Melodic Masters, part 2

LAST MONTH, WE began our study of how to create meaningful musical statements with our soloing techniques. The aim was to help you develop techniques to make your lead playing fit the mood of the song as well as resonate with the listener long after the song is completed. To that end, we explored the unique electric lead guitar styles of four masterful players: Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, B.B. King and John Mayer.

This month, we’ll conclude our two-part series by examining the melodic soloing styles and techniques of David Gilmour, Brian May, Jerry Cantrell and Slash. As before, the goal here is to demonstrate the main techniques each player uses and provide you with examples that can impart guidance and build your chops, so that you can develop a range of approaches suitable to whatever style of music you play.

DAVID GILMO UR

Perhaps more than any other player, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour is the epitome of the lead guitarist who plays melodically and does so on behalf of the song. Though he’s primarily a, and you’ll find that every note counts and every phrase has a purpose. And though few of us have Gilmour’s talent and musical ear, we can all learn from the way he approaches playing the guitar, from his signature “over-bends” to his impeccable note choice and measured phrasing.