Brain Damage by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s Brain Damage is one of the most hauntingly beautiful tracks from their iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon. Known for its atmospheric tones, expressive phrasing, and emotive melodies, this song offers a deep well of guitar techniques that every player can benefit from mastering. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on Brain Damage breaks down every nuance, giving you a detailed understanding of both the technical execution and musical expression found in this legendary track. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarists

The guitar work on Brain Damage is performed primarily by David Gilmour, whose playing style is renowned for its melodic focus, emotional depth, and textural sophistication. Gilmour's influence on rock guitar is profound—his use of sustain, expressive bends, and unique phrasing have inspired generations of players across multiple genres. His playing on Brain Damage exemplifies how restraint and precision can often say more than speed and flash, making it an essential study for any guitarist seeking to enhance their musical voice.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Our Brain Damage guitar lesson covers a variety of expressive and foundational guitar techniques. Each technique is demonstrated clearly and applied directly to the song, giving players practical insight into how and why they’re used in context.

Slides

Slides are a prominent feature in Brain Damage, used to connect melodic phrases smoothly and create a vocal-like expression. Practicing slides helps players develop better fretboard navigation and expressive control, enhancing the fluidity of solos and lead lines.

String Bending

One of Gilmour’s trademarks, string bending is used extensively to emphasise emotional peaks within the melody. Learning this technique improves intonation and allows guitarists to emulate the expressive nuances of the human voice, a vital skill in blues, rock, and beyond.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These legato techniques are crucial for creating smooth, flowing lines without picking every note. In Brain Damage, hammer-ons and pull-offs are employed subtly but effectively to maintain the song's lyrical phrasing. Mastering them improves your speed, dexterity, and articulation.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds depth and emotion to sustained notes, and Gilmour’s subtle yet effective use of vibrato is a key component of his sound. Developing a controlled and expressive vibrato can transform even the simplest note into something powerful and resonant.

Barre Chords

The rhythm guitar parts in Brain Damage often use barre chords to outline the song’s chord progressions. Barre chords are foundational for any player, helping to unlock the full fretboard and improve hand strength and endurance.

Chord Progressions

Understanding and executing the chord progressions in Brain Damage helps players grasp how harmony supports melody and mood. This skill is transferable to songwriting and improvisation, giving players a deeper musical vocabulary.

Sustain

Sustain is used to great effect throughout the song, allowing notes to ring out and breathe within the mix. Learning to control sustain through technique, gear, and touch enables players to create more atmospheric and emotionally charged performances.

Finger-picking

While subtle, finger-picking is used in the intro and certain melodic lines of Brain Damage, offering a more delicate articulation. Practicing finger-picking enhances coordination, independence, and dynamic control, essential for both acoustic and electric styles.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Studying Brain Damage not only teaches you to replicate an iconic track but also builds essential skills in musical expression and technical control. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to:

• Phrase melodically with intent
• Play rhythmically consistent and harmonically rich parts
• Develop touch sensitivity and tone control
• Blend lead and rhythm playing seamlessly

Whether you're an intermediate player looking to refine your feel or an advanced guitarist wanting to capture the essence of David Gilmour’s phrasing, this lesson delivers real value.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Vibrato
• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Finger-picking

Ready to immerse yourself in the timeless sound of Pink Floyd? Head to LickLibrary.com and learn Brain Damage note for note, while expanding your skillset with some of the most expressive guitar techniques ever recorded.