Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing” Performed on the Gayageum, a Korean Instrument Dating Back to the 6th Century

Every now and then, we check in on the fascinating musical world of Luna Lee–a musician who performs Western music on the Gayageum, a traditional Korean stringed instrument which dates back to the 6th century. Over the years, we’ve shown you her adaptations of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile;’ David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World;” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah;” blues classics by John Lee Hooker, B.B. King & Muddy Waters; and Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall” & “Great Gig in the Sky.” To keep the tradition going, today we bring you Luna’s virtuoso take on Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing.”

According to Guitar Player, Mark Knopfler originally wrote the song on a National Steel guitar in an open tuning. “I thought it was dull, but as soon as I bought my first Strat[ocaster] in 1977, the whole thing changed.” “It just came alive as soon as I played it on that ’61 Strat.” Above, you can hear Luna play the song on a very vintage Gayageum. Be sure to catch that solo at the 1:28 mark. Enjoy…

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Related Content:

Mark Knopfler Gives a Short Masterclass on His Favorite Guitars & Guitar Sounds

Guitar Stories: Mark Knopfler on the Six Guitars That Shaped His Career

Musician Plays the Last Stradivarius Guitar in the World, the “Sabionari” Made in 1679


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