Learn to play "Lady Writer" by Dire Straits on the Guitar

Hi there! In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Lady Writer on the guitar. This iconic song by Dire Straits features some incredible guitar work from the legendary Mark Knopfler. We'll break down the intro solo into manageable licks, check out the chord progression, and even discuss some of Knopfler's unique techniques.

Intro Solo and Chord Progression

We'll start with the exciting intro solo. It's packed full of really delicious little licks that you'll be itching to steal and incorporate into your playing. The solo is set in C-sharp minor, giving it a moody and intense feel. As you learn the licks, try to visualize them around the C-sharp minor chord shape. This can be a helpful way to remember the patterns and note structures.

Our chord progression for this song is quite straightforward. Interestingly, although the chords are a B to C-sharp minor, you'll be soloing over this progression. So, keep that C minor shape in mind to help you visualize the licks.

Fingerstyle and Practice

Another important element to note is that we use fingerstyle to play this song. This is a technique where you pluck the strings directly with your fingertips, fingernails, or picks attached to your fingers instead of flatpicking or strumming all the strings of the instrument in chords. This unique technique gives the song its signature sound.

As with any new skill, practice is key. Some of the techniques used in this song, such as fingerstyle or holding a bend while moving your fingers to play another note, might seem tricky at first. The most important thing is to keep practicing and not get discouraged. With time and patience, you'll get the hang of it.

Ready to Rock?

So that's the rundown of how to play Lady Writer by Dire Straits on the guitar. With some practice, you'll be playing this amazing song in no time. Don't get too caught up in playing each note perfectly. Instead, focus on capturing the song's feel and putting your unique spin on it, and enjoy the journey. After all, music is all about self-expression and having fun. You're not just learning to play a song but becoming a better guitar player and musician. So keep practicing, stay dedicated, and most importantly, have fun!

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and found it helpful. I'm sure you're going to have a blast playing this solo. There are some really tasty little licks to steal, for sure. In the next lesson, we'll take a deeper look into the rhythm pattern and exactly how Mark Knopfler plays it.

Now, it's time to grab your guitar, watch the video, and start playing! And remember to tune in for the next one, where we'll explore the verse, the chorus, and all the little fills that go along with it. Can't wait to see you there!

Here are the links to go to Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this lesson.