Steve Tarshis, "Original David Gilmour - An annotated guide to the guitar technique of David Gilmour"

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Steve Tarshis, "Original David Gilmour - An annotated guide to the guitar technique of David Gilmour"

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Steve Tarshis’s “Original David Gilmour – An Annotated Guide to the Guitar Technique of David Gilmour” is a comprehensive instructional book dedicated to analyzing and teaching the unique guitar style of Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist, David Gilmour. Published in 1986, it combines musical transcriptions, technical commentary, and stylistic insights to help guitarists understand and reproduce Gilmour’s expressive approach.

The book explores Gilmour’s tone, phrasing, and emotional playing — elements that define his sound. It breaks down his use of bends, vibrato, sustain, and melodic phrasing, as well as his choice of scales and modes in both rhythm and lead parts. Several key solos and passages from classic Pink Floyd songs are annotated and explained in detail, offering practical exercises and performance tips.

Tarshis also discusses Gilmour’s equipment — guitars, amplifiers, and effects — and how they contribute to his trademark sound. The guide balances musical analysis with practical instruction, making it valuable both for fans who want to capture Gilmour’s feel and for players seeking to develop expressive, lyrical lead playing.

In essence, the book serves as both a technical manual and a tribute to Gilmour’s artistry, emphasizing musicality over speed and showcasing how subtlety and emotion can create timeless guitar work.

The guide features rare photos alongside transcriptions of key tracks from Pink Floyd's catalog and Gilmour's solo work, such as "Echoes," "Time," "Money," "Any Colour You Like," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 2 & 4)," "Wish You Were Here," "Dogs," "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)," "Mother," "Young Lust," "Comfortably Numb," and "Hey You," plus solo gems like "Murder," "All Lovers Are Deranged," "You Know I'm Right," and "Let's Get Metaphysical."