Pink Floyd’s “Money”

Pink Floyd's "Money," a standout track from their legendary album The Dark Side of the Moon, is a perfect piece for guitarists looking to explore various playing techniques while learning an iconic song. In this Licklibrary lesson, you’ll dive deep into David Gilmour’s signature guitar work on this track, honing your skills with techniques such as string bending, alternate picking, and slides, among others. Not only will you master the song itself, but you’ll also build a strong foundation in essential techniques used by professional guitarists. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: David Gilmour

David Gilmour, the lead guitarist of Pink Floyd, is renowned for his unique approach to guitar playing, blending technical prowess with emotive expression. His playing style on “Money” exemplifies his ability to fuse bluesy bends with inventive phrasing and articulate note choices. Gilmour’s use of space and sustain is a significant aspect of his sound, and his solos often rely on melody and feel rather than speed. Learning “Money” provides a window into Gilmour’s innovative use of effects and techniques, which have influenced countless guitarists over the decades, making him one of the most revered musicians in rock history.

Guitar Techniques in “Money”

String Bending

One of the most prominent techniques found in “Money” is string bending. Throughout the solos, Gilmour uses bends to add expressiveness and tension, elevating the bluesy feel of the track. This technique involves pushing the string upwards or downwards to change the pitch, giving the note a more vocal-like quality. Practicing bends is crucial for improving pitch control and adding emotion to your playing.

Alternate Picking

The rhythm and lead sections of “Money” also showcase alternate picking. This technique, alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, is vital for achieving clean, precise note articulation, particularly in faster passages. By focusing on alternate picking in this lesson, you’ll enhance your picking speed and accuracy, ensuring smoother transitions between notes and phrases.

Slides

Slides play a significant role in the song’s fluid transitions between notes. Gilmour frequently uses this technique to create a smooth connection between different pitches without picking each note individually. Slides help build legato playing, where notes flow together seamlessly, and they contribute to the expressive quality of the melody.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The use of hammer-ons and pull-offs allows for fast note transitions without the need for continuous picking. These techniques are used in various parts of the song, especially in the solos, giving the phrases a smooth, flowing character. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential for developing finger strength and dexterity, enabling you to execute faster runs with minimal effort.

Vibrato

David Gilmour’s vibrato is a hallmark of his playing style. By slightly altering the pitch of a held note through subtle finger movement, vibrato adds warmth and depth to the notes. In “Money,” Gilmour uses this technique to sustain notes and create a more emotional resonance in his solos. Learning vibrato is crucial for guitarists to enhance the expressiveness of their playing and add nuance to their lead work.

Double Stops

Gilmour also utilises double stops during the rhythm and solo sections. This technique involves playing two notes simultaneously, often creating harmonic intervals or dissonances. Double stops are excellent for adding texture to your playing and for creating fuller sounding lead lines. Practicing double stops helps develop finger independence and coordination.

Bluesy Bends

Throughout the track, you’ll encounter bluesy bends, a staple of Gilmour’s playing. These bends are typically half- or full-step bends that emphasise the bluesy character of the solo, giving the song its distinctive soulful feel. Bluesy bends are an essential tool for any guitarist aiming to play with emotional intensity and stylistic flair.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Studying "Money" not only teaches you a famous song but also provides you with a rich toolkit of guitar techniques that will enhance your overall playing ability. These techniques build the foundation for both lead and rhythm guitar, improving your dexterity, timing, and expression. By mastering these skills, you’ll not only play "Money" note-for-note but also develop a deeper understanding of the art of guitar playing, making you a more versatile and expressive musician.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here’s a list of techniques covered in the lesson with links to additional resources where applicable:

• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends

By studying these techniques and mastering the elements that make “Money” such an iconic song, you'll take your guitar playing to the next level, expanding both your technical and creative horizons.