Why Mark Knopfler Says He's Not The Best Guitarist Ever

Mark Knopfler is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, but he tells us why he thinks that's "nonsense".
#MarkKnopfler #DireStraits #Music

[@MrSparklespring]

The real greats are humble. One of the greatest musicians around!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Also one of the greatest lyricists IMO

[@MrSparklespring]

@@TheHumbuckerboy Indeed!

[@reallymysterious4520]

In 1986 I had the pleasure of seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan open up for Dire Straits on the Brothers in Arms tour. My 2 all time favourite guitarists in one evening - it was sensory overload !!!

[@AlicedeTocqueville]

Absolutely yes!! He tells such stories in his songs! He's written some of the greatest anti-war songs, which tell it from the soldiers' point of view; not an outsider's. "Brothers ln Arms", and "Done With Bonaparte"!!! ​@@TheHumbuckerboy

[@AlicedeTocqueville]

​@@reallymysterious4520OMG!!!

[@DudGolfer]

Marks humility is directly proportional to his talent ❤

[@markhill9275]

What a perfect way of putting it!

[@nanex_7726]

And his heart... don't forget that.. That's what makes us WHO we are the most.

[@AlicedeTocqueville]

​@nanex_7726 Mark Knopfler was a journalist, and then he TAUGHT journalism before he had success with his music!

[@endlessnameless6494]

Drunk driving kills. Distracted driving kills. Over 11,000 die each year...please, stay safe!

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

YES 1 000 000 % talent.

[@TheJuanvegas]

Being the best guitarist isn't about technical ability. Some guitarists with incredible technical chops are horrific to listen to. He has a talent for writing and his guitar style is unique

[@chriscoughlin9289]

I'd place him right alongside Peter Green and Ry Cooder in that regard. Mark's playing always serves the work at hand - emotionally speaking - in a way that a display of virtuosity for its own sake would usually fail to do.

[@jeancarpentier5920]

This is the best comment......

[@claudekim7876]

90% of metal guitarists. and that Japanese dude who plays really weird on youtube

[@EireTV]

humble way of explaining away a compliment.....he wrote the songs....but people hear and see how he improvises and his guitar chops are second to none. Timeless music. A real English gent too!

[@AlicedeTocqueville]

​ @chriscoughlin9289 Absolutely! Well said! But his lyrics are what get to me the most. You know, he was a journalist before he had success with his music. He even taught journalism. He has written some of the finest anti-war songs, told from the soldier's point of view.

[@martinstubbs7974]

I was 20 when dire straits broke through. Nearly 66 now and still love their music! What a wonderfully humble guy Mark is!! An absolute legend!!

[@plausible_dinosaur]

So pleased to see he isn't a twerp

[@Ozzie143]

no controversies, no drug issues, no bullcrap, just pure music. Absolutely the GOAT.

[@vedder10]

What about Steve Vai, Satriani, Guthrie Govan, Segovia, Paul Gilbert, and on and on. If no drama qualifies as your measuring stick then i think the jury is still out.

[@frankaq3951]

​@vedder10 Calm down Vedder, he just has a favourite guitarist😅

[@frankaq3951]

​@@vedder10By the way, I also am a huge fan of everyone you listed.

[@vedder10]

@@frankaq3951 I wasn't really trying to give him a hard time. I actually love Mr. Knopfler. He's the reason why I even bought a Les Paul. I kiss it just like he does. Wish I could have gotten his signature version when they came out with that limited run.

[@frankaq3951]

@@vedder10 All good, Vetter. I hear ya!

[@tullfan2560]

Mark Knopfler knows how to wring every last bit of emotion out of a musical note. He also knows when to *not* play a note as well and build up tension in a song. A real master.

[@reallymysterious4520]

On the Brothers in Arms title track he makes the guitar cry

[@thesmoothloveradioxrelaxlo2628]

TRUE! Finally someone nailed it!

[@johntuohy1867]

Same for JJ Cale

[@b.h.6307]

The world is a better place for Mark Knopfler in it. He's brought joy to millions and continues to do so. Thank you Mark.

[@ehouli77]

What a lovely guy, no steam blowing out his head, he's just himself and that makes him a great and respectable person.

[@jehoshaphatp2664]

His music made a man say "I will go on". That's enough to declare that his music is great or almost divine.

[@michaelhanrahanmoore1622]

His playing has been a light in my darkness many times. He inspires me to keep going definitely.

[@gordondafoe3516]

For any person to do that, is to say "I have Succeeded". Well done Mark!

[@SamKnause]

I adore, admire, and respect Mark. I can not describe the effect his guitar has on me. It is truly magical. I am in awe of this man's talents.

[@reallymysterious4520]

In 1986 I had the pleasure of seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan open up for Dire Straits on the Brothers in Arms tour. My 2 all time favourite guitarists in one evening - it was sensory overload !!!

[@teresachoroszynska7346]

Mark is one of the best. His guitar playing is unique and cannot be confused with any other. Simply a Maestro🎸

[@samkitty5894]

My father used to say. "Son, there is nothing to playing an instrument. All you have to do is hit the right note at the right time...". There are many good guitar players out there, however, Mark is the only one who can play in colors...I feel unique emotions when I listen to him. Others don't come close.

[@alankicks788]

My favorite musician of all time . I'm coming up to my 77th birthday, and I still listen to Mark's music more than any others. A genius.

[@loushark6722]

Without doubt. Magnificent.

[@anook1984]

I am with you, not quite that age range, but MK struck me in 1978 when he played 'Sultans of Swing' and it's in my portfolio of home performing guitar plays.

[@paulgal]

Happy birthday when it comes big man . 🎉

[@robmarchese]

Prodigiously gifted writer, guitarist, singer, front man, storyteller. Love M.K. so much!

[@hoisin75]

I totally get how the dude is star struck. an actual living legend right there

[@IsmailsGuitarWorld]

Yep! Long live MK!

[@jehoshaphatp2664]

It's time to call him Sir Mark Knopfler.

[@hoisin75]

@@jehoshaphatp2664 I wholeheartedly agree, though he's that humble he'd probably ask why. Us fans know and that's what counts

[@AlicedeTocqueville]

​Yess!!@@jehoshaphatp2664

[@ClassicVideos80s]

My favourite artist in the world. My first record was Dire straits. I still have it.

[@CaptChaos1964]

I stood next to Mark at Christie’s when I went along to the auction preview, I couldn’t believe he was there, I’ll never forget that day, his music is the soundtrack of my life.

[@nadjibe]

What a man you layed eyes on I'm entering my 40s now and I like all sorts of music, but Mark as a musician as well as a great human being what a great man/talent a prevliouge to know I have known about him.

[@reallymysterious4520]

In 1986 I had the pleasure of seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan open up for Dire Straits on the Brothers in Arms tour. My 2 all time favourite guitarists in one evening - it was sensory overload !!!

[@gregorywall7586]

Wow

[@ShankarL-cg7kq]

I used to be upset that he typically never gets featured in those lists of ‘greatest guitarists’ or his solos almost never make it those ‘greatest guitar solos’ - but now I just feel good that he’s left alone. It actually makes Mr Knopfler’s legacy even more precious to those who realise the worth of his musicianship.

[@nadjibe]

Yes.. yes.. yes!!! Nailed on the head mate, greatness is set by the people 👏🏽, we don't need Oscars companies or anyone here... music is still MUSIC... and Mark doesn't need so-called cooperate companies to class him as great. He is great because most humans who know about music know he is great, and that is what makes Mark a great musician.

[@Qlicky]

Absolutely. The mere fact that he's sold over 100 million of records and he can sit in a cafe in the middle of London with barely anyone recognizing him is an achievement in itself. He just let his music talk for him.

[@Samantha-vlly]

Yes, he was truly there for the music.

[@markspencer352]

First class gentleman and guitarist! Thanks Mark for bringing the chill!

[@johnoneill1011]

My wife and I watched "Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris - Full Concert - Real Live Roadrunning (14.11.2006)" tonight on YT. Beautifully filmed. Brought me to tears several times. Mark is simply the best and the best instrumentalists love to work with him.

[@I_am_the_happy_prince]

The thing about mark is. There’s been many guitarists that came before him. And we’d heard so many different styles. That when he came into the scene. With a completely unique style. That nobody had ever imagined before. It was groundbreaking. And nothing short of genius

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

Absolutely.

[@winnykooyman4851]

My favourite singer,songwriter and guitarplayer!!!!

[@jono.pom-downunder]

Around the steps at the Spanish city o/s Newcastle they've inlaid the lyrics of "Tunnel of love" We are so lucky to have witnessed one of our greatest songwriters of the modern age.

[@Blue_3rd]

I saw that on his interview with Brian Johnson. What a wonderful musician he is!

[@jono.pom-downunder]

@@Blue_3rd ditto, though it was a very fitting tribute to to Mark he appear to be a really nice guy.

[@mattslev]

My favorite Dire Straits song

[@markbataitis4851]

His live version of 'Sultans' and his soloing is incredible, one of the best riffs EVER!!!!

[@murrayslee911]

Communique one of the finest albums ever. Mark the master song writer and guitarists 🎸.

[@galifettetv1238]

Such an underrated album

[@donDonau]

​@@galifettetv1238 It's not underrated, it's just not as good as the other albums.

[@galifettetv1238]

@@donDonau question of taste. The production is lush, and the songs are more balanced compared to let say making movies.

[@donDonau]

@@galifettetv1238 Communique is a warm-up for their best albums. Even the first album is better than this one. "More balanced" means the absence of strong material, as on the previous and other albums. I love DS but this is their weakest album.

[@peterwright5249]

Agree 💯percent 👌

[@ERAPOSORESERVA]

Mark’s a genuine man. And what a lovely interviewer. Great video.

[@pallhe]

There aren't many players who can speak to you through the guitar quite the way Mark does. Not only that, but also one of the best overall artists.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I have to say that Jeff Beck is that guitar player ‼️

[@madeiraislander]

Gary Moore!

[@MrTaylor1964]

That music from Local Hero, one of the best soundtracks.

[@ratsters7]

Fun fact (for anyone who hadn't already spotted him) - the pianist when they play that theme in the ceilidh scene in Local Hero, is none other than Dire Strait's own phenomenal keyboard player Alan Clark. :)

[@seankayll9017]

From one of the best films.

[@BlessedAreTheBignoses]

I have probably remembered all wrong but general gist, listened to audio book by John Illsley (really enjoyed) and they were touring I think, but John was exhausted, no time to relax or chill, got back to the UK and in the mean time Mark had written that Local Hero soundtrack, bearing in mind John just had to play. Hope I got that right but remember being even more amazed that not only does he write brilliant music, seems to be able to do it in his sleep.

[@nickshields1011]

He writes, he sings, he produces and he’s a virtuoso guitar player. The greatest living musician.

[@Mantorok]

David Gilmour?

[@nickshields1011]

@@Mantorok close, he collaborates though, Knopfler does it all on his own. Gilmour is still genius.

[@50gary]

Paul McCartney, Dylan's first choice.

[@nickshields1011]

@@50gary hard to disagree. McCartney is a 20th century Mozart, I was thinking about all round musicianship.

[@user-bl5jr5vz6i]

Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe. A genius in guitar playing and musical composition.

[@grahamblack1961]

The true greats regard themselves first and foremost as musicians and secondly as guitarists. Mark has something that few guitar players achieve no matter how 'good' they are, he has a voice on the guitar. He's a player you know instantly even just hearing a few notes. In that sense he's up there. He can't shred like Malmsteen, tap like Eddie or do stunts like Vai. But he's made some beautiful enduring music and that's the best you can hope for as a player.

[@lib556]

A great guy. So humble.

[@indeed596]

What a great, wise, humble, real man Mr Knopfler is. I grew up listening to your songs in the back of my dad's car. They inspired me to become a musician. Much love.

[@MeadowsatNight]

What a great interview. They both harmonise really well with each other and you can see that they both enjoy the interview. 🖤

[@anthonyschofield7807]

The only thing that surpasses his talent as a player is his talent as a composer,both musically and lyrically,outstanding

[@hardlines2635]

As a young teenager I also stood at the guitar shop window watching the Les Paul Artisan going around on a turntable. Must be thousands of us out there, lucky enough to see Mark in the Grove pub in Leeds, I think he named his studio after that pub.

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Mark's a marvel and one of the greatest songwriters in his genre.

[@tullfan2560]

In Australia in 1977/78, there was a rock video show called Nightmoves. The compere of the show played the video of Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits first hit, about 3 weeks in a row and declared "watch out for these guys". He wasn't wrong.

[@guylatour3612]

C'est la somme de toutes les qualités artistiques de ce musicien, auteur compositeur, et sa capacité à pouvoir réunir les meilleurs artistes musicaux dans leurs spécialités pour les faire jouer harmonieusement ensemble qui en font un être vraiment exceptionnel sur la scène internationale ! 👍👍👍👋 Jusqu'à présent, nul autre artiste n'a une telle aura dans le monde de la musique rock, rock celtique, blues, country, sans compter toutes ses contributions à l'art cinématographique ! Du reste, sa modestie et sa discrétion médiatique quant à sa vie privée sont des plus louables. 😇

[@jerryturner3997]

Man of dignity, Mr.Knopfler!! Definitely one of the best of the 'BEST'-🎸-Players.

[@aaronweatherson4379]

..."best" or not, Mark is definitely one of our FAVORITES...!

[@jimmccork]

Such a nice guy - and certainly a great guitarist!

[@markdoughty8780]

I saw Mark live as a solo artist at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2015 - great gig and performance and seems like a really nice guy too - thanks for uploading.

[@dccm4417]

My all time greatest musician. Absolute legend!!

[@michael-grandpamoses2571]

One of the best story tellers music has ever had

[@Inglese001]

Does the greatest guitarist exist? Like painters, they all have their different styles and techniques.

[@barbaramonaco105]

Absolutely this! There is not just one guitar god, there's a pantheon, and Knopfler is one of them.

[@claudefazio]

So humble!

[@neilshayler3119]

MK lyrics are up there with Dickens, Shakespeare and co only MK put his to music at their peak Dire Straits were just epic live one in a generation and the soundtrack to my life.

[@Chiungalla79]

It`s my strongly held opinion that the alchemy live concerts were the peak of music history.

[@henrikfalkner6619]

Such a beautiful and humble man - also no doubt one of the best guitarist in the world, even if he doesn’t want to admit to it.

[@crowmedicine4520]

Beautiful legend that’s so humbled. Wonderful amazing talent!!

[@derekhartland8524]

Love listening to you Mark,I think your the best

[@donjohnson24]

I always got the impression from his early videos that his little smiles were expressions of slight embarassement at being so lauded for being so good.

[@Hope-kx9lz]

For some he may not technically be the GOAT, but the feelings he transforms through his guitar are unreal and unparalleled to any other guitarist I've heard so far. And I've heard a lot. Knopfler's guitar speaks directly to the listener's heart. Brothers in arms is a brilliant example.

[@tullfan2560]

Agree. My favourite guitarists are Mark, Martin Barre, Brian May, Gary Moore and Phil Manzanera. All have the ability to be so entertaining to listen to.

[@gideonlapidus8996]

What a great humble Musician Mark is

[@bobdillon1138]

All the greats have something unique from the first few notes they are instantly recognizable and the same goes for him.

[@bobabooey4537]

Mark is a fun guy to watch play a guitar. He uses both hands very well when he plays.

[@antant_1969]

Metal fan here. Always had a soft spot for Dire Straits. I consider Alchemy as a top live monument. MK is really great, in all aspects. I wish young kids could get in touch with such real music.

[@beepmac275]

Speaking as a Geordie …He is my favourite Geordie..I’m not that sure he’s a huge football fan ( not everyone in Newcastle is ) but it’s so nice that he’s never forgotten his roots …great man.

[@ernestomartinez4090]

He is among the greatest without a single doubt. I like so much things about the way he plays the guitar. Just to mention one song...I like very very much what he does in the last two minutes of "Single Handed Sailor" from Dire Straits. Communique album.

[@agereaver]

That story around the 2:50 mark......very touching and Mark remembers too - great guy

[@user-dv8mq1gf5w]

I don't know how anyone will take this but ...When the first Dire Straits album came out I was mesmerized . I had a very wide collection of music from Patsy Cline and Buddy Holly to very hard metal and I LOVED music made by musicians that loved their music . I had Dire Straits on cassette and I would drive around Tulsa and listen to that tape nonstop down town listening to it bounce off the empty buildings at 3 am and sit in parking lots just wondering if everyone loved it as much as I did . It was a great album for sure but I didn't know why it captured me like it did . I still even 40 some odd years later remember clearly that time driving around in my little Opel Gt and being totally immersed in that album . PK

[@dottiebaker6623]

Have loved this man's playing since I first heard it. I'm sure I'm not the only person who wants his Going Home played at my funeral.

[@JonMyerstheWorldsBestMediator]

Miraculous events, I hung with him a tad when "Sultans of Swing" brokeout late 79/80. Mensch.

[@vogelwild382]

What a nice ,humble and polite person! Lot s of "superstars" could learn from him!❤

[@Oystersgetclamydia]

Mark’s style of playing,to me,is exquisite. When I first heard ‘Sultans of Swing’ I stopped in my tracks till the last notes ebbed away.. I still do when hearing it.

[@sabsmcdabs7139]

He's still the coolest dude. Going back through his music again recently and he's a genius musician and lovely guy top to bottom

[@wendymoney2043]

A very lovely man…unmistakable talent…so humble…+ glorious to listen to his conversation which equals the calibre of his music. And…it pleases me as an amateur vocalist myself + the same age as Mark…that my voice is still as powerful as his glorious playing is… which proves…age really is…only a number!

[@davidpmay7]

Where do I start. I only started playing guitar because of Dire Straits. My phone ringtone is Sultans Of Swing. My favourite thing to play is Money for Nothing. There's nothing like the feeling of playing it in a stage show and the sound man turns it up so you can feel in through your seat while you're playing (most pit bands play sitting down incase you're wondering). I'm now 63 and have been playing guitar for 45 years and became a guitar teacher years ago. When Mark says he's a guitar teachers nightmare he's wrong(sorry Mark) as he's given us many many songs for people to learn how to truly make music. I can't thank him enough for the inspiration to pick up the instrument in the first place and also for giving me the job I've loved for many years. Thanks Mark you're a true gentleman and musical genius.

[@mayorrodgers7446]

Mark is a truly great guitarist. Until reading that title I had never even heard it suggested that anyone referred to him as the best.

[@simonettamilani3567]

È in ASSOLUTO il miglior chitarrista di sempre. Pura gioia la sua musica.❤❤❤

[@stormy7722]

Seems like a great guy. Easy to chat with or have a few pints. Nice to see people like him still exist

[@cynthiablandford6213]

You are up there with all the greats!!🎸🎸🎸

[@Edmond347]

Not much to say. Just cherish people like Mark Knopfler.

[@neoxenia7014]

This is what a genuine and sincere musician looks like.

[@MintStiles]

He isn't technical by classical standards, but he is one of the few people that just makes it so effortless. The guitar is him. Doesn't even have to try to get his ideas out to you. Definitely a top 10 ever in my books.

[@andrewcrawford2093]

He has a show on sky Arts at the minute..Johnson & Knopflers music..its a good watch.✌

[@aletheia161]

Even without words, Mark's guitar work tells a story. Like all true masters in any domain, he is humble and focussed only on his art.

[@bobmiller9313]

Mark. What a gentleman

[@barrysheene3408]

It's true that trying to know who the best guitar player is is nonsense. Because the dice were loaded from the start: MK is the man.

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

He’s a phenomenal talent 🎸

[@nicolosito]

A wonderful man and a fabulous guitar player.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Mark Knopfler is definitely up there, but I am glad to see that he has humility. I saw him perform at Radio City with Dire Straits way back in the 1980s, and he and the band were incredible, modulating into songs sans stopping. It was one of the best concerts I have witnessed to date. Thank you, Mark! You keep me plugging away as a singer/songwriter/recording artist.

[@laidsgpr63]

You are a great man Mark ! Very, very talented. Yeah man, you brought a lot of joy, to a lot of people ! I am just one of millions !! You are GREAT !!!

[@DonWalvig]

Such a great guy, and certainly one of the greatest, if not the greatest, guitarist of all time.

[@wbravo66]

He could play my broom handle and make it sound like a Gibson or Strat

[@joshuabrucemellis7933]

So modest...most of the best and influential musicians are British.

[@user-bl5jr5vz6i]

Like Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe.

[@alanlittle3941]

Hes one of our own. Lovely guy...Howay the Lads

[@mankydave67]

Great interview. Love Mark’s humility. Was brought up on Making Movies. The storytelling on that album was like nothing I’d heard before.

[@alanashworth9414]

Brothers in Arms was the second song I ever played on my shiny new CD player in the 80s and its still up there with my favourite song of all time. By far the best guitarist that ever walked this earth.

[@michaelhanrahanmoore1622]

Its wonderful to see all the positive comments about this national treasure mark knopfler. He has touched alot of people and has been a torch during hard times for many including me. The most expressive, most soulful, most beautiful. A master of less is more. Every note has value and when he leaves a note out its for a reason. He is a genius theres no other word for it.

[@anthonymoore1705]

to modest and humble, for me he really is the best.

[@gregorywall7586]

Absolute legend Mark is. My favourite lyricist, guitarist and songwriter. Nobody can tell (and play) a musical story like he can. Like the other greats such as David Gilmour, Brian May, Jeff Beck et al.... ONE note and you just know who it is!

[@armandhandjani9935]

I have so much admiration for this gentleman.

[@michaelhanrahanmoore1622]

When eddie van halen died i cried and listened to his music all that day. But when i hear the news that mark knopfler is gone it will hit me far harder because his playing moved me and touched me in a way no other guitarist has. His is the most soulful and beautiful guitar playing ive ever heard. He never sought to blow anyone away. He just expressed himself and the soulfullness was beyond words. Not so technically difficult nor so fast. He never shredded. But the solos to brothers in arms, telegraph road and you and your friend fill me with emotion and the wild theme from local hero is the most simple and profound guitar music ive ever heard. Yes i will cry alot more and for longer when our precious national treasure mark knopfler is gone. The most unassuming man, the most soulful guitarist.

[@blucat4]

Why assume he will die before you?

[@claudehopper9813]

I'm one of the many that the first time i heard Sultans of Swing on the radio it was like hearing something so good you just want more . Mark has given us more and I'll be ever grateful for him sharing his God given talent . He will always be my favorite Musician , song writer and guitarist .

[@COCOTEIER]

Bought Communiqué in 1979, went to the1983 Paris concert, and still listening to Dire Straits with the same pleasure in 2024.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@thedutchfisherman7078]

Does "everything wrong" but still produces the most beautiful tones, riffs and solos ever heard on a guitar! Yes Mark, you are without ANY doubt the best ever. 👍👍❤️

[@TheHesseJames]

People should stop talking about who is the best when it’s about art. This is not weight lifting or the 100 m dash. Mark Knopfler is one of my favorite guitarists. And I like his singing as well.

[@walterbriggs272]

Have absolute respect for Mark, he has played with and is the great maestro of guitar. Still play his songs at full volume!

[@DavidLongo22]

"Best" is a funny word, but I'll say this; Mark's guitar work reaches deep into my being, and can result in tears. His guitar almost "speaks", for lack of a better word.