Wish You Were Here Guitar Lessson - Introduction
Introduction
Tune into a classic Pink Floyd guitar lesson on Wish You Were Here at Torrins.com, led by our experienced tutor, Mike Dugan. He breaks down the lesson into various sections: Introduction, Intro Chords & Rhythm, Intro Lead, Verse & Chorus Lesson, Solo Improvisation, Arrangement & Playing with Backing Track.
Interesting Fact: In the song's intro, you can hear David Gilmour coughing and breathing heavily before the guitar kicks in. Rumour had it that Gilmour’s smoking habit caused the cough, and that he quit smoking afterwards out of frustration with the recording. But Gilmour later clarified he never smoked!
Mike plays the song using various open chords, including Em, Em7, G, A, and Am. Tune into the complete lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song. This song is a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players.
Chords Used in "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson
This song is played using simple open chords, making it accessible for both beginners and intermediate players. For intermediate players, Mike introduces some alternate chord voicings to stay true to the song’s original sound while adding a unique touch.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is beginner-friendly with consistent downstrums. For those wanting to level up, Mike shares an advanced rhythm that incorporates upstrums for a more dynamic feel.
Song Structure
"Wish You Were Here" follows a clear and structured arrangement:
Intro: Lead + rhythm section (Mike provides a simpler alternative for beginners)
Lead Riffs: Based on the E minor pentatonic scale and its extensions, featuring double stops and hammer-ons.
Verse 1: Smooth chord transitions; beginners can use downstrums, while advanced players can follow the more complex rhythm.
Solo: You can either repeat the intro solo or follow Mike’s improvisation using the E minor pentatonic scale.
Verse 2: Similar to Verse 1, with consistent strumming and clean transitions.
Final Solo: A concluding solo based on the intro lead and E minor pentatonic improvisation.
Improvisation Techniques
Mike teaches how to improvise using the E minor pentatonic scale. He also adds his own flair by playing it on the 12th fret in true David Gilmour style.
Singing Along
Mike also walks you through the singing component, helping you match the chord changes with the lyrics.
Pro Tip: Make use of tabs and lyrics for smoother learning.
Why Learn "Wish You Were Here"?
This lesson helps you improve your chord transitions and develop a smooth, expressive playing style. It's a great piece to master for solo and sing-along sessions. Plus, learning David Gilmour’s style will sharpen your improvisation skills.
Tips to Improve:
Focus on clean chord transitions.
Keep your strumming hand relaxed to maintain a steady rhythm.
FAQs – "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The chords are straightforward, and Mike provides a simplified version of the intro for beginners.
Q2. Can I just strum the song instead of fingerpicking?
Yes! You can simplify the song with consistent downstrums or follow the more advanced strumming pattern Mike shares.
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