David Gilmour: The Studio Interview 2025

David Gilmour discusses his guitar playing techniques, influences, and recording experiences with Rick. He reveals his unique approach to chord voicings, often using one finger to cover multiple strings, and how a fuzz face given to him by Blue Cheer's guitarist shaped his sound. Gilmour recalls being influenced by seeing Jimi Hendrix perform live. The conversation explores the making of iconic Pink Floyd songs like "Comfortably Numb" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," including recording the guitar part for "Shine On" in Abbey Road's massive Studio One. Gilmour also details his preference for Pro Tools over tape for home recording due to its convenience. He touches on working with different drummers and their unique interpretations of songs, and his early relationship with Syd Barrett.

Outlines

Part 1: Technique, Origins, and Influences

Part 2: Studio Craft and Iconic Sounds

Part 3: Gear, Effects, and Performance

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Collaboration

Part 5: Future Outlook and Synthesis

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Rick Beato

Part 1: Technique, Origins, and Influences

David Gilmour's Guitar Technique, "Difficult Dave," and Progressive Rock

Uniqueness, Fuzz Faces, and Jimi Hendrix's Influence

Part 2: Studio Craft and Iconic Sounds

Recording Volume, High-String Guitar, and "Comfortably Numb"

Vibrato, Pinch Harmonics, and Abbey Road Studios

Tape Editing, "Wish You Were Here," and Pro Tools

Part 3: Gear, Effects, and Performance

Pro Tools vs. Tape, Drumming, and Drum Parts

Run Like Hell, the Binson Echorec, and Guitar Preferences

Amp Setups, Live Sound, and Singing in Original Keys

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Collaboration

Voicings, Melodies, and the Nature of Bands

Working with Rick Wright and Engineering Solo

Demo-itis, Charlie Andrew, and Recording Techniques

Part 5: Future Outlook and Synthesis

Future Plans, the VCS3 Synthesizer, and Hiwatt Amps

David Gilmour: The Studio Interview 2025

Rick Beato

Part 1: Technique, Origins, and Influences

00:00David Gilmour's Guitar Technique, "Difficult Dave," and Progressive Rock

David Gilmour's Guitar Technique, "Difficult Dave," and Progressive Rock

07:23Uniqueness, Fuzz Faces, and Jimi Hendrix's Influence

Uniqueness, Fuzz Faces, and Jimi Hendrix's Influence

Part 2: Studio Craft and Iconic Sounds

13:21Recording Volume, High-String Guitar, and "Comfortably Numb"

Recording Volume, High-String Guitar, and "Comfortably Numb"

23:37Vibrato, Pinch Harmonics, and Abbey Road Studios

Vibrato, Pinch Harmonics, and Abbey Road Studios

35:56Tape Editing, "Wish You Were Here," and Pro Tools

Tape Editing, "Wish You Were Here," and Pro Tools

Part 3: Gear, Effects, and Performance

47:40Pro Tools vs. Tape, Drumming, and Drum Parts

Pro Tools vs. Tape, Drumming, and Drum Parts

57:00Run Like Hell, the Binson Echorec, and Guitar Preferences

Run Like Hell, the Binson Echorec, and Guitar Preferences

1:07:30Amp Setups, Live Sound, and Singing in Original Keys

Amp Setups, Live Sound, and Singing in Original Keys

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Collaboration

1:17:44Voicings, Melodies, and the Nature of Bands

Voicings, Melodies, and the Nature of Bands

1:28:31Working with Rick Wright and Engineering Solo

Working with Rick Wright and Engineering Solo

1:37:01Demo-itis, Charlie Andrew, and Recording Techniques

Demo-itis, Charlie Andrew, and Recording Techniques

Part 5: Future Outlook and Synthesis

1:47:57Future Plans, the VCS3 Synthesizer, and Hiwatt Amps

Future Plans, the VCS3 Synthesizer, and Hiwatt Amps