SOUND ADVICE

Everything you need to know before playing ‘Sultans Of Swing’

Knopfler famously used his 1961 Fender Stratocaster set to the ‘in between’ bridge and middle pickups. Aim for an ‘on the edge of overdrive’ country style tone. An overdrive pedal and a compressor are the most important effects you’ll need. Keep the drive level low; you really only need it to provide a little extra bite. A compressor smooths out your levels and adds sparkle to your tone – ideal for taming those fingerstyle dynamics where it’s all too easy to pick too loud or soft. Dial in a little reverb for ambience and atmosphere.