How to play Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits - Part One - Guitar Lesson Tutorial

In this guitar lesson tutorial we look at how to play the guitar part of Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits. The song appeared on the Album of the same name back in 1985 and is reported to be the first CD single ever released. It was re-released in 2007 as a special edition to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War and raise money for veterans charities.

The song was recorded using a 1984 Gibson Les Paul modified so that the middle position on the pick-up selector connects them out of phase. The guitar was played using a Marshall JTM-45 amp and had an Ernie Ball volume pedal to create those volume swells that add so much to the atmosphere of the song.

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Lesson by Paul Campion

[TheDailyStarmer]

This is the clearest, easiest to follow tutorial on Brothers in Arms I've seen. Thank you.

[paulwhite]

I must say very well explained I'm looking to learn this excellent tutorial, thank you.

[kenmosholder]

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you. Can’t wait to get started.

[mikeaaron]

Great lesson 👍. I believe, although I might be wrong, that Mark Knopfler plays the song using both pick ups - the middle position.

[iCabronazo]

Thanks a lot, very well explained. 10/10 :D

[mdhonze]

hey how do you like that epiphany les paul?

[elvinator]

Great lesson and thank you for putting your time into showing us. One little point, it would be easier to follow if you wouldn't always slide up the neck after every group of notes. I stopped payjng attention and was only waiting for the swishes :-)

[hp]

very good lesson - what for a amp do you use

[TheCheck]

I wish you to play as well as you explain, thanks.

[eullerferreirabulu]

Please lessons the music your last trick dire straits

[grumpy]

Yes very good information you teach it is the best to date for this song!! Thank you so much sir great job...: )

[briancollopy]

Thanks for the lesson.
I’d like to give one to you...
As a player for about 40 years, I appreciate the honesty of playing note for note as a lesson, however it’s not a natural sound from you. Maybe it would be better for you to give your interpretation instead.
Not criticizing.
Just commenting
Best wishes