How to Dial In "Sucker Row" by Mark Knopfler - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sucker Row"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Shangri-La (2004). A mid-tempo, bluesy groove with a warm, lightly overdriven Stratocaster. Guitar World's report on Mark Knopfler's rig says his guitar tech used three signature Stratocasters and vintage Strats alongside Pensa-Suhr guitars, signature Les Pauls, a Grosh Electrajet and a Danelectro 59 DC on Down the Road Wherever, and that his amps were profiled onto Kemper Profilers for the 2019 tour; none of that is tied to this song. So a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster into a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set a light-to-medium crunch on the neck and middle pickups together and dig in harder for the louder sections. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Sucker Row" Tone
What guitar did Mark Knopfler use on "Sucker Row"?
The guitar on "Sucker Row" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Sucker Row" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Sucker Row" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sucker Row" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Sucker Row" by Mark Knopfler are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.