What guitar did Mark Knopfler use on Money for Nothing?

Mark Knopfler used a Gibson Les Paul, likely a late 1950s model or reissue. The guitar was played fingerstyle using the bridge pickup or bridge/middle pickup combination to achieve the characteristic humbucker tone heard on the recording.

How to get Mark Knopfler's Money for Nothing guitar tone?

Use a Les Paul-style guitar with humbuckers through a Marshall Plexi-style amp set to edge-of-breakup. The key is using a wah pedal fixed in the middle position and boosting midrange frequencies around 800Hz-1.5kHz. Play fingerstyle rather than with a pick for the authentic attack.

What amp did Dire Straits use on Money for Nothing?

The recording used either a Marshall JTM45 or possibly a Laney amplifier. The amp was set to a clean to edge-of-breakup tone, which provided the foundation for the distinctive filtered sound created through the microphone technique.

What wah pedal setting for Money for Nothing tone?

Use a Dunlop Cry Baby wah pedal positioned roughly in the middle of its sweep range and leave it stationary. The exact position should emphasize the nasal, honky midrange frequencies that define the song's signature sound.

Did Mark Knopfler use a pick on Money for Nothing?

No, Mark Knopfler played the guitar parts fingerstyle, which is his signature technique. This fingerpicking approach contributes to the unique attack and dynamics of the guitar tone heard on the recording.

lead guitar from "money for nothing" by dire straits

money for nothing

dire straits

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

A biting, mid-heavy, and slightly distorted guitar tone defined by its distinctive fixed 'cocked wah' filter sound.

The Story

The signature filtered sound of Mark Knopfler's lead guitar on 'Money for Nothing' was created through an experimental dual microphone setup by engineer Neil Dorfsman. Two Shure SM57 microphones were placed on the amplifier cabinet - one on-axis and one angled off-axis, creating phase cancellations that produced a natural filtering effect. A Dunlop Cry Baby wah pedal was then engaged and left in a fixed position to further accentuate the characteristic nasal, filtered tone. Knopfler played fingerstyle on what was likely a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall JTM45 or similar amp.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul (likely late '50s model or reissue)

Amp: Marshall JTM45 (or possibly Laney)

Microphone: Shure SM57 (two mics, specific placement)

Processing: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (left in a fixed position)

Other: Unique dual microphone setup: one SM57 on-axis, one SM57 off-axis/angled, possibly out of phase, contributing significantly to the filtered tone *before* the wah was added. Bridge or Bridge/Middle pickup position.

Recreation Tips

Use a guitar with humbuckers, preferably a Les Paul.
Select the bridge pickup or the middle position (both pickups).
Set your amplifier to a clean or edge-of-breakup tone (Marshall Plexi/JTM45 style is ideal).
Engage a wah pedal and slowly sweep it until you find the 'sweet spot' that provides the characteristic nasal, filtered tone (often around the middle of the pedal's travel). Leave the pedal in this position.
Boost midrange frequencies (around 800Hz - 1.5kHz) with amp EQ or an EQ pedal if needed.
Use fingerstyle playing for authentic attack.