David Gilmour is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential guitar players in the world. As the driving force behind Pink Floyd’s most iconic and timeless rock songs, his unique style has inspired generations of musicians.
However, when it comes to the guitarist who inspires him, Gilmour’s choice is a surprising one, often overlooked in guitar circles.
Gilmour’s extraordinary talent is undeniable. Joining Pink Floyd in 1967 to fill the void left by the increasingly erratic Syd Barrett, Gilmour faced the difficult task of steering the band forward.
Barrett had been the heart of Pink Floyd, shaping its sound with his psychedelic inspirations. But as Barrett became more unpredictable, Gilmour took on the responsibility of leading the group into new sonic territory.
Under Gilmour’s leadership, Pink Floyd moved beyond its early psychedelic roots to create the expansive, progressive rock sound they are now famous for.
Songs like “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” are often associated with Gilmour’s creativity, not Barrett’s. His leadership also brought albums like The Dark Side of the Moon to life, marking the band’s evolution into a new era of music.
Throughout the years, Gilmour has spoken about the musicians who have inspired him, from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck.
However, one of his favorite guitarists is someone more commonly known for his songwriting than his guitar playing: Leonard Cohen.
While Cohen is typically celebrated for his poetic lyricism, Gilmour was quick to point out his lesser-known skill: guitar playing.
“One thing I did learn is how bloody good he is as a guitar player,” Gilmour said.
He added, “You tend to think of singer-songwriters as people who are just using the guitar accompaniment to carry the words that they’re doing, but Leonard was an absolutely brilliantly accomplished guitar player in fingerstyle things that I just cannot do.”
Of course, Gilmour acknowledged Cohen’s legendary status as a lyricist, but his comments on Cohen’s guitar skills offer a fresh perspective.
Gilmour’s praise highlights a truth that often goes unnoticed—Cohen’s guitar playing is exceptional.
Especially during his early folk days, Cohen’s fingerpicking was masterful, seamlessly blending with the atmosphere of his songs. His ability to use the guitar to complement his storytelling rather than overshadow it is a testament to his musical genius.
Though Gilmour himself is known for epic, attention-grabbing solos, his admiration for Cohen’s understated approach shows his deep understanding of how subtlety can serve the greater good of a song.
