Gilmour, Guitars & Gear
Gilmour, Guitars & Gear
Lead Patterns
In this column, I'll be examining Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's gear and playing techniques from a musician's point of view. Please feel free to e-mail me with questions and ideas for future articles at if you feel you have an idea that readers of Spare Bricks might find of interest. Past articles are now posted at http://web.tampabay.rr.com/richm/sbarchive.htm.
Part of the guitar's appeal stems from the ability to play various melodic phrases in various shapes and forms across the fretboard. With a variation of timing and different keys, the same patterns can be used in many different solos.
Like any guitar player, David Gilmour has favorite lead patterns. One melodic pattern in particular has found its way into three classic Pink Floyd songs. The following two lead patterns can be played in two positions on the fretboard. Each is used as a descending lead line. These are fretboard visualization patterns. Remember that the key is the shape of the chord form on the fretboard and that there are scale forms and lead patterns that lie within each of the chord forms.
One pattern starts on the first string and is based on a "D" chord form.
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The other starts on the second string and is based on an "A" chord form.
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The same pattern is used in "Echoes", starting on the second string, 2:54 into the track:
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Another is used in "Comfortably Numb". It also starts on the second string at 2:17 into the track:
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The pattern is used again in "Mother." In this case, it starts on the first string, 3:19 into the track:
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