David Gilmour turns 80: the ten best Pink Floyd solos according to Far Out

David Gilmour turns 80. The guitarist, born in Cambridge on March 6, 1946, has long been counted among the all-time greats of the instrument, chiefly for his time in Pink Floyd, whose sound he helped define with his unmistakable style and legendary solos.

Called in 1968 to replace the by-then unreliable talent of Syd Barrett (here's the story of how he joined the band), the English musician nonetheless managed to make a decisive impact from his very first moves, playing a crucial role not only in shaping the band's identity, but also in shaping the very idea of rock as it developed in the years that followed.

To celebrate him, the online magazine Far Out Magazine has picked ten of his best guitar solos, noting how "his working method, made up of carefully honed performances, studio precision and an almost obsessive pursuit of perfection" earned him a reputation as "one of the most meticulous and tireless musicians" around. Although he had no hand in shaping the band's original psychedelic sound, Gilmour proved to be an "extremely meticulous guitarist, capable of crafting sounds and solos able to evoke feelings of travel and transcendence." A refined approach that nonetheless doesn't rule out "moments of pure instinct."

Below are ten of the most representative David Gilmour moments with Pink Floyd, according to Far Out magazine. Each comes with a brief explanation (full feature here).

10. Pink Floyd — “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)”

A central solo that becomes the song's emotional core. Short but incisive, it gives strength to the famous protest anthem with a direct, memorable phrasing.

9. Pink Floyd — “Let There Be More Light”

One of the earliest testimonies of Gilmour as a solo voice within Floyd. The part is brief, but already establishes the tone and melodic approach that would define his style in later years.

8. Pink Floyd — “Money”

A solo built around a time-signature change that breaks the track's rhythmic structure. Gilmour inserts precise, controlled blues lines that turn the song's groove into a lesson in style.

7. Pink Floyd — “Have A Cigar”

A sharp, character-filled solo inside one of the most sarcastic tracks on "Wish You Were Here". The solo exudes confidence and control, heightening the song's tension.

6. Pink Floyd — “Dogs”

A long guitar passage within a near-eighteen-minute suite. Gilmour uses the guitar to amplify the track's dark narrative with tense, storytelling lines.

5. Pink Floyd — “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”

A deeply evocative solo that serves as a tribute to Syd Barrett. The phrasing moves from dark atmospheres to brighter openings, turning the guitar into a true emotional narrative.

4. Pink Floyd — “Pigs (Three Different Ones)”

Three distinct solos showcasing different shades of his style. The finale, aggressive and razor-sharp, is among the most spectacular moments on “Animals“.

3. Pink Floyd — “Time”

One of Gilmour's most celebrated solos, built with tremendous melodic intensity. The bent notes and slow phrasing amplify the song's sense of melancholy and reflection.

2. Pink Floyd — “Echoes”

A central solo that blends aggression and fluidity within the long suite of “Meddle”. It foreshadows the epic, progressive dimension Pink Floyd would develop in the years to follow.

1. Pink Floyd — “Comfortably Numb”

Two solos that have become among the most iconic in rock history. The second, in particular, fuses lyricism and expressive power, marking one of the high points of electric guitar in Pink Floyd.

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