My personal opinion is that Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) is one hell of a great guitar player. I am puzzled, because when people ask on this forum about great guitar players, his name rarely shows up. Why do you think that is?
I am fairly certain I am not the only person who thinks he’s an amazing guitarist, but I just don’t see him getting any mention.
Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the subject? All input is welcome.
Thanks.
**NOT THAT BOB**
We appear to be in complete agreement. I, too, can pick Knopfler out just by hearing him play, even if it’s something I haven’t heard before. I also agree on David Gilmour–his style is also both amazing and distinctive.
One of the things which impresses me with both of them is that they are able to impart so much emotion in their playing. I happen to like Angus Young of AC/DC, but his music has no emotion in it–it’s just fun and crazy. Knopfler and Gilmour are able to convey a wide variety of emotions in their playing–perhaps that’s why I think the solos in "Comfortably Numb" are the most emotional guitar solos of all time.
First off, he’s a complete composer of music. He doesn’t just play guitar in a band. He tells a story with music. So when evaluating guitar players, it’s based on glitz, flash, technical prowess, and impact on the world of guitar.
Mark is above that as a songwriter/composer in what he has chosen as a musician.
Think of Beehthoven. Is he a great piano player? Or a great composer? Which one is more accurate?
How would you want Mark Knopfler remembered?
So I’m not surprised to see him excluded from a list that doesn’t account for all of his gifts.
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April 9th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I really don’t know. I love most of his stuff. He’s fantastic, even Chet thought so. He’s not bombastic, and he’s not in the spotlight anymore are the only reasons I can come up with.
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April 9th, 2010 at 11:17 am
what really made me scratch my head was why slash wasn’t put on the list of top 100 guitarist of all time on rolling stone magazine…that magazine is stupid anyways…
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April 9th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Your, dead on there. Talk about underrated. Like you, I think he is one of the truly greatest guitarist. I think, I could pick his
guitar playing, almost anytime.
I, think the same about David Gilmore.( Pink Floyd.
This is an excellent question. Got a star. Well Done…..
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mind of mine
April 9th, 2010 at 11:50 am
I think it’s because he was never a flashy guitar player. He is in my book one of the best ever guitarist in the planet [and composer] yet was never honored or get as much attention as other famous guitarists out there. He has got his own style and sound, yup his sound is very distinct and easy to recognize [that is if one is a dire straits/m. knopfler fan]…nobody can duplicate the opening riffs of sultans of swing!
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April 9th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
MK is a great guitarist , but I think values his privacy so doesnt do the star thing , hence doesnt get the coverage , and if you’re not in the public eye people tecd to forget about you
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April 9th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Its very true what you say & I wish I had a more definitive answer but for some reason he is underrated & it is very unjust. He is an amazing talent and has inspired many great guitarists of our time. Maybe enough time hasnt passed yet for his work & unique style to be truly appreciated. Perhaps he isnt recognised on paper, but he is recognised in the music and thats where it matters most….
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April 9th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
First off, he’s a complete composer of music. He doesn’t just play guitar in a band. He tells a story with music. So when evaluating guitar players, it’s based on glitz, flash, technical prowess, and impact on the world of guitar.
Mark is above that as a songwriter/composer in what he has chosen as a musician.
Think of Beehthoven. Is he a great piano player? Or a great composer? Which one is more accurate?
How would you want Mark Knopfler remembered?
So I’m not surprised to see him excluded from a list that doesn’t account for all of his gifts.
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April 9th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
He certainly is great. I think it is all in PR. Maybe he is just happy where he is in life.
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April 9th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
I`ve been a fan of his ever since I saw Dire Straits play at Live Aid all them years ago.As people have said he keeps well out of the limelight and just keeps on making great albums every once in a while.No need for masses of promotion there…the cds sell themselves.I once read that Eric Clapton was actually scared of Knopfler upon hearing him play and said `I`m finished now…this guy is gonna take my crown!` Compliment indeed.But what is great to one person is not to another ie u might like Keith Richards but hate Eddie Van Halen yet both play guitar rather well.
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