Song Rig
Money for Nothing
Mark Knopfler · Brothers in Arms · 1985
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Complete 180 from Sultans of Swing — heavy Gibson guitar with a Marshall-style overdriven tone. Knopfler plugged a Les Paul or SG through a vintage Marshall to create the crunchy, midrange-heavy riff that defines the song.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Standard (or SG)
- 2Marshall JCM800 (gained up)
Amp Settings
JCM800 with significant preamp gain — a complete gear change from the Knopfler clean setup. The famous intro riff required a heavier sound to match the track's aggressive character.
Technique
How to Play It
Downpicked power chords for the main riff — more in common with AC/DC or Angus Young than Knopfler's usual fingerpicked style.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any humbucker guitar + Marshall-voiced amp or Boss DS-1 into a clean amp. Completely different from the Sultans clean setup.
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