Mark Knopfler: The Journey from Fingerstyle Mess to Mastery
Mark Knopfler, the legendary frontman of Dire Straits, has long been celebrated for his unique fingerpicking style on the guitar. However, in a recent conversation on The Rockonteurs podcast with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, he offered an intriguing perspective on his evolution as a guitarist. Knopfler candidly reflected on his early fingerstyle technique, describing it as a “mess” that would raise eyebrows among guitar teachers. Yet, he also emphasized the enduring value of using a pick, highlighting its ability to produce a loud, clean sound.
A Humble Beginning
Knopfler’s journey into the world of guitar started with experimentation. He recounted how, when he first began playing with a Stratocaster, he was already gravitating toward fingerstyle. However, he always kept a pick handy, allowing him to switch between techniques seamlessly. This adaptability was crucial as he navigated the complexities of developing his own sound. He remarked, “When I started playing with a Strat, I was already beginning to play with my fingers, but I’d have a pick in my pocket so I could always do both things.”
Despite his eventual mastery, Knopfler humbly admitted that his early fingerpicking efforts were far from polished. “The finger thing was just a bit of a mess that just came together slowly,” he confessed. This candid acknowledgment of his early struggles is refreshing and resonates with many musicians who face similar challenges in their development.
The Role of the Pick
What makes Knopfler’s perspective particularly interesting is his insistence that using a pick is still vital for guitarists, regardless of their preferred playing style. He argued, “It’s the best thing in guitar. I mean, it’s louder, it’s cleaner, it [gives you] the best signal for recording. It’s fantastic.” This statement may come as a surprise to some, especially given Knopfler’s reputation as a fingerstyle icon.
He explained that the pick provides a level of clarity and volume that fingerpicking often struggles to match. “I want to bow to the plectrum and say it’s a superior thing,” he added. His praise for the pick underscores a fundamental truth about guitar playing: each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice often depends on the desired sound.
Evolving Techniques
As he delved deeper into his craft, Knopfler noted that his relationship with the pick had changed. Earlier this year, he revealed to Guitar Player that his recent experiences, including bouts of COVID-19, had pushed him to explore fingerstyle more deeply. “Lack of use, plus three bouts of COVID, probably phased out the plectrum for me,” he shared. This unexpected shift led to an increased focus on fingerpicking, which he described as being “more comfortable” for him in recent times.
Despite this shift, he was careful to emphasize that the utility of a pick should not be overlooked. “I didn’t give it up until recently. I was capable of playing things with a plectrum quite a lot, and I would do all the rhythm parts with one all the time,” he explained. This duality in his approach highlights how versatile a musician he is, adapting his techniques to fit different musical contexts.
Finding Comfort in Fingerstyle
Knopfler’s evolution as a guitarist reflects a broader journey that many musicians undertake: the quest for comfort and authenticity in their playing. His willingness to explore different techniques and his recognition of the merits of each method is an essential lesson for aspiring guitarists.
Fingerstyle playing, often regarded as more intimate and expressive, can provide a unique emotional connection to the music. Knopfler’s acknowledgment of his earlier struggles serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished artists face challenges along the way. His path illustrates that growth often comes from experimentation and embracing discomfort.
Mark Knopfler’s insights on fingerpicking and the use of a pick offer valuable lessons for guitarists of all levels. His journey from a “mess” of a fingerstyle to a refined technique underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in music. While he may have developed a unique sound that many emulate, his humble reflections reveal the complexity of his craft.
As Knopfler continues to evolve as a musician, his respect for both fingerstyle and the plectrum reminds us that the guitar is a versatile instrument, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. Whether you prefer the intimacy of fingerpicking or the clarity of a pick, the key takeaway is clear: embrace your journey, learn from your mistakes, and never underestimate the power of adaptability in your musical expressi
