une de& 5

[@conradoorocio5624]

@@ringphapamkashung2151 ...mkoop9

[@mariogenioaraujolustosa7027]

​@@ringphapamkashung2151 ❤😂ссвЗссввв22😂

[@ShorePelican55]

Well done. Can’t get enough of this song. I watch lots of covers. You were great!! Thank you.

[@abcdefgwwwaaa1]

It's the first time I've seen someone play so politely. wonderful!

[@kylesmonster]

I have seen a lot of covers for this song but this is easily the best one!

[@janggogemiliano5247]

search for James Marcal cover and compare ..

[@michaellilley6725]

@Tom Bystander Yoni blows this out of the water!!

[@Atomo_S]

São momentos como este que valem a pena assistir o youtube! Rio, 2020

[@vagnerfonseca2354]

Boa desenvoltura na guitarra, também sou guitarrista e o repertório da banda que eu toco está incluída esse hino dos guitarristas solo. Parabéns.

[@rolandorima226]

What an amazing rendition! I can't help but to admire the guitarist.

[@leftyjaysmith]

Back in 2015, I posted this video. I decided that after 7 years, I would post an updated video of Sultans to show I smoothed out a few of the rough parts in the original version I posted. I did remove the middle verse to shorten the song slightly when I gig. Most guitarists just want to hear the 2 solo's anyway. Here is a link to the 2022 video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqjNYWBrgdRqfdE

[@danhough7204]

Best version of this song ever. Love all the vibrato that is missing from other versions.

[@luisrodriguez8639]

From the more than 20 covers I have seen of Suntans of Swing this is the one that the guitar sounds closer to the Dire Straits sound, your perfomance playing the guitar was impecable, your sing was very good, suming this is the best cover of Suntans of Swing

[@chrisp4170]

Luis Rodriguez It isn’t similar as there‘s no beat from the thumb. Watch Knopfler again...

[@nikolaossyralliotis6942]

IMHO, the guitar played by Dimitris Starovas (from Athens, Greece) sounds EXACTLY like the Dire Straits' sound; please click on: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5q6dICnj7upr5o

[@luisrodriguez8639]

@@nikolaossyralliotis6942 Waooo it is true is a contender for number 1 reaching Mark's sound and tempo that StarovasTV performance...he did Sultans of Swing A+ but in today's Hotel California I found Truthsurge to do it better ....this guy is one of the best playing guitar in a non group player kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7bZ4h6nL6KZ9E

[@chrisp4170]

Nikolaos Syralliotis Ok, Fine, I cant make you hear something. Let’s agree to differ

[@japandaraman]

👌 yes... 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@jameswaters3912]

This song is why after playing every instrument on earth I had to learn guitar. Great job.

[@beaudidly5347]

That was the clearest and best I've ever heard "The Sultans of Swing" played, and the way you sung was perfect Bravo Jay. P/S Loved that left hand as well, what an exquisite pleasure all around, very captivating.

[@iamvisa2407]

I love this cover too! But this song, is I believe, in its originality is not meant to be “clear” or “clean” in its tone. The original guitarist doesn’t use a pick for that purpose. But nonetheless, it’s a great cover of a great song!

[@cygna6]

Jay....Perfect absolutely Perfect

[@straykaat48]

Great job man ! one of the best versions I've heard.

[@asavesnaeva]

Thank you! We listen to your play quite often, because it feels so good.

[@MrBoehol]

There are many covers of this best song ever by Dire Straits . This cover is very high on the list.. Thank you...

[@kakpui]

Jay, Im from Malaysia; and Im really loving this rendition of Dire Strait's greatest song. Im an amateur guitarist; one day im gonna play like that. lol.

[@kurrvana8124]

it's been 8 months, Red. Have you improved at all?

[@mahasnatbhuiyan113]

Inshallah one day you will...

[@mambojam5932]

Kacang for Jay bro

[@nazmu93]

korang kena tgk Willian Lee main

[@zulsters935566]

@@nazmu93 Ye boek!

[@natashamariairipa6073]

Believers are such awesome people, this makes me tear drop a drop of two, relaxed fluent with lyrics, sang with justice and peace thank you very much that was a beauty, your a fantastic player of the electric guitar I love how that was done on your own, the pick in song was awesome too.

[@julius1226]

Amazing Jay! Thank you for this masterpiece!!😁🤙🏻

[@philip5899]

Never tired of hearing this song and the guitar skills are outstanding 👏

[@dwightstorey2879]

I never get tired of listing to your picking .good job Jay

[@jairdonizeti6880]

Esse bill Gates toca muito..

[@crumplezone1]

Man that was slicker than Teflon, thanks for taking the time to play this rock classic

[@comlbbeau]

Wow... just wow! Nice job. As much as I am a fan of Mark Knopfler, it's nice to be able to understand the words to such a fantastic song. Wonderfully done!

[@donapizza6425]

I didn't expect him to sing the song. I surprised a lot :D:D

[@leonardojorgelealdasilva8085]

Emoção total todas vezes que ouço essa música, revilvendo os momentos marasvilhosos dos anos 1980. show! Parabéns!

[@Cortfan52]

WOW! EXCELLENT! Beautiful guitar, tone, picking, singing, back tracking. WOW!

[@brunog2766]

Man, what an amazing presentation! That was terrific! Congratulations!

[@fcmp3629]

Truly inspirational that is. Absolutely brilliant cover Jay absolutely smashed it out of the park 👍👍👍

[@Dmax04]

One of the better covers that i have see. Good job.

[@aromero385]

What a sound man!. You guitar along yourself, sings!.

[@veronicaalmeida2819]

Amei, muito linda!!

[@georgeanis5764]

Watched others play the Sultan of swing but you're the best....👍👍

[@joaott1974]

Amazing...so many years of dedication to reach this level. regards from portugal!

[@warinjane-ngan8312]

Excellent and Beautiful music. good job Jay smith

[@ricodeco2139]

nice job jay. easy to see and appreciate the effort that went into this. really enjoyed it.

[@vicentecurro8200]

Una maravilla !!! Excente versión de este hermoso tema de Dire Straits 👏👏👏👏

[@oleviengen927]

Best cover of this song I've ever heard!

[@luizcarlosgomesdeoliveira]

Um dos melhores intérpretes que ouvi executando "Sultans of Swing" Parabéns, desde SP - Brazil

[@georgebaldwin5456]

As a lefthander, this cover gives me hope... Crystal clear, great sound; perfect lyrics. Outstanding from start to finish, especially the guitar solo in the middle and at 5:30!

[@marios8016]

One of my favourite all time songs, I gotta say that you have done an amazing job on the cover of one of the greatest songs ever !!! Thanks for sharing your talent !!!!!

[@randomclips5540]

This is OG' American music, i love it So much ❤️❤️

[@nenebaixista8052]

Como é bom de se ver e ouvir os veteranos mostrando como que se tocar com qualidade👏👏

[@TheX-3d]

Love the sparkle, and the playing is superb!

[@eliasrodriguesfaustino2393]

TheX-666 elias. Oi

[@webchez69]

I LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE! It made me go to google and follow along on the lyrics, which I never knew completely! Bravo!

[@mangminliensingson7353]

Wonderful... I have no words to express rather than EXCELLENT

[@johnkaimins9998]

I really enjoyed this! ~ A very clean, clear rendition of the original. Well done.

[@blackscorpio9136]

How i wish i can play guitar just like you sir!

[@user-cs9gj1wf5h]

Keep practiceing and oneday you will

[@jayarnett4157]

WOW, still sounds great in 2023. Love it brother.

[@flalji2166]

Most amazing performance being left handed is even more outstanding. You are the real sultan (king).

[@federicohansen9434]

You do great!!! Perfect. Congrats for the mastering of all the nuances of such an elaborate song and guitar challenge

[@juansalvadormayedonchi3840]

That was just wonderful, and the best part is you didn't seem to be trying to sell anything to the audience. You know what I mean. Fantastic!

[@gabyx19]

music is like a voice, each one has a style, i love your video because you made it your own way but still capture the spirit of the music, very satisfying to hear, also the singing is quite nice, love the skill man thanks for sharing

[@davidmartin5179]

Man that was awesome. Six minutes of magic. U nailed it.

[@PedroFumeroM]

The best cover of this song EVER!

[@IvandeOliveiraBarros]

Wonderfull and perfect job. Thanks for this gem of music.

[@more444store6]

Love it!!!!! You captured the pure essence of that great song!

[@dylansmith1738]

You killed it man, you did a damn good job. Sounds absolutely amazing.

[@TyrantChoate]

Just stumbled across you videos. You rock. Greatest playing I've heard. Go for it man.

[@welintonbarbosa609]

I'm Brazilian and Loves this song playing by you

[@fatimasantos5472]

Nem sei q dizer...tô beige... quanta qualidade: voz, caras e bocas, cada gesto ao seu tempo... performance excelente. Muito bom! Só mim resta 👏👏👏

[@arcticmorning]

nothing less then fantastic... really enjoyed this on my birthday

[@OldGuitarMonkey]

Absolutely amazing Jay. A really wonderful performance. I loved it. Congratulations. Dave

[@tommyswint3868]

That's killer I won't to do it

[@joaovieira6745]

Muito legal guitarra

[@luizcarlossarmentopinto1222]

@@joaovieira6745 AáaaaqaaaqaqaqqaaaaáAqáaaaqaaáa

[@salvadorvillaflor5976]

Thanks a lot for appreciating my comment

[@putrapetrucci772]

You get a shiver in the dark, It's raining in the park, but meantime: South of the river, you stop and you hold everything. A band is blowin' Dixie, double-four time. You feel alright when you hear that music play. You step inside, but you don't see too many faces. Comin' in out of the rain to hear the jazz go down. Competition in other places... But the horns, they blowin' that sound. Way on down south, Way on down south, London-town Check out Guitar George, he knows all the chords. But it's strictly rhythm; he doesn't want to make it cry or sing. If any old guitar is all he can afford, When he gets up under the lights to play his thing. And Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene. He's got a daytime job, he's doing alright. He can play the honky tonk like anything, Savin' it up for Friday night. With the Sultans, With the Sultans of Swing And a crowd of young boys, they're fooling around in the corner, Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies and their platform soles. The don't give a damn about any trumpet playing band. It ain't what they call rock and roll. And the Sultans, Yes the Sultans play Creole. And then the man, he steps right up to the microphone. And says at last, just as the time bell rings, " Goodnight, now it's time to go home." And he makes it fast, with one more thing:" We're the Sultans, " We are the Sultans of Swing."

[@alejandrobastida5603]

Much appreciation of your performance, one of my fave song

[@americanescu]

I don't if the English language has a word to describe this (or any language for that matter!)! As a guitar player, I imagine Heaven to be like this!

[@cutthroatsanddespots1956]

fantastic cover. crisp and well mixed. love this song and I have mastered the bassline.

[@erwinbenally8027]

That is one of my favorite songs, you did it well, good job.

[@hanafihsb7520]

Really never get bored to hear this song. A legendary one ever.

[@louismaitre288]

I appreciate the fact that, as far as I can see, this song, which impressed me, by its level, from the very first time I'd heard it on, has become a reference to many excellent guitarists online. There are many covers of it, and, I have to admit, quite a percentage of them managed to really impress me too. This one being in the top of them... But I'm pleased to notice how many brilliant musicians take pleasure with it. So, yes people, please go on, I'm fond of enjoying new renditions of this, as it's one masterpiece anyway. Thx ^^

[@chanthalacchaophrasy9789]

You have spent such a lot of time to cover Mark's skill and you made it stunned with surprise. Thumb up.

[@franciscoantoniooliveira5125]

Escuto está música todos os dias pela manhã indo trabalhar ela me dá o maior ânimo.. sem falar que o cara toca muito . Parabéns

[@boogiemorgan]

Best song of the century! And I can play it!

[@julitoireneojr9587]

Thanks!!! Playing the original makes you keep coming back coz it's how you love it thanks again

[@zeferreira7679]

First left handed Sultan!!!

[@ronaldomessina1590]

O próprio Mark Knopfler é canhoto... Hehehehehe

[@thelivingroomreport5285]

Yep, Mark's a lefty!

[@FinntrolliSUOMI]

@@thelivingroomreport5285 Knopfler lefty? No.

[@thelivingroomreport5285]

@Perkelelee Yes lol. Do some reading. www.moshcam.com/articles/24467/20-best-left-handed-guitarists

[@FinntrolliSUOMI]

@@thelivingroomreport5285 He doesn't play left handed which counts.

[@gzrgldr8288]

A few years late to the party and absolutely love your version of this song. I thought I had seen them all and there are plenty of good ones, but yours is remarkably clean sounding. I like how you stayed somewhat true to the original studio version. I know Mark plays it differently live every time, so doesn't bother me one bit when people change it up, but loved how clean sounding yours was. Great job!

[@southpawjay]

thank you for the positive comments. these comments make the whole process of learning and making this video worth it

[@golmeiakhina4221]

Do it man

[@kevino4846]

@@southpawjay, I think he hit it on the head about how this sounds to many of us. "Clean sounding" is a good description, and sounds very true to the studio version. Well done, Jay.

[@swampyteafromthesouthlouis8458]

I know this is like 7 years later, but I do watch this video from time to time and if your still around and can see this reply, you did an excellent job and you got thru it without a mess up the sigh at the end was great showing that you were glad you got thru it and it was hard work. Again Excellent

[@leftyjaysmith]

thank you for continuing to watch. The sigh at the end was because this was the first time I played this song all the way through. I quickly learned the track and solos and lyrics and decided to pressure myself by putting a camera in front of me. If I would've waited a few more weeks, I'm sure my playing would be smoother/cleaner. But hey, I didn't expect a video with nearly 6 million views 🙂

[@peterbuitrago3440]

I am very, very impressed!!! That is what I call a serious cover. If I was not paying specific attention, I would have thought it was the original artist. Thanks for uploading this master piece. :)

[@sujoy1968]

Awesome! One of the best covers of Sultans of Swing.

[@marceloeventguadagnini147]

listen Wilian lee

[@Robbie2Fly]

On point! You nailed it perfectly!! I love this cover!

[@valdemirdomingues4535]

Show. Clareza e perfeição. É O melhor. Essa música é uma das melhores.

[@joseperez-jw1fk]

Magistral 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@johnholmes4028]

Great rendition of a classic.

[@Campos1989]

Nossa!!! Muito bom!!! Chega da uma alegria de ouvir... Boa música, qualidade excelente... Parabéns! 🎼 🎶 🎵 🎵👏👏👏👏👏 🎧 ☺

[@antonioalvesdeoliveiraoliv5954]

Pp0

[@isaacolivarsanchez305]

Por que le veo la cara ,sino pienso que es MARK KNOPFLER , tocando, fantástica versión 👏👏

[@enriquevalls1328]

Un privilegio escuchar a este man