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

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An electric guitar lesson on how to play “Sultans Of Swing” by Dire Straits from their 1978 debut album. This lesson covers the rhythm and all of the fills.
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Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@AdrianoPedrasPreciosas]

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

[@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.

[@apachepete4967]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@peterkossits4794]

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

[@ratliff79409]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@westfield90]

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

[@revelacia]

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

[@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..🎭👍🤓👊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@damianbyers2316]

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

[@Kacee2]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@ryanglambert]

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

[@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

[@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

[@bobarciero4097]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@santosbelmarez8023]

Beautiful les Paul.

[@fkncarl9302]

Arguably the best guitar song ever written.

[@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!

[@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!

[@philipcurley5257]

Clearest ,cleanest lesson ever. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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

[@samibagelis9521]

Merci pour tant de justesse et d'humilité. Thank you for this brilliant lesson.

[@joachimeldholm7673]

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

[@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🙏

[@cameronbriffa4302]

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

[@stevef4010]

Your lessons are not only thorough, for advanced users, but they are also insightful to help appreciate the music for all levels of viewers. I love how you deconstruct the different techniques and reference the modes/styles of music throughout, without making it boring. We've all heard this song hundreds of times and this is like hearing it for the first time.

[@2girls1coop]

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

[@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.

[@domhaul1]

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

[@dimcguy]

Andy, you never cease to amaze. Your lessons are phenomenal!! Thank you so much for doing this. 😉🎶👍🎶

[@Mach1Airspace]

Off the charts cool...absolutely incredible...thank you!

[@juergenschmitt245]

I'll never get sick of that beautiful song.Thank you for this great lesson. Superb teaching .

[@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.

[@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!

[@rockdinosaur666]

Everything you demo is perfect. Adding this to our setlist and yours was the "go to" clip. Superb as ever.

[@gcrauwels941]

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

[@JDHobbs]

Insightful instruction. perfect mix of technique and theory...for me, at least. Congratulation!

[@Jorgediaz0808]

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

[@doctiberius2717]

Guitar George knows all the chords but it's nice to break it down and put some fills or is it feels? in it. Yep tones of stuff in this tune.🎸 Thanks I'm looking forward to the lead parts

[@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!"

[@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.

[@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

[@tatianaa.3694]

Great lesson! Thank you very much. Mark Knopfler's the best!!!

[@vanillaslice3016]

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

[@tsimakis100]

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

[@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

[@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'"

[@Sc-sq4th]

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

[@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.

[@bobymox]

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

[@StealthParrot]

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

[@RayzaEFC]

Exactly

[@MilitaryAIWorks100]

THANK YOU!! One of my all time favorite songs.

[@patulekos]

Your lesson... your video.... fantastics!!! ... thanks!

[@James.D]

Incredible. I woke up thinking of sultans of swing today! You are the man!

[@MrBuzzBill]

Its hard enough to play it! But you are a master teacher. Your enthusiasm about each lick is awesome. Sometimes lessons like this feels like a guy just showing off instead of sincerely conveying what he has learned into the very minds of his students. Thank you for your generosity! Subscribed!

[@s.pmurphy6083]

Check his other songs out as well, I would say he's one of the best tutors on KZbin I've ever came across, every lesson and demo is done just as masterfully.

[@Sherar84]

Thank you! As you said in the video, definitely it's a Guitar Master Class, beyond the song. It's incredible and you explains excellent! The Country style of Knopfler is unique!! Cheers from Argentina!

[@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

[@dziwnypies]

Awesome rhythm/stroke teaching mate. Thanks!

[@stevefiorito5379]

You nailed this one on the head. Great video. I was anticipating you using a Strat instead of the LP, but it sounds good on the LP.

[@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

[@Winterfell1066]

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

[@adamblizzard8526]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Subbed. This is the one I've been putting off learning for years. It's gonna be challenging.

[@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

[@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 !!

[@patrickpalmer3374]

Definitely the best and I have to learn everything your so generous to share.

[@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!

[@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.

[@prateeksharma5051]

Simply mesmerizing 🎸🎸🎸

[@theroadking547]

Dude, you are amazingly gifted and talented. Thank you for taking the time and sharing. I would let you ride my motorcycle anytime.

[@edisonmirandilla7017]

The Road King I give both of you Vodka , Beer & Beef Stew + Calamares🦑🍺🍺🥃

[@peterjenkins7386]

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

[@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

[@WisdomVendor1]

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

[@richardsmith6157]

what a complex song that covers so many areas of music arrangements, 6ths ,sweet riffs, etc...and really fine instr...Great Job.

[@Caramel-ff2iu]

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