Comfortably Numb Guitar Lesson

Learn to master Pink Floyd’s iconic track, “Comfortably Numb,” with this detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This legendary song, released as part of the band’s 1979 album The Wall, is widely celebrated for its soaring solos and the emotive playing of guitarist David Gilmour. Our in-depth lesson breaks down each part of the song, focusing on the techniques that define this masterpiece and helps you bring your guitar playing to the next level. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

David Gilmour’s Guitar Mastery on "Comfortably Numb"

David Gilmour, Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist, is a master of phrasing, tone, and emotion, and “Comfortably Numb” is perhaps his finest work. The song features two unforgettable guitar solos, each one showcasing Gilmour’s impeccable feel and technical prowess. His playing on this track is often described as melodic and deeply expressive, qualities that have cemented his reputation as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Learning this song will give you direct insight into the playing style of a true guitar legend and help you develop both your technical skills and musical expression.

Breaking Down the Techniques in "Comfortably Numb"

String Bending

A key feature of Gilmour’s playing in “Comfortably Numb” is his masterful use of string bending. He employs a variety of bends, from subtle half-step bends to dramatic full-step bends. These bends allow Gilmour to give his guitar playing a vocal-like quality, adding depth and emotion to every note.

Benefit: Learning string bending helps develop finger strength and control, which are essential for expressive playing. This technique also enhances your ability to add emotion and nuance to your solos.

Vibrato

Gilmour is known for his smooth, controlled vibrato, which adds sustain and character to his notes. In “Comfortably Numb,” his vibrato is both slow and wide, creating a singing, expressive quality.

Benefit: Vibrato is crucial for giving your notes personality. Developing your vibrato technique will improve your overall musical expression, allowing you to make your guitar sing, much like Gilmour.

Slides

Another key technique Gilmour utilizes in this song is sliding between notes. These smooth transitions contribute to the fluidity and melodic quality of his playing.

Benefit: Mastering slides helps create seamless movement between notes, making your playing sound more connected and musical. It’s a great technique for enhancing your phrasing and adding variety to your solos.

Legato (Hammer-ons and Pull-offs)

The solos in “Comfortably Numb” feature smooth, flowing legato phrases, particularly through the use of hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique allows for a rapid and fluid note delivery, often in combination with string bends and slides.

Benefit: Legato playing increases the speed and fluidity of your licks while also helping you develop finger strength and coordination.

Double Stops

Throughout the song, Gilmour uses double stops to play two notes simultaneously, adding harmonic richness to the melody. These double stops help create fuller, more textured guitar lines.

Benefit: Practicing double stops improves your ability to play harmonized lines and adds depth to your playing. It’s also a great way to develop finger independence.

Arpeggios

While not as prominent as the bending and vibrato techniques, arpeggios can be found in the rhythm section of the song. They contribute to the harmonic structure and provide a smoother connection between chords.

Benefit: Learning arpeggios improves your understanding of chord structures and aids in developing precision when picking individual notes within a chord.

Bluesy Bends

The emotional peak of the solos is often defined by the use of “bluesy bends.” These bends are subtle and filled with emotion, adding a slight blues edge to the otherwise melodic solo.

Benefit: Incorporating bluesy bends into your playing is an excellent way to express emotion and infuse your solos with a soulful, blues-inspired feel.

Unison Bends

In the second solo, unison bends are used to create a powerful, harmonically rich sound. This technique involves bending one string while holding a stationary note on another string, resulting in two notes converging on the same pitch.

Benefit: Unison bends are great for developing strength and coordination, and they add a unique, rich texture to your playing.

Sustain

Gilmour is a master of using sustain to let his notes ring out and breathe. The long, sustained notes in "Comfortably Numb" give the solos a majestic, haunting quality.

Benefit: Focusing on sustain helps you learn to control your instrument’s tone and develop patience in your phrasing, making your solos more dramatic and impactful.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Comfortably Numb"

The following is a list of key guitar techniques that are covered in our detailed lesson for "Comfortably Numb." These are essential techniques for guitarists of all levels, and mastering them will significantly improve your ability to express yourself on the instrument:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Legato
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Arpeggios
• Unison Bends
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain

By learning these techniques in the context of "Comfortably Numb," you'll not only develop a deeper understanding of David Gilmour’s unique style but also enhance your own playing across a wide variety of musical genres. Dive into the lesson and start your journey to mastering one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time!