David Gilmour’s journey with Pink Floyd began during a turbulent time for the band, marked by Syd Barrett’s mental decline. Though Gilmour had been friends with Barrett and Roger Waters since childhood, it wasn’t until 1967—when Barrett’s contributions were fading—that he officially joined the band. Initially, Gilmour took on the role of supporting Barrett, quickly proving his talent by mastering Barrett’s distinctive style.
After Barrett’s departure from Pink Floyd at the end of 1967, Gilmour seamlessly stepped in, performing Barrett’s compositions from *The Piper at the Gates of Dawn* and contributing his own similar material for the follow-up album, *A Saucerful of Secrets*. As the band evolved, their sound transitioned from Barrett’s whimsical psychedelic rock to a more expansive and sophisticated style that would set the stage for the progressive and space rock movements of the 1970s. This transformation was heavily influenced by Gilmour’s unique and evolving guitar technique.
Initially drawn to the electric guitar through the blues, Gilmour embraced a wide array of musical influences throughout his career. “I was a blues fan, but I was an all-around music fan,” he noted in a 1985 interview with *Guitar Classics*. He drew inspiration from legends like Leadbelly, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Roy Buchanan, Jeff Beck, and Eddie Van Halen, and even praised Mark Knopfler for his refreshing approach to guitar playing.
When asked if he ever tried to imitate other guitarists in his own music, Gilmour explained, “I was trying to learn 12-string acoustic guitar like Leadbelly while also figuring out lead guitar like Hank Marvin and later Clapton.” He emphasized that while he absorbs various influences, he no longer seeks to replicate them directly. “These days, I don’t listen to others with the aim of stealing their licks, though I wouldn’t object to it if it felt right.”
Reflecting on his limitations, he admitted, “I can’t play like Eddie Van Halen; I wish I could.” He expressed his frustration in attempting to master certain techniques, revealing a desire to improve his skills. “Sometimes I think I should work at the guitar more. I play every day, but I don’t consciously practice scales or anything specific.” This honesty highlights Gilmour’s ongoing journey as a guitarist, blending his influences into a style that is unmistakably his own.