Mark Knopfler’s Journey: From Tennis Rackets to Guitar Hero
Mark Knopfler, the legendary guitarist from the iconic band Dire Straits, has shared the charming story of how his unique guitar-playing style developed—thanks to a tennis racket and his older sister, Ruth. In a candid interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Knopfler revealed how a childhood moment with his sister shaped the trajectory of his musical career. The 74-year-old musician reminisced about how, despite being left-handed, he learned to play guitar right-handed due to a playful but significant intervention from his sister.
A Childhood Revelation
As children, Knopfler and his sister often used tennis rackets as makeshift guitars, strumming along in their imaginary world of music. However, his sister Ruth, noticing his left-handedness, decided to intervene. “I was playing it, I was pretending it was a guitar, and she turned it round so that I was holding it right-handed, and she said that’s the way you play it,” Knopfler recalled. That small moment of sibling guidance had a lasting impact on his guitar-playing technique. He explained that playing right-handed, even though he is naturally left-handed, allowed his dominant hand to form the notes more easily, giving him an advantage in control and flexibility.
This unique combination of left-hand strength on a right-handed guitar gave Knopfler the ability to create his signature sound, including his famous vibrato technique—bending the strings vertically on two or three strings at a time. This approach became a key element of his style, setting him apart from other guitarists and contributing to the distinctive sound that defined Dire Straits.
The Birth of a Guitar Hero
Knopfler’s journey to becoming one of rock’s greatest guitarists didn’t begin with formal music lessons or conservatory training. Instead, it was nurtured in the family home, with the support of his parents and the influence of his sister. Reflecting on his family’s role in his music career, Knopfler expressed gratitude for their patience and encouragement. He fondly remembered his early attempts at playing music, describing his efforts at learning boogie-woogie piano under the guidance of his uncle Kingsley. “I played it and played it and played it, but I don’t think it ever improved,” Knopfler said with a laugh, acknowledging the patience his parents showed during those noisy early years.
His brother, David Knopfler, who later became a founding member of Dire Straits, also played drums. The drums were housed in a shed in their backyard, and the constant drumming, combined with Mark’s relentless piano playing, must have been a challenge for the family’s neighbors and parents. Yet, despite the racket, Knopfler’s parents never discouraged their sons’ musical pursuits. “They never stood in the way of it,” he said, reflecting on how their support allowed him to fully embrace his passion for music.
From Journalism to Songwriting
Before achieving worldwide fame with Dire Straits, Knopfler worked as a journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post. This experience, he said, helped sharpen his songwriting skills and gave him a deeper appreciation for storytelling. His time as a journalist, though brief, provided him with a wealth of material and inspiration that would later influence his music.
Knopfler spoke of how the job “accelerated” his songwriting abilities by forcing him to observe and document real-life characters and situations. “I was sent to interview the cast of this pantomime in the theatre in Leeds, and I’d find myself talking to (people saying) we’re the oldest ugly sisters in variety,” he recalled. These snippets of dialogue and experiences later found their way into his songs, forming the foundation of his narrative-driven approach to songwriting. One such example is the song “One More Matinee,” which appeared on his solo album Sailing to Philadelphia. He referred to these songs as “portrait songs,” a term that highlights his ability to paint vivid pictures of people and places through his lyrics.
The Rise of Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler’s career with Dire Straits began in 1977, and the band quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most successful rock groups of the late 20th century. With his distinctive fingerpicking guitar technique, Knopfler brought a new sound to the rock scene, blending elements of blues, folk, and rock in a way that was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Some of Dire Straits’ most famous songs, such as “Sultans of Swing,” “Money for Nothing,” and “Romeo and Juliet,” became instant classics and continue to influence musicians today.
Dire Straits’ success was not limited to their groundbreaking sound; they also achieved commercial success, with five UK top 10 singles and four number-one albums. Their album Brothers in Arms, released in 1985, was a landmark in music history, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time and winning multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards. The band’s influence on the music industry is undeniable, and Knopfler’s contributions as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer have solidified his place as one of rock’s all-time greats.
However, after nearly two decades of success, Dire Straits disbanded in 1995. Knopfler continued to pursue his solo career, which saw him explore new musical horizons and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. His work as a film score composer, particularly for the 1983 film Local Hero, showcased his versatility as a musician and further cemented his legacy in the world of music.
A Family Affair
Knopfler’s journey from tennis racket strummer to world-renowned guitarist is deeply intertwined with his family’s influence. His older sister’s decision to turn the tennis racket around may have been a playful childhood moment, but it was a defining one that helped shape Knopfler’s unique guitar-playing style. Similarly, the patience and support of his parents allowed him to explore his musical passions without fear of judgment or discouragement.
Knopfler’s story is a testament to the importance of family in nurturing creativity and talent. He often speaks of his deep gratitude for the role his family played in his career, particularly his sister Ruth, who unknowingly set him on the path to greatness with a simple twist of a tennis racket. “Big sisters are very important in this world,” he said during the interview, highlighting the lasting impact of those early childhood moments.
Knopfler’s Enduring Legacy
Today, at 74 years old, Mark Knopfler continues to be a revered figure in the music world. His solo career has been marked by critical acclaim, with three UK top 40 singles and nine top 10 albums. His ability to blend technical prowess with emotive storytelling has earned him a loyal fanbase, and his influence on guitarists across genres is immeasurable.
Whether playing with Dire Straits or pursuing solo projects, Knopfler’s music has always been characterized by a deep sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. His journey from a left-handed child strumming a right-handed tennis racket to becoming one of rock’s greatest guitarists is a story of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of family.
As fans tune in to listen to Knopfler on Desert Island Discs, they will hear not just the story of a rock legend, but the story of a man whose musical journey was shaped by the people closest to him. And for Knopfler, that journey began with a simple childhood moment that changed everything.
