On The Turning Away by Pink Floyd

“On The Turning Away” by Pink Floyd is a hauntingly beautiful track from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Known for its powerful lyrical message and emotionally charged musical arrangement, this song features one of David Gilmour’s most expressive guitar performances. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for On The Turning Away dives deep into the subtle complexities and soulful techniques that define this iconic piece. Whether you're a Pink Floyd fan or a guitarist looking to expand your expressive range, this lesson offers a masterclass in dynamic playing, phrasing, and articulation. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – David Gilmour

David Gilmour, Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist, is celebrated for his lyrical playing, unique phrasing, and profound emotional expression. Gilmour’s style is a fusion of blues, progressive rock, and experimental soundscapes, often favouring feel over speed. His solos tell stories – each note chosen carefully for maximum emotional impact. In On The Turning Away, Gilmour’s ability to blend technical mastery with melodic sensitivity is front and centre, making it an essential study piece for any guitarist seeking to learn how to convey emotion through their instrument.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

This guitar lesson is designed to help you master the exact techniques used in On The Turning Away, empowering you to perform it with the same intensity and finesse that David Gilmour delivers. Here's a breakdown of the key techniques explored in this lesson and the benefits of each:

String Bending

One of Gilmour’s trademarks, string bending plays a central role in this song. His bends are wide, vocal, and filled with expression. Learning to control pitch, vibrato, and timing with your bends will help you bring out emotion in your solos. This is vital for developing touch and nuance as a lead player.

Vibrato

Used throughout the solo and melodic passages, vibrato adds character and depth to your playing. In Gilmour’s hands, vibrato becomes a vocal-like effect that enhances sustain and intensity. Mastering this technique will help you sound more professional and connected to the music.

Slides

Gilmour uses slides for both melodic and expressive purposes in this track. Smooth, precise slides allow transitions between notes to feel fluid and natural, giving your playing a vocal quality. This is great for legato phrasing and emotional articulation.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Subtle yet essential, hammer-ons and pull-offs help Gilmour achieve seamless note transitions and legato lines. Practicing these improves finger strength and fluidity, crucial for expressive soloing.

Double Stops

Gilmour incorporates double stops to add harmonic depth and tension to certain phrases. These create a fuller, richer sound and allow you to emphasise key melodic moments. They’re also an excellent way to explore harmony on the fretboard.

Chord Progressions and Arpeggios

The rhythm guitar work in On The Turning Away features rich chord progressions and subtle arpeggios that provide a lush harmonic bed for the vocals and solos. Learning these will deepen your understanding of harmony and improve your rhythm playing.

Sustain

Perhaps the most powerful element in this performance is Gilmour’s mastery of sustain. With careful control of tone, vibrato, and dynamics, he creates notes that linger and evoke emotion. Working on sustain is excellent for tone development and expressive control.

Unison and Bluesy Bends

Throughout the lead sections, unison bends and bluesy bends punctuate the phrases with dramatic flair. These bends help add intensity and voice-like inflection to solos, vital for expressive blues and rock phrasing.

Why This Lesson is Worth Your Time

Learning On The Turning Away teaches far more than just a song – it teaches you how to express. Gilmour’s use of phrasing, dynamics, and melodic storytelling makes this lesson an invaluable experience for any guitarist looking to transcend technical playing and tap into deeper musical communication.

This is a song that rewards patience and detail. Every note has a purpose. Through this lesson, you'll not only replicate the notes but also understand the emotional weight behind them. Whether you're playing at home, performing live, or composing your own solos, the techniques here will broaden your vocabulary and sharpen your ear.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

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

Whether you're diving into Gilmour’s soaring solo or mastering the lush chords that support it, this lesson is a gateway to expressive and emotive guitar playing. Join us at LickLibrary.com and learn to play On The Turning Away with confidence and precision – exactly as it was meant to be heard.