IN NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER’S excellent Pink Floyd biography, Saucerful of Secrets, he describes how, during the band’s last tours, conversations among the side musicians would inevitably focus on David Gilmour’s musical brilliance and inspirational presence as a bandleader. It’s not surprising. Despite being a member of one of the most popular bands of all time, Gilmour is a musician’s musician, admired by peers and devotees for his melodic mastery as a guitarist and vocalist and his willingness to craft parts that flawlessly dovetail with the entire arrangement.
It’s also no surprise then that Gilmour’s searing emotive lead, was recently voted the greatest guitar solo of all-time by readers, who were likely entranced by its sublimation of technique into sheer lyrical beauty. Noted Pink Floyd touring saxophonist Scott Page, “To me [] is the master of melody. He can kill you with two little notes.” In honor of the 50th anniversary of , let’s examine Gilmour’s playing approach on this groundbreaking record.
