"Time" by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Time,” from their iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon, is a masterpiece of progressive rock guitar work. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dissects every detail of this track, allowing players to truly understand and replicate the artistry of one of rock’s most emotive solos. This in-depth lesson explores the techniques used in both the rhythm and lead guitar parts, helping you master the signature tone and feel of David Gilmour’s legendary playing. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarist

“Time” features David Gilmour on lead guitar—a player renowned for his soulful phrasing, expressive bends, and unmatched tone. Gilmour’s guitar work in “Time” is a perfect demonstration of how minimalism and melody can have a profound emotional impact. His phrasing is deliberate, his tone thick and singing, and his note choices timeless. Gilmour’s influence on guitarists across generations cannot be overstated. He’s a master of “saying more with less,” using space and feel in a way that continues to inspire guitar players to focus on musicality over technical showboating.

Solo and Lead Guitar Breakdown

The lead guitar solo in “Time” is a showcase of touch and expression. Rather than relying on speed or flash, Gilmour utilises vibrato, string bending, slides, and sustain to paint a vivid emotional landscape. The phrasing is lyrical and often mimics the cadence of a human voice, making this solo one of the most iconic in rock history.

String Bending

This technique is used extensively throughout the solo. Bending allows notes to swell with emotion, and in “Time,” Gilmour uses them to add a vocal-like quality to his playing. Learning this helps students develop better pitch control and musical expressiveness.

Vibrato

Gilmour’s use of vibrato gives notes added sustain and emotion. It's a crucial skill for conveying feeling through the guitar. Mastering vibrato enhances tone and adds depth to solo lines.

Slides

Slides are a key element in linking Gilmour’s phrases smoothly. They contribute to the seamless, flowing feel of the solo. Practicing slides helps players transition fluidly between notes and improves fretboard awareness.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato elements give speed and nuance to certain licks within the solo. Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for more expressive, smooth lines and are essential for building speed and fluidity in phrasing.

Sustain

Much of the solo's emotional weight comes from long-held, sustaining notes. Learning to control sustain teaches the student how to use dynamics and note length to create dramatic, musical tension.

Bluesy Bends and Double-Stops

The solo includes tasteful bluesy bends and some subtle double-stops, which provide harmonic richness and enhance the phrasing. These techniques bring in a blues-rock flavour, key to Gilmour’s signature sound.

Rhythm Guitar Insights

While the solo takes much of the spotlight, the rhythm section in “Time” is equally compelling. Gilmour and rhythm guitarist Richard Wright work together to create spacey, open textures that complement the lyrical content of the song.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song features arpeggiated chord progressions in the intro and verse sections. These are great for developing finger dexterity and chord visualisation across the fretboard.

Chord Progressions and Barre Chords

“Time” also makes use of chord progressions involving extended and minor chords, as well as barre chords. These progressions contribute to the song’s dreamy, melancholic atmosphere. Learning these shapes improves harmonic understanding and fretting hand strength.

Palm Muting

Subtle palm muting techniques are used to control dynamics and create rhythmic tension. This helps players develop right-hand control and dynamic nuance.

Benefits of Learning “Time”

Learning “Time” gives guitarists a deeper appreciation for how melody and emotion can be expressed through the instrument. Each technique teaches control, phrasing, and the art of less-is-more. Whether you're refining your bend accuracy or exploring expressive vibrato, this lesson provides valuable tools for players aiming to develop both technical ability and musical sensitivity.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Bluesy Bends
• Double-Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Palm Muting
• Sustain
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions