"Have A Cigar" by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Have A Cigar” stands as one of the most iconic tracks from the band's legendary 1975 album Wish You Were Here. With its biting lyrics, funky groove, and masterfully crafted guitar parts, the song offers a treasure trove of expressive and technically rich playing that’s perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists looking to expand their skillset. At Licklibrary.com, our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down each nuance of the track, helping you master both the rhythm and lead guitar work with precision.

Whether you're a devoted Floyd fan or a guitarist eager to deepen your repertoire, this lesson covers a wide range of techniques that can be applied across many styles. Let’s dive into what you’ll learn, the benefits of each technique, and a little background on the guitar legends behind the music. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work of David Gilmour and Roy Harper

While Roger Waters penned the lyrics to “Have A Cigar,” the song features a unique vocal contribution from British folk rocker Roy Harper. However, the star of the show for guitarists is undoubtedly David Gilmour, whose unmistakable tone and feel elevate the song to another level. Gilmour’s playing is known for its emotive phrasing, tasteful bends, and crystal-clear articulation—elements that are on full display in this track. His solo work blends soulful blues influences with progressive rock sophistication, creating solos that are as memorable as they are melodic.

Gilmour’s influence extends far beyond Pink Floyd, inspiring generations of guitarists with his expressive style and attention to tone. Learning his approach in “Have A Cigar” not only builds your technical ability but also deepens your musical sensibility.

Rhythm Guitar Techniques

The rhythm guitar part in “Have A Cigar” is deceptively intricate, featuring a funky groove that blends syncopated accents with tight chord stabs. You'll be focusing on:

Chord Progressions

The track uses smooth transitions between dominant 7th and minor chords, laying the foundation for the groove. Practicing these changes will strengthen your rhythm playing and chord vocabulary.

Palm Muting

Adding percussive control to your strumming, palm muting gives the rhythm section its tight, punchy feel. This is a great technique for building right-hand precision and dynamics.

Slides

Used for connecting chord tones and embellishments, slides add smoothness and character to your rhythm playing. They also improve fretboard navigation and expression.

Lead Guitar Techniques

David Gilmour's lead work on “Have A Cigar” is a masterclass in melodic playing, with several essential guitar techniques that you’ll master in our lesson:

String Bending

One of Gilmour’s signature tools, bends allow you to reach notes with vocal-like expression. Learning this technique improves pitch accuracy and ear training.

Vibrato

Vibrato brings sustain and emotion to your notes. You’ll learn how to apply controlled, expressive vibrato that gives your leads a singing quality.

Learn more about Vibrato

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques make your playing more fluid and dynamic. They are key in creating legato lines, a hallmark of Gilmour’s phrasing.

Learn more about Hammer-Ons

Learn more about Pull-Offs

Double Stops

Adding harmony to your lead lines, double stops make your solos sound fuller and more textured.

Learn more about Double Stops

Unison Bends

Creating a harmonised effect with a bending note matched to a static one, unison bends are powerful for dramatic phrasing.

Learn more about Unison Bends

Bluesy Bends

A variation of classic bends, bluesy bends add attitude and colour to your solos, capturing that raw, expressive energy.

Learn more about Bluesy Bends

Improvisation and Tone

Our lesson also explores how Gilmour constructs his solos, encouraging you to understand not just the "how," but the "why" behind each phrase. By dissecting his note choices, timing, and tone, you gain insight into expressive soloing and tasteful improvisation—skills that are invaluable for any lead guitarist.

Why This Lesson is Essential for Guitarists

Learning “Have A Cigar” offers more than just a cool song to add to your setlist—it’s a study in musical expression. The techniques you’ll master are applicable across genres, from classic rock to blues, funk, and beyond. You'll develop better control, articulation, and creative phrasing, all while playing one of rock’s most unforgettable tracks.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending

Ready to dive into the immersive world of David Gilmour’s guitar mastery? Our in-depth lesson on “Have A Cigar” is the perfect gateway to enhancing your technique, phrasing, and tone—all while learning one of Pink Floyd’s most celebrated tracks.