"Us and Them" by Pink Floyd

Discover the emotional depth and expressive guitar work of Pink Floyd with LickLibrary's note-for-note guitar lesson for "Us and Them". This masterfully crafted lesson explores the signature techniques used in this iconic track from The Dark Side of the Moon, offering players a chance to learn from one of the most soulful and atmospheric songs in rock history. Our in-depth breakdown not only teaches you how to recreate every phrase and nuance but also explains the techniques involved and how mastering them can elevate your overall guitar playing. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Track

"Us and Them" is a standout moment on Pink Floyd's seminal 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Known for its haunting melodies, dynamic contrasts, and evocative lyrics, the song showcases Pink Floyd's trademark blend of sonic experimentation and emotional depth. The guitar work, while subtle compared to other tracks in their catalogue, is a perfect example of how tone, touch, and timing can say more than sheer speed or complexity.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

The guitar on "Us and Them" is played by David Gilmour, whose style is characterised by expressive bends, smooth phrasing, and a masterful command of dynamics and sustain. Gilmour is widely celebrated for his ability to create atmosphere and emotion through minimalistic yet deeply effective playing. His influence spans genres and generations, making him one of the most respected figures in the guitar world. This lesson not only pays tribute to his genius but gives you the tools to incorporate elements of his style into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Slides

Sliding between notes is a key component of Gilmour’s phrasing in "Us and Them". Slides add a smooth, vocal-like transition between tones, contributing to the song's fluid and atmospheric quality. Learning to slide with precision enhances your control over dynamics and helps emulate Gilmour's expressive approach.

String Bending

Gilmour's bends are legendary for their emotional impact. In this lesson, you'll learn how to execute string bends with accuracy, hitting pitch-perfect notes that mimic the human voice. This technique helps build your ear and improves finger strength and control.

Vibrato

Used subtly throughout the track, vibrato gives sustained notes a sense of movement and feeling. Mastering vibrato allows you to add your personal touch to each note, a vital skill for expressive soloing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are used in various fills and embellishments throughout the lesson. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential for fluid legato playing, allowing for smoother note transitions and increasing your technical versatility.

Chord Progressions

The heart of "Us and Them" lies in its chord progressions. This lesson helps you understand how Gilmour’s chord choices contribute to the song’s melancholy feel. Learning these progressions can expand your harmonic vocabulary and improve your songwriting skills.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

In this track, Gilmour often breaks chords into individual notes, known as arpeggiated chord progressions. This creates a more delicate and spacious sound. Practicing this technique enhances your picking accuracy and your ability to play with dynamic sensitivity.

Sustain

Gilmour’s expert use of sustain is a hallmark of his sound. Holding notes for dramatic effect creates tension and emotion. Developing sustain control is critical for expressive soloing, especially in slower, more ambient tracks like "Us and Them".

Benefits of Learning "Us and Them"

Studying this song offers much more than just the ability to play a classic track. It gives you a masterclass in tone, feel, and restraint—essential skills for any guitarist. By learning these techniques in context, you'll develop your musical ear, improve your phrasing, and gain a deeper understanding of how emotion and technical ability come together to create iconic music. This lesson is perfect for intermediate players looking to add nuance to their playing or any fan of David Gilmour’s emotive style.

Techniques Used in the "Us and Them" Guitar Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Sustain