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Riff Tone

What It Is

Mark Knopfler

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1961 or 1962, sunburst, rosewood board)

AmpSoldano SLO-100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier

PickupsFender single-coil Stratocaster pickups

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

delayMXR Delay pedal (likely MXR Analog Delay or similar)

otherErnie Ball Volume pedal (Ernie Ball 6166 or similar)

Notes

Studio recording for 'What It Is' (2000, Sailing to Philadelphia). Mark Knopfler is confirmed to have used the Soldano SLO-100 for his solo career in this era, with a Fender Stratocaster as his main guitar. No evidence of Les Paul or other guitars for this specific song/part. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. Effects inferred from both sources and audio.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatetouch-sensitive and dynamicslightly compressedclear note separationwarm mids with present highssubtle slap-back echomodest reverb for spacepercussive fingerstyle attackedge-of-breakup claritysmooth sustain

Difficulty

The riff requires precise fingerstyle technique, dynamic control, and rhythmic accuracy, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1961 or 1962, sunburst, rosewood board)

AmpSoldano SLO-100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier

PickupsFender single-coil Stratocaster pickups

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

delayMXR Delay pedal (likely MXR Analog Delay or similar)

otherErnie Ball Volume pedal (Ernie Ball 6166 or similar)

Sources

Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

Notes

Studio recording for 'What It Is' (2000, Sailing to Philadelphia). Mark Knopfler is confirmed to have used the Soldano SLO-100 for his solo career in this era, with a Fender Stratocaster as his main guitar. No evidence of Les Paul or other guitars for this specific song/part. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. Effects inferred from both sources and audio.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatetouch-sensitive and dynamicslightly compressedclear note separationwarm mids with present highssubtle slap-back echomodest reverb for spacepercussive fingerstyle attackedge-of-breakup claritysmooth sustain

Difficulty

The riff requires precise fingerstyle technique, dynamic control, and rhythmic accuracy, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

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What It Is by Mark Knopfler — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt