Ceri,

This may have been the instructional material that Greg Koch made reference to regarding Mark Knopfler style, but I was almost certain that he said he himself had instructions on a DVD regarding the particular riff we discussed and others. Anyway, here is a link I found.



http://www.midi-classics.com/b/b12998.htm

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Hi there Randy: hey, that is above and beyond. So nice of you: thank you very much indeed!

I hadn't seen that one on my searches: I've immediately checked and sourced it locally, so I'll have it in my hot little hands soon.

Much appreciated - thanks again!

Cheers man - C

I'm glad I could help. Let us know what you find out in that material regarding that solo. We tended to have more questions at the clinic regarding the mute and pick part then we had regarding whether or not every note was picked or used hammerons and pulloffs. I do remember Greg Koch saying the only way to do it is to put the time and practice in and do it right. He made reference to the number of guitarists who take the easy route and play it incorrectly. That statement leads me to believe that the mute and pick part is essential, and that all other notes were picked individually. I am trying to find a way to get an e-mail to him to see which one of his personal instructional DVD's has more information, but I haven't found a way to contact him yet. I'm very curious on this one, so keep us posted and if I find out more I'll do the same.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Yeah, well it seems that includes me!

Mind you, my way sounds fine: I was just fascinated at the suggestion that Knopfler picks all four notes in the pattern. And frustrated, because I can't do it at the speed he does live.

But then, the world is so full of folks who can do stuff I can't!

BTW: before someone tells me I shouldn't be trying to replicate someone else's playing - I'm not. But try playing Sultans in front of a crowd and not doing that lick at the end - it is not permitted! They'll send you back and make you do it again "properly"...

Anyhow. If I find out more I'll let you know.

Thanks again - C

TUESDAY - UPDATE:

Hi again Randy: since you were so kind as to hunt that Knopfler book down for me I thought I'd let you know that it arrived in the post this morning.

Must admit, I haven't bought these types of books for about 20 years or more, cos when I was starting out they did tend to be frustratingly inaccurate. However, like many other guitar related things it might be that they've got better over the years. I certainly haven't studied every note yet, but this one (Official Mark Knopfler Guitar Styles Vol 1) seems to be pretty good, far as I can see.

Regarding the the lick in question, this book seems to be telling us to pick three of the four notes and pull-off for the fourth. Which is half way between what I've always done and what Jamie Humphries was suggesting on the Lick Library DVD.

You pays your money, you takes your choice!

I've had another look at the video you posted on the other thread:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re9qdd6GdTg

I STILL can't tell which way he's picking it (from 9:01 on the vid), though I'm pretty sure he's not picking all four notes of the phrase. Is he picking two notes like I do or three like this book says? Interested in anyone's thoughts.

BTW: I puzzled over what you reported Greg Koch saying about the thumb muting thing, and when I closely analyze what my right hand is doing it turns out I seem to be doing that too - though without ever consciously intending it!

Once more: thanks Randy. Now: enjoy your Knopfler Sig Strat!

Cheers - C

Hi Ceri,

I hope that publication is helpful. I'm still trying to find out which DVD he referenced regarding that solo. I thought positively that Greg Koch said he gives instruction on this on one of his own Hal Leonard DVD's. I'm still trying to find out which one, and will let you know when I do. I sure dont see how anyone can play that by picking every note individually, but there again I'm not nearly as talented as some others. I checked about the Knopfler Strat I ordered and the tracking info says it will be here today. Its almost 5:30 p.m., so I'm beginning to wonder. Thats okay, because they originally told me it was on backorder.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...