'Sultans of Swing,' Ranked Among 'Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time,' Was Dire Straits' First Single

Dire Straits is known as the biggest British rock band of the '80s, and for good reason. Bursting onto the music scene in 1977, the group was founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist David Knopfler (Mark's younger brother), bassist and backing vocalist John Illsley, and drummer David "Pick" Withers.

The rock outfit released their self-titled debut on June 9, 1978, via Vertigo Records, with its first single, "Sultans of Swing," hitting the airwaves in the UK on May 19, 1978, and in the US in January 1979. Mark Knopfler penned the lyrics, which were inspired by a Dixieland jazz band playing in an almost empty pub. Their name? Sultans of Swing.

The song would go on to become a fan favorite and one of their most iconic tracks. "Sultans of Swing" didn't chart in 1978, but its 1979 re-release saw it peak at No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart-not too shabby for a first single.

"Sultans of Swing" was well-received critically, with multiple outlets lauding Mark Knopfler's virtuosic guitar-playing. Rolling Stone praised the tune for its "inescapable hook," while Cash Box noted that the "excellent guitar work" is "exceptionally fluid and engaging."

The aforementioned publication also included Knopfler's "Sultans of Swing" guitar solo in its 2026 iteration of its "The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time" list. Sitting at No. 33, Rolling Stone highlighted Knopfler for pushing the musical envelope by diverting from the usual loud sound of the '70s. The guitarist's "nimble, intricate, finger-style playing and the bright, clean sound" on his Fender Stratocaster is proof positive that he's one of the best to do it. Rolling Stone noted the versatility of Knopfler's solo, which shifts from a lighter tone to "blazing arpeggios."

In another list, Guitar World ranked the solo at No. 7. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also included "Sultans of Swing" on its "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" list, which is the band's only appearance on said list.

The fact that this was Dire Straits' first entry out of the gate is quite impressive. If you haven't already, be sure to blast "Sultans of Swing" today, if anything, for Mark Knopfler's electrifying guitar work.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 8:57 AM.