Hey You by Pink Floyd

Introduction

The timeless masterpiece "Hey You" by Pink Floyd is a quintessential track from their iconic album The Wall. Known for its hauntingly beautiful melodies and intricate guitar work, this song offers an array of guitar techniques that provide immense learning opportunities for players at all skill levels. At Licklibrary.com, our detailed guitar lesson for "Hey You" will guide you through every note, helping you master the essence of David Gilmour's distinctive playing style. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your technical skills or an advanced player seeking to refine your expressive playing, this lesson is packed with insights and techniques to enhance your guitar journey. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "Hey You"

"Hey You" features the masterful playing of David Gilmour, one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Gilmour is celebrated for his soulful phrasing, expressive bends, and emotive solos, which have inspired generations of guitarists. His ability to create atmospheric soundscapes with minimalistic yet impactful playing is a hallmark of his style. Learning "Hey You" is not just about mastering the notes but also understanding the artistry and emotion Gilmour brings to his performances.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking

The intro of "Hey You" showcases intricate fingerpicking, creating a soft and melancholic tone. This technique requires precise coordination between the thumb and fingers to pluck multiple strings simultaneously. Mastering fingerpicking enhances your ability to play arpeggiated patterns and is a cornerstone technique for acoustic and electric guitarists alike.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Gilmour's melodic lines often feature smooth transitions using hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques add fluidity to your playing and allow for seamless note articulation. They are essential for creating expressive legato passages.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Expressive bends are a hallmark of Gilmour's style, and "Hey You" is no exception. String bending allows you to mimic the vocal qualities of the guitar, while bluesy bends introduce a soulful, emotional dimension to your playing. These techniques are vital for conveying emotion in solos and melodic lines.

Slides

The use of slides in "Hey You" contributes to its flowing, ethereal quality. Slides help transition smoothly between notes and are key to replicating Gilmour's iconic phrasing. They also add dynamic expression to your playing.

Vibrato

Gilmour’s signature vibrato is both wide and controlled, providing a singing quality to sustained notes. Vibrato enhances sustain and adds personality to your playing, making it a crucial technique for any aspiring guitarist.

Arpeggios and Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and underlying structure of the song utilise arpeggiated chord progressions to create a mesmerising and layered sound. Understanding arpeggios not only helps you play "Hey You" but also develops your ability to craft intricate accompaniment patterns.

Chord Progressions

"Hey You" employs unique chord voicings and progressions that are a staple of Pink Floyd's sound. Learning these progressions will improve your understanding of harmony and inspire new ways to approach songwriting.

Double Stops

Double stops appear in melodic lines, adding harmonic depth and texture to the phrases. This technique is excellent for building finger independence and exploring two-note harmonies.

Sustain

Gilmour's mastery of sustain is on full display in this song, allowing notes to resonate beautifully and linger in the listener's ear. This technique teaches control and enhances the emotive power of your playing.

Benefits of Learning "Hey You"

• Emotional Expression: Techniques like vibrato, bending, and sustain help you convey deep emotion through your playing.
• Technical Mastery: Fingerpicking, slides, and arpeggios challenge your dexterity and precision, making you a more versatile guitarist.
• Creative Inspiration: Understanding Gilmour's approach to melody and harmony can inspire your own compositions and improvisations.
• Musicality: The song’s structure and dynamics teach you how to play with feel and sensitivity, crucial for engaging performances.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Hey You"

Below is a list of the guitar techniques featured in this lesson, with links to our glossary for further exploration:

• Fingerpicking
• Hybrid Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Double Stops
• Sustain

By mastering these techniques through our "Hey You" guitar lesson, you'll gain a deeper understanding of David Gilmour's unparalleled artistry and elevate your guitar skills to new heights. Dive into the lesson today and bring the magic of Pink Floyd to your fingertips!