Riff Tone

Money for Nothing

Dire Straits

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard

AmpLaney amplifier (exact model not confirmed, but cited as used in studio); some sources mention Ampeg SVT-VR or Marshall JTM45, but Laney is most directly cited for the studio riff recording

PickupsHumbucker (likely PAF, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass6.5

mid6

treble6

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Wah pedal (likely Dunlop Cry Baby, half-cocked)

Notes

Studio recording, 1984-1985 for 'Brothers in Arms'. The riff tone was achieved with a 1958 Les Paul Standard into a Laney amp, with the bridge humbucker selected and the tone control rolled off. Studio trickery, dual-mic'ing, and a cocked wah pedal were also used. The Ampeg SVT-VR and Marshall JTM45 are sometimes mentioned but are less directly cited for the original studio riff.

Tone Character(10)

distinct 'muddy' guitar soundmid-heavy EQreduced treble for mellowingharmonic-richfiltered, cocked-wah effectfat and thickcompressed and focusedpercussive attacksinging sustainslightly nasal, filtered character

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced fingerstyle technique, precise muting, and dynamic control to achieve the percussive, harmonic-rich sound, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Dire Straits - Money for Nothing How to play Money for Nothing on guitar | Guitar World Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard TIL that the sound of the opening riff of 'Money for Nothing' by Dire ...

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