Mark Knopfler

A style all his own.

Oh man, Knopfler is so good... He can play slow, but great solos (for example in 'Brothers In Arms') or very fast solos ('Sultans Of Swing'). He talks with his guitar, shares his feelings ('Tunnel Of Love') or writes and plays just epic songs ('Telegraph Road'). One of the greatest riffs of all time is made by him ('Money For Nothing') and funny riffs too ('Walk Of Life'). Solos you won't hear immediately, but which are great ('Lady Writer') or short, prominent solos ('Calling Elvis'). I think Knopfler can play all kinds of guitar and that's why he is so amazing.

I've always thought Knopfler's talent was best expressed in the line from Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" about "guitar George"..."he knows all the chords but it's strictly rhythm, he doesn't want to make it cry or sing". Knopfler is from the "less is more" school of playing and seems to favor sparse licks over fiery solos like his opening in "Money for Nothing". His best work yet was with Chet Atkins on the "Neck & Neck" album; particularly on a track called "Tahitian Skies".

A very talented musician! Many times he doesn't recieve the credit that he probably should. I think many people just weren't too familiar with some of his work.

luv his bluesy sound...his playing made dire straits

Mark is the best guitarist I have ever heard

a very underrated player

Sultan of Swing!

Most musical of any. I can listen to his music all day, which is not something I can of any other player/singer.

Better than santana

80's Rock

Did some great work with possibly the greatest guitarist of all time, Chet Atkins.

What are you kidding me?  He is a guitarist, not a great guitarist.

He has a remarkable, maybe even unique ability to fire off a blistering solo nestled in the context of a laid back groove. Is also quite versatile, excelling at riff driven hard rock, exemplified by the album Making Movies, atmospheric soundscapes, like on the album Love Over Gold and simple folk/blues as was evident on much of the first two Dire Straits albums and a lot of his solo work.  While he's not the greatest guitarist to ever strap on a Fender, he is a solid technician who caught a wave in the late 70's early 80's and rode it with fine style and grace, never embarrassing himself.  He had the good sense to retreat to a tasteful country gentleman status that has served his legacy well.

Knopfler is not just one of the best guitar players of all time but he has the soul of a poet and a style like no other. He is difficult to imitate so not many try. I bow to his masterful handling of the instrument. His surreal solos seem to transcend time.

I dont like his style.

In 1994 I heard a song on the radio called "When It Comes To You" by John Anderson and immediately called the station to find out who played the guitar on that particular song. (As I already knew but had to ask) It was Mark Knopfler. His distinct playing style puts him in the top 5 of all time in my book.

Considering all the great things people say about his playing, but I've yet to hear anything that wows me. Give him credit for playing guitar in the age of disco.

Has contributed little to the genre.

Phrasing, touch, feel, timing, melody. I listened to countless guitarists over the last 30 years. The majority are all superb in their own right. Yet I also seem to return to the "Knop". Definitely right up there with the very best. The guy's done it all as far as I'm concerned...stadium supergroup etc. Now he can record what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants. I can't see anyone turning down a chance to work with Mr. Knopfler. Everyone has their own opinion and rightly so but for me Mark is an inspirational player.

I would say he's in the top 10.  I mean I don't even think the guy used a guitar pick.  Thats hard to do, takes talent.

if not the greatest guitarist of all time (he has to be top 5); he is the smoothest player ever

A true musician and superb player

He really influenced me when I was young

Sentimental and cheesy

Knopfler MUST be underrated! I find it hard to break him down in some ways, but I must plead some ignorance as I don't know Dire Straits as well as I SHOULD.  I heard him collaborate with others and the obvious comes to mind too-" Sultans of Swing "has some sweet playing-a real command of his instrument and such a fluid sound. And yes, his sound is NOT flashy.  I definately appreciate his musicanship as a team player, evident just from listening to his instrument.  Now, much differently in style, he tears up that "Money for Nothing" song with a killer hook, and again, there's nothing overbearing about his musical sensibilities....I need to listen to more Knopfler for sure!

Terribly underrated. His modesty, lack of flash and quiet brilliance is likely the cause for this, but it makes his talent no less evident. One of the greats and certainly deserving of a higher position on this list.

He can play the honky-tonk like anything...Great guitarist, doesn't need to be brutal with his axe, his bittersweet and melodic tones make great listening. 'Sultans of Swing' and 'King's Call' are perfect examples of this.

I agree with markgtrplyr. Here is a guy who can actually PLAY a guitar....not just make it scream with amps and reverb. Without a doubt, one of the best ever.Update: Now this is the best guitar player of all time. There...now the Van Halen/ hendrix guys can get off each other and attack me.

I always think of Knopfler as a guy who kind of sneaks up on you as a guitarist, rather than knocking you on your ass with power or jaw-dropping riffs. That's not an insult, nor is it meant to be. The guy is a superlative musician.

Absolutely amazing the sound this guy can coax from his guitar. Anyone who can not only make each note sound beautiful but also has such great melody is 5 star in my book. Shame on you lot who dont rate him.

My favorite guitarist of all time! Has an unbelievable ability to make a guitar talk....not scream. After all, its not about how many notes you can play, but more about what you convey with the ones you do.

I love the extreme polarization in votes for Knopfler.  I'm definitely closer to the 5-Star side of things.  This guy can play a guitar like no other...well, almost no other.  I have seen several live videos of this guy in concert and while his stage presence is nothing to turn heads, his hands are magic.  And while I don't usually base votes of skill on pure speed, some of Mark's solos make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end...and that's something special.  He can pick a guitar better than any guitarist that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.  Also, I find his deadpan expression and flat delivery of his lyrics quite amusing.

I like Mark, cant argue with the music, fantastic numbers. I just wish Dire Straits would come up with a tour or something. It's been too long.