BLUES
This month Phil Short dives into the iconic, melodic, feel-filled, but deceptively tricky style of Pink Floyd’s legendary David Gilmour.
Phil Short examines the bluesy and feel-laden side of one of the most highly regarded of all guitarists, the one and only David Gilmour.
David Gilmour is one of the world’s most revered guitarists. In 1967 he joined Nick Mason, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Syd Barrett in Pink Floyd when Barrett, the main singer, songwriter and guitarist’s mental state was making it hard for him to continue. Singles See Emily
Play and Arnold Layne had already charted, gaining the band a loyal following. But these Barrett compositions sound very different to the Pink Floyd we’d recognise today, with a clear Beatles influence combined with trippy lyrics and psychedelic instrumentation, including Barrett’s heavily echoed Fender Telecaster, often played using slide technique.
When Barrett parted ways with the band it left Waters and Gilmour in the creative driving seat, Waters becoming the chief mastermind behind their most iconic albums.
In 1973, Floyd released the now legendary Dark Side Of The Moon. This landmark album put them on the world stage and showcased a depth of songwriting and musicianship that captivated listeners around the globe.
Following this huge success came the equally stunning concept album Wish You Were Here, in part dedicated to Barrett, with the track Shine On You Crazy Diamond written as a loving tribute to their former bandmate’s undoubted pop genius. This is perhaps Floyd’s most legendary work, a 15-minute epic that features some of Gilmour’s finest playing.
Comfortably Numb from The Wall is also rated as among David’s most iconic solos. Soaring melodies and a gripping musical narrative leaves the listener in awe. And it’s
Gilmour’s ability to build captivating and inspiring soundscapes to keep the listener entranced, which makes him crucial study for any lover of great guitar playing.
David’s melodic blues-rock phrasing, combined with a truly dynamic touch, signature bending and vibrato, are just some of his many distinctive trademarks. They are also deceptively difficult to emulate.
Our first study leans towards the raucous and surprisingly high-gain, singing lead tone heard on iconic tracks from later Pink Floyd albums, while study two is a nod towards his more subtle, but equally elusive touch.
NEXT MONTH Phil gets into the bluesier side of the guitarist’s guitarist, the awesome Jeff Beck
SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND IS A 15-MINUTE EPIC THAT FEATURES SOME OF DAVID GILMOUR’S FINEST PLAYING