David Gilmour’s masterful soloing under the microscope courtesy of the Gibson App
In this Gibson App video, Jamie Humphries helps you navigate the lyrical first guitar solo from “Comfortably Numb,” one of Pink Floyd’s most-loved tracks of the late 1970s. Two of the most respected guitar solos of all time lurk within the song, defining for generations what it is to make profound statements on guitar.
Gilmour acknowledges the song as one of his most important compositions—a fan favorite that has induced gasps in the audience as it moves into the chorus and beyond. The solos further encapsulate the emotion, technical skill, and creativity that Pink Floyd wrought with their 1979 concept album, The Wall.
It’s not a stretch to say that because Gilmour is also a fine singer, his melodic vocal sensibilities influence the phrasing of his guitar work. His solos speak coherently and impart something transcendent. This has been the case both with his acclaimed solo work and contributions to the hugely influential catalog of Pink Floyd.
Rick Beato, a Gibson signature artist, says of “Comfortably Numb’s” enduring qualities, “It also has these two guitar solos, the first one that I really love—everybody loves the second solo—I love the first solo. I love both solos, but the first solo is so anthemic.”
In the Gibson App video, Humphries accurately points out that Gilmour typically uses single-coil pickups and a vibrato system but demonstrates that the work may be realized with a hardtail guitar, in this case, one of his favorite Les Pauls. He explains, “It’s a great way for you to be working on your vibrato—really kind of honing in your skills on the pitch of your bends as well.”
The collaborative process elevates the song
David Gilmour’s contributions to Pink Floyd are immeasurable, but his work on “Comfortably Numb” is often heralded as his magnum opus. His solos display emotion-charged technical prowess, forming an evolving narrative that consistently amazes players worldwide. While you’re here, bookmark one of his collaborations with Pete Townshend, complete with tasty fills, a sprinkling of firey tried-and-true-duck-walking 50s guitar licks, and a huge, incendiary chorus. Gilmour is Gilmour, no matter the context.
The first solo of “Comfortably Numb” is more subdued and seems intelligently planned out. Engineer and co-producer on The Wall, James Guthrie, recalls that the common process for those solos was recording multiple passes. This was Gilmour’s creative process at the time: play, rest, edit, evaluate, and move on. It’s a method that created the canonical lines that we revere today.
The notes from the first solo fit into the haunting and introspective mood of the accompaniment. In contrast, the second solo explodes into a powerful and soaring crescendo, lifting the listener into euphoria. It’s also probably one of the most deliciously frustrating song fadeouts of all time because you’re left wanting more—lots more.
The second solo was certainly recorded in multiple takes. The album’s final version comprises several passes, meticulously edited to create the perfect flow. It’s a testament to studio wizardry, the benefits of compositing ideas, a great collaborator, and the giftedness of a player who can combine composition and improvisation for a final, stunning result.
What makes the “Comfortably Numb” solos so special?
It’s not just the technical execution, though that is undoubtedly part of what makes these solos special. The solos bridge the detached, almost despondent lyrics of the verses and the cathartic release that the chorus provides—a move from B minor to D major. They are expressions of pure emotion that connect with listeners on a deep, almost primal level, and they also demonstrate how the relative major/minor of a key works in practical composition. We all have the same 12 keys, but somehow, Pink Floyd has a timeless track. Go figure!
Both solos are relentless miniature compositions in themselves. Gilmour’s use of bends, slides, and sustained notes creates a feeling of yearning and release that resonates with the conceptual themes of alienation and disconnection explored in The Wall. The solos are a perfect example of how a piece of music can convey complex emotions in a way that words alone cannot. Like all great concept albums and even time-tested operas, the melding of words and music often creates a special bond.
“Comfortably Numb” remains relevant today
If you haven’t listened to “Comfortably Numb” recently, now is the perfect time to revisit this classic. Listen to the solos with fresh ears, paying attention to how they build and release tension and how they complement the themes of the song. For guitarists, trying to learn the solos can be a rewarding challenge, offering insights into Gilmour’s technique and approach to guitar playing.
The Wall was released in 1979, with “Comfortably Numb” released as a single in 1980 alongside the B-side “Hey You.” Speaking of releases, a new David Gilmour album is on the horizon, featuring at least one solo rendered on a prized Gibson ES-335. Humbuckers, hardtail bridge, and talent in tow—it all still sounds like David Gilmour, regardless of the gear.
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