Learn To Play David Gilmour

Are you ready to channel the expressive, atmospheric sound that defined a generation of progressive and blues rock? Do you want to master the soulful phrasing and iconic string bends of a true guitar legend? This comprehensive Licklibrary guitar course provides an in-depth guide to the distinctive style of David Gilmour, the man whose melodic genius helped shape the timeless sound of Pink Floyd. This is more than just a collection of online guitar lessons; it is your gateway to understanding the artistry behind one of rock’s most revered guitarists. From the ambient textures of “5 A.M.” to the blues-infused melodies of “On An Island,” you will learn every note, every bend, and every subtle nuance that makes David Gilmour’s guitar work so emotionally resonant. This course is designed to help you internalise the techniques and feel of his playing, allowing you to bring a new level of expression to your own.
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Jamie Humphries Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Jamie Humphries

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 5 A.M.
3 Marooned
4 Raise My Rent
5 Mihalis
6 On An Island
7 Take A Breath
8 Outro

Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill

  1. 5 A.M.
  2. Marooned
  3. On An Island
  4. Raise My Rent
  5. Mihalis

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

Our ‘Learn to Play David Gilmour’ online guitar lessons are designed for intermediate to advanced players who want to move beyond pure technique and learn the art of melodic, expressive guitar playing. This is the perfect course for those looking to add soul and atmosphere to their sound.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Want to master the iconic, soulful style of David Gilmour
  • Are looking to improve their string bending, vibrato, and phrasing
  • Love the sound of Pink Floyd and want to learn the secrets behind it
  • Learn best through detailed, note-for-note guitar lessons that capture every nuance

This course is not about simply copying licks. It’s about understanding the musical philosophy that makes David Gilmour a true guitar icon. You will gain invaluable insight into his approach to melody, his use of effects to build soundscapes, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing. By the end of this course, you will have the tools to not only play these songs but also to infuse your own playing with the timeless, soulful quality that defines the David Gilmour style.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Learning to play these David Gilmour classics offers profound benefits that will elevate your entire approach to the guitar. This course is a masterclass in melodic construction, atmospheric phrasing, and emotional expression. By the end of these lessons, you will be able to play five of Gilmour’s most celebrated pieces with confidence and authenticity, and you will have developed a host of new skills to enrich your own musical voice.

Technical Skills You’ll Develop:

  • Masterful string bending and vibrato for expressive, vocal-like phrasing
  • Use of delay, reverb, and modulation to create atmospheric soundscapes
  • Advanced understanding of pentatonic and diatonic scales for melodic soloing
  • Dynamic control and note articulation for professional-level musical expression
  • Techniques for crafting memorable and soulful guitar solos
  • Improved synchronisation and feel in your lead and rhythm playing
  • The ability to apply blues rock and progressive rock concepts to your own music
  • Enhanced ability to create powerful musical statements with space and sustain
  • A deeper connection between your technical skills and emotional expression
  • The foundation for mastering other iconic Pink Floyd and David Gilmour songs
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1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with David Gilmour nor does David Gilmour perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play David Gilmour with LickLibrary

Guitar enthusiasts, welcome to an epic exploration of the distinctive guitar style of David Gilmour, an iconic figure in rock music. This David Gilmour lesson series is taught by Jamie Humphries. Our comprehensive course, Learn to Play David Gilmour, offers note-for-note lessons on some of Gilmour's most celebrated works: "5 A.M.," "Marooned," "Raise My Rent," "Mihalis," "On An Island," and "Take a Breath." Let's get into the beautiful blend of melody, emotion, and technique that Gilmour offers.

David Gilmour – The Lead Guitarist

David Gilmour's influence on the guitar world is immeasurable. He is widely known as the voice and guitar behind Pink Floyd, contributing to the band's unique and timeless sound with his creative songwriting and innovative guitar work. His style, characterized by soaring solos, emotion-evoking bends, and meticulously crafted melodies, has been a touchstone for countless guitarists.

Gilmour's mastery over a range of techniques, scales, and chord progressions lends a unique richness to his playing, making his style a valuable study for any guitarist looking to deepen their understanding of the instrument.

5 A.M.

"5 A.M." is a deeply emotive piece, characterized by Gilmour's tasteful use of the E minor pentatonic scale. It begins with a melancholic melody, beautifully highlighting Gilmour's talent for expressive bends and vibratos. The solo analysis shows the piece's moderate tempo providing room for dynamic note articulation and phrase shaping, which can be approached by using techniques like legato and slides.

Marooned

"Marooned" is a true gem in Gilmour's discography, showcasing his ability to create atmospheric soundscapes. The song is set in the key of E minor and utilizes a blend of natural and harmonic minor scales. The main solo weaves a haunting melody, laden with delay effects and dive bombs to create a spacey, floating feel. The guitar solo analysis of "Marooned" will guide you through Gilmour's unique blend of rhythm and lead playing, pushing the boundaries of typical chord progressions.

Raise My Rent

"Raise My Rent" is a testament to Gilmour's exceptional musicality and knowledge of scales. The track utilizes the D Major and D Mixolydian scales, adding a bright and uplifting feel. The breakdown of the song reveals intricate lead guitar work, including masterful string bending and tasteful use of hammer-ons and pull-offs. This lesson offers an invaluable study of how to incorporate these techniques into your own improvisation.

Mihalis

"Mihalis" stands as an excellent representation of Gilmour's love for experimentation. Primarily revolving around the D Dorian scale, the song exhibits Gilmour's application of syncopated rhythms and octave melodies. The solo analysis unpacks the use of delay and modulation effects to create rich textures and layers. "Mihalis" also incorporates alternate picking and tapped harmonics to accentuate the rhythm, making it a must-learn for any aspiring rock guitarist.

On An Island

"On An Island" is Gilmour at his bluesy best, using the G Major pentatonic and G Major scales. The song displays Gilmour's mastery over open-string riffs and bluesy bends. The solo analysis dissects the emotive, echoing solo, offering a lesson in maintaining musicality while executing challenging techniques. Learning this song will help students understand the incorporation of space and dynamics in lead guitar playing.

Take a Breath

"Take a Breath" showcases Gilmour's capacity to create an enormous sound landscape. Centered around the A Dorian scale, this track teaches students about galloping rhythms and arpeggiated chord progressions. The solo employs a range of techniques, including power chords and sustain, resulting in a powerful and intense sound. The song offers a rich learning experience, helping students gain a deeper understanding of Gilmour's complex guitar layering and harmonic structure.

"Learn to Play David Gilmour" is more than a series of guitar lessons. It's a deep dive into the mind and music of a rock legend. Through studying Gilmour's techniques, scales, and songwriting, students will gain not only a new repertoire of songs but also a new perspective on guitar playing and music making. Happy playing!

Techniques Used in Lessons

The lessons included in the "Learn to Play David Gilmour" course incorporate a wide variety of techniques, such as:


Jamie Humphries playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Jamie Humphries

Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...

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