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Riff Tone
Single-Handed Sailor
Dire Straits
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1961-1962, stock single coils)
AmpFender Vibrolux (early 1960s, brown-tolex 6G11/6G11-A circuit)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1978-1979. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section. Amp is confirmed as early 60s Fender Vibrolux. Effects are minimal, with only a volume pedal and slapback delay confirmed for this era and album. No chorus, flanger, or phaser used on this track.
Tone Character(10)
warm and smoothbright and articulatetouch-sensitivedynamic and expressiveslightly compressedclear and bell-likesubtle slapback echorich midrangeclean with slight breakup when pushedclassic Stratocaster sparkle
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, dynamic volume control, and precise articulation to achieve the signature Knopfler sound. The clean tone exposes any mistakes, and the syncopated rhythm demands tight timing.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1961-1962, stock single coils)
AmpFender Vibrolux (early 1960s, brown-tolex 6G11/6G11-A circuit)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1978-1979. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section. Amp is confirmed as early 60s Fender Vibrolux. Effects are minimal, with only a volume pedal and slapback delay confirmed for this era and album. No chorus, flanger, or phaser used on this track.
Tone Character(10)
warm and smoothbright and articulatetouch-sensitivedynamic and expressiveslightly compressedclear and bell-likesubtle slapback echorich midrangeclean with slight breakup when pushedclassic Stratocaster sparkle
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, dynamic volume control, and precise articulation to achieve the signature Knopfler sound. The clean tone exposes any mistakes, and the syncopated rhythm demands tight timing.