Mark Knopfler mentoring session up for grabs

Guitarists are invited to audition online for the chance to win a one-to-one mentoring session with Mark Knopfler.

PureSolo.com the online music recording community has teamed up with guitarist Mark Knopfler to launch an online guitar competition, in which guitarists are given the chance to win a master class with Knopfler at his private studios in London.

Mark Knopfler is not only known for his role as founder and lead guitarist in Dire Straits, whose tracks 'Sultans of Swing' and 'Money for Nothing' are considered a staple in any respectable guitarists' repertoire but also for his solo career and soundtrack recordings.

The competition's unique method of entry offers guitarists the opportunity to take the place of Knopfler on three original recordings. These tracks have been specially remastered with the lead guitar part removed and entrants are invited to re-record this part in their own style.

Guitarists without access to recording equipment need not worry as all the tools needed to create their competition entry are provided at PureSolo.com. The site boasts an online recording facility that makes it easy for anyone to record music using just a microphone and computer.

Once submitted for entry, songs can be played and rated by other members of the PureSolo community, eventually creating a shortlist from which the winning recording will be chosen by an expert panel of judges including Mark Knopfler.

Joining Mark on the judging panel are Chris Vinnicombe, Guitar Editor at MusicRadar.com; and Harvey Newquist, author and founder of The National Guitar Museum.

The competition launches today and will run until 31st August. The competition prize includes a return economy flight from anywhere in the world and two nights in a 5* hotel in London. There will also be a prize for the competition's runner up, a Fender guitar courtesy of The National Guitar Museum.

www.puresolo.com/mk