Mark Knopfler’s Iconic Fingerpicking: A Style Born of Necessity and Resourcefulness
In the world of music, few guitarists have a style as distinct and immediately recognizable as Mark Knopfler. The former Dire Straits frontman is known for his expressive, intricate fingerpicking style—a technique he developed not out of choice, but as a matter of necessity. Growing up with limited resources, Knopfler didn’t have access to an amplifier, nor did he have the “nerve” to ask his father for one. This restriction led him down a path that would ultimately define his sound and set him apart as one of rock’s most unique guitarists.
Knopfler’s journey, from a young boy strumming on an acoustic guitar to a world-renowned musician, is filled with anecdotes about family support, personal creativity, and a few unconventional decisions that would all play a part in crafting his musical identity. In his latest album, One Deep River, released in April, Knopfler continues to showcase his signature fingerpicking style, allowing listeners to hear the intricate, nuanced sound he has honed over the decades.
Family Roots and Early Musical Influence
In a recent appearance on BBC’s Desert Island Discs, Knopfler reflected on his early years and the influences that shaped him as a musician. At the age of five, Knopfler’s family moved to Blythe in Northern England, his mother’s hometown. This shift brought him closer to his uncle, one of his first musical influences, who introduced him to the basics of boogie-woogie piano. “I played shockingly bad boogie-woogie piano, taught by my uncle,” he recalled. “I cannot believe how patient my parents must have been.” This early dabbling in music, while not directly tied to the guitar, was a crucial first step in his journey.
Knopfler’s parents were supportive, tolerating his musical experiments even as he moved from piano to guitar. He remembers stomping on the floor while playing, creating makeshift rhythm as he learned. Though his family lacked resources, they never discouraged him from pursuing his musical interests. This supportive environment allowed Knopfler to explore his sound freely, setting a foundation for his unique approach to the guitar.
A Surprising Shift to Right-Handed Playing
One of the pivotal moments in Knopfler’s early development as a guitarist came from an unexpected source: his sister, Ruth, and an old tennis racket. Being left-handed, Knopfler initially gravitated towards holding the guitar in a way that would align with his dominant hand. However, while playing with a tennis racket, Ruth humorously flipped the racket around and told him, “That’s the way you play it.” This seemingly small interaction led him to adopt a right-handed approach to guitar, allowing his stronger left hand to handle the fretboard.
This switch had a profound impact on Knopfler’s playing style. As his more dexterous hand was now assigned to the fretboard, he could manipulate notes with greater precision and add subtle vibrato effects across multiple strings. This configuration contributed to the fluid, expressive quality of his playing, which became a hallmark of his performances.
The Birth of Fingerpicking: A Style Born of Necessity
Without an amplifier, Knopfler had to find ways to make his music resonate, literally and figuratively. “The fingerpicking came from not having an amplifier,” he shared on Desert Island Discs. After his father bought him a guitar, Knopfler couldn’t bring himself to ask for an additional expense, especially given the family’s limited finances. “After Dad forked out 50 pounds for a guitar, I didn’t have the nerve to ask him for an amp. I didn’t think it was right.”
Instead of using a pick, which would create a louder, more amplified sound, Knopfler began experimenting with fingerpicking, seeking ways to amplify the sound naturally. This alternative technique gave him the ability to play dynamically, adding depth and emotion to each note. Over time, Knopfler’s fingerpicking evolved to suit both rhythm and lead parts, allowing him to create a fuller sound without additional equipment.
In a 2022 interview with Guitar Player, Knopfler elaborated on the advantages he discovered by relying on his thumb and fingers instead of a pick. “Eventually, I found myself doing things with just my thumb and two fingers that I couldn’t do with a pick,” he said. This approach offered more control and finesse, allowing him to achieve a sound that was both delicate and powerful. However, he noted that he still occasionally uses a plectrum for strumming, especially on acoustic tracks.
The Evolution of His Technique: Finding Strength Without a Pick
Knopfler’s journey in refining his fingerpicking didn’t stop at his teenage years. Over time, he experimented with different tools, including thumb picks and even metal finger picks, commonly used in folk and bluegrass. He found inspiration from guitarists like Chet Atkins, who used thumb picks to create a rhythmic “chunk” effect. Yet Knopfler ultimately decided to abandon these tools, favoring a more direct approach.
On his hit Sultans of Swing, Knopfler’s fingerpicking technique truly shines, as he blends rhythm and melody seamlessly. This song became an anthem for his unique sound and demonstrated the power of his fingerpicking, even without the punch of an amp. Knopfler himself acknowledged that his approach to picking allows him to achieve a “physicality” with each note. “A lot of times, I’ll hit a note with the thumb and second finger together, so it might seem as though I’m pinching the string—squeezing it,” he explained. This technique added a level of intensity and expression to his playing, capturing the attention of listeners and critics alike.
Ditching the Pick: A Natural Transition
In recent years, Knopfler has leaned even more heavily into fingerpicking, going as far as to phase out picks almost entirely. During the pandemic, he found himself frequently losing his picks and relying more on his fingers. “I think lack of use, plus three bouts of COVID, probably phased out the plectrum for me,” he told Guitar Player. While he doesn’t claim to be fingerpicking any better, he’s found the approach more comfortable and natural over time.
Still, Knopfler remains a proponent of the plectrum, acknowledging its unique benefits. “I want to bow to the plectrum and say it’s a superior thing,” he admitted. He praises its loudness, speed, and ability to produce a stronger signal. “It’s the best amplifier there is,” he added, noting that he still uses picks for certain rhythm parts where a more percussive sound is desired.
A Legacy Defined by Adaptability and Creativity
Mark Knopfler’s journey to guitar greatness wasn’t marked by formal training or expensive gear but by adaptability, resourcefulness, and a passion for self-expression. His fingerpicking technique, born out of financial necessity and a dose of humility, has become one of the most celebrated sounds in rock. In his album One Deep River, this style remains front and center, a testament to the ingenuity that shaped his early years and continues to define his music.
Knopfler’s story serves as a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from limitations. Without an amp, he found his voice as a guitarist; without the luxury of traditional training, he developed a sound that is undeniably his own. Through his innovative approach, Knopfler has inspired generations of guitarists to embrace their limitations, discover their unique style, and, above all, play from the heart.
