Sultans of Swing Solos

[John H]

From one of my favorite guitarists, my humble take on his beautiful solos. Playing my American Standard Strat through GarageBand. Many moons ago. Hope you enjoy.

• This topic was modified 1 week, 1 day ago by John H.

[Garry]

The first real guitar solo I ever really took notice of when I was younger John. It’s still my all time favourite. Mark Knopfler is the man and ‘Wow’ love your rendition of this! I’ve listened a few times. Really well executed and played with the same spirit as the great man. 👏👏🌟👏👏 All the best! 😎🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸😎

[Dieter]

Yes, that swings – great playing.

Dieter

[charjo]

Great stuff, John. I hope you took note of all the theory in those solos. Always a good time to relearn it😁.
John

[John H]

John
Exactly. I was just thinking, “how did Mark Knopfler think this through?” I can always count on you to challenge me one way or the other and I appreciate it. Yes, it’s on never-ending quest to understand the theory. I actually think the rhythm portion is more challenging but then again he plays both. Maybe next go around I will learn to fingerpick it. But don’t hold your breath.

John

[charjo]

The first solo is full of licks around triads and arpeggios following the chords, that’s why I’m after you for the theory. Pretty hard to memorize without it. You played it really well.
John

[John H]

I do recognize/understand the minimal basics of his use of triads and arpeggios however, I marvel at how his mind invented this so to speak. And then he applies his best Chet Atkins fingerpicking to both the lead and rhythm. Remember the movie “Amadeus” when the Antonio Salieri said:

“I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I become their champion. I am their patron saint… Mediocrities everywhere, I absolve you. I absolve you. I absolve you. I absolve you.”

I play this over in my mind all the time.

John

[charjo]

Apparently, there is a whole world of muted finger picks accentuating the groove that you can’t really appreciate in the full mix. There’s an isolated guitar track for this somewhere on YouTube to hear the nuances.
John

[JoeD1]

That was so good I had to listen a few times.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Guido]

Wow John, your fingers were flying in those solos! Of course, like many of us, I always dreamed to be able to play those parts, but I’ve still to begin to learn just the first phrase! Congratulations for your great rendition (even if played with a pick 😅)!

Guido

• This reply was modified 1 week ago by Guido.

[Michael Krailo]

Awesome work John, I have never even attempted it yet. Maybe one of these days. That takes a lot of work to master for sure.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

[Geoff]

This is some great playing John. I would never try to copy anything Mark Knopfler did because it would take a lifetime to and I just focus on what I can do. Kudos to you for taking this one on so well.

I remember years ago when I was living in University Res. There was a guy above me who played Sultans of swing on his strat night after night. He sounded great and he played it flawlessly but that was all he played. I guess the lead is that difficult that it needed consistent all absorbing practice. Too much for me and one of the reasons I don’t tackle too much Bach with my classical playing 😨

[John H]

Thanks Geoff
I think we gravitate towards what comes naturally or easily. What might be difficult for one person may not be for another. This solo just makes sense. And is a blast to play.

John

[Geoff]

Well, this is one time I disagree John. I think this lead is difficult period, no matter who plays it. It is one of the great electric guitar standards and you nailed it.

[James B]

You nailed it, John. What a great piece of music to be able to play.

James

[Martin W]

Excellent take on this classic, I listened intently you didn’t miss a single note .
That must have taken some practice to get it to that level .
One to be proud of ……keep playing it !

Martin

[Chuck P]

You played that very well John, it doesn’t look easy at all and your practice really shows. Great work!

Chuck

[Helen Lazaridou]

My dear John ♥️❤️💕Can I just tell you how much I envy you??(in a good way🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩)Our favorite soloing of all time and you played it so beautifully!Didn’t you miss a single note??🤩🤩🤩Respect to you my friend ❤️ 🩷

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