Song practice guide
How to Practice Sultans of Swing
Dire Straits' 'Sultans of Swing' is one of the most-played electric guitar showcases in rock. Mark Knopfler's fingerpicked guitar work, the smooth chord progression, and the cinematic outro solo make it a milestone for electric guitarists.
Song Details
- Key
- Dm
- Tempo
- 148 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
Structure
This song is still under copyright, so we publish its form rather than its chord chart. Add it to your library and you can enter or attach your own chart, and Repertoire will schedule it either way.
What to Focus On
Fingerpicked electric guitar (Knopfler's signature technique). Smooth chord changes through Dm-based progression. The extended outro guitar solo.
Practice Tips
- 1
The fingerpicking is the technique that made Knopfler famous. Practice slowly with no pick.
- 2
The verse and chorus chord progressions are the foundation. Master them before tackling the solo.
- 3
The outro solo is one of the most-studied in rock guitar. If you play lead, study Knopfler's bends and phrasing.
Why This Song
It's the great electric-fingerstyle guitar showcase, a milestone for serious players.
Practice Sultans of Swing Daily
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