Riff Tone

Going Home (Theme from the Local Hero)

Mark Knopfler

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarSchecter Stratocaster (custom, early 1980s, maple neck, DiMarzio FS-1 in bridge)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo

PickupsDiMarzio FS-1 single coil (bridge), Fender single coils (middle/neck)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionBoss Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer

delayBoss Boss DM-2 Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Guitar is a custom Schecter Strat-style with maple neck and DiMarzio FS-1 bridge pickup. Amp is a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB, as used by Knopfler in this era for studio work. No evidence of live rig or later digital profilers for the original recording.

Tone Character(10)

clean and glassybright and articulatetouch-sensitiveslight compressionclear note separationsubtle reverb ambiencewarm but not muddystudio-polishedfingerstyle claritysustain without distortion

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, dynamic control for clean articulation, and precise phrasing to capture the signature Knopfler sound.

Sources

Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Mark Knopfler guitar lesson: learn his rhythm & lead secrets

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