David Gilmour says he doesn’t play fast guitar solos because he can’t: “When I was younger, I thought I could get that if I practiced enough but it just wasn’t ever going to happen”
Speedy chops are not a prerequisite for being a good guitarist. Take Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, for instance; while Gilmour is often considered one of the finest guitarists of all time, he is vocal about the confines of his abilities.
In a new interview with YouTuber Rick Beato, Gilmour opens up about his struggle to play quickly. “I wasn’t gifted with enormous speed on the guitar,” he admits. “There were years when I was younger were I thought I could get that if I practiced enough. But it just wasn’t ever really going to happen.”
READ MORE: “There’d be three people standing on a desk with hand on Faders each”: David Gilmour explains why Pro Tools made music creation much easier
Instead of admitting defeat, Gilmour instead played to his strengths. He was drawn to more “tuneful” artists, particularly the likes of instrumental rockers The Shadows. “Back in the ’60s, [The Shadows] were just playing a tune,” he says. “I think I come from there. I just want to play a nice tune!”
Of course, the rush of the stage can sometimes get to Gilmour’s head. Live, Pink Floyd cuts and Gilmour’s solo tracks take on a life of their own. “When you’re racked up to 150 DB and you’re leaning against that wall of sound on stage, the tunes can change…” he says.
Beato notes that long guitar solos make for a true “rock show” experience. “I often think, ‘God I’m just going on too long here… time to stop!’” Gilmour jokes. “I’ve no idea of how long these things go on for. I just sort of play until I think, ‘Oh maybe we’ll end now…’”
Regardless of Gilmour’s humility, the fans love his attitude and approach to playing. Beato’s YouTube comments are proof of that. “I’ve coined a term which I call the Gilmour effect,” Beato says. “When I make a video with any guitar player, no matter who it is, there’s always hundreds of comments about how people prefer your playing!”
While the release of Luck and Strange earlier this year was a treat, there will be plenty more Gilmour solos to enjoy in the future. The iconic guitarist closes off with a promise to get back into the studio with his wife and lyricist, Polly Samson.
“Polly [Samson] and I are intending to go back to work as soon as we can,” he says.
The post David Gilmour says he doesn’t play fast guitar solos because he can’t: “When I was younger, I thought I could get that if I practiced enough but it just wasn’t ever going to happen” appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
