For those who want to understand the "why" behind these long jams, here are the technical features of the song:
: Unlike the studio fade-out, Mark Knopfler uses this space for a slow-building, majestic solo that turns the track into a guitar masterclass. Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing (20 Minutes Mix)
: Knopfler’s fingerstyle technique on a 1961 Fender Stratocaster is what makes the solo "sing". For those who want to understand the "why"
: This popular fan edit extends the rhythm sections and solos to roughly 7-8 minutes while maintaining the original 148 BPM tempo. Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing (20 Minutes Mix)