David Gilmour recently discussed why he finds ProTools “brilliant” and revealed his organic approach to creating unforgettable guitar solos. Despite being one of the most celebrated soloists in rock ‘n’ roll history, Gilmour admits there’s no specific formula for his iconic solos; he simply “plugs in and hopes for the best.”
In a candid interview on the podcast Rockonteurs With Gary Kemp & Guy Pratt, Gilmour shared how his creative process is elusive, with the melody often guiding the direction of the solo. He explained, “I’ve no idea where they come from. The melodies dictate where they want to go. I just play around and refine it later, but I don’t analyze why a solo should happen here or there.”
Gilmour, who recently released his fifth solo album Luck and Strange, reflected on how he crafts his solos, highlighting the spontaneity involved. “I plug in and hope for the best. I’m hunting for melodies, but I rely on them to come to me naturally,” he said.
Regarding his latest album, Gilmour revealed that some melodies came to life during brainstorming sessions with producer Charlie Andrew. He shared how the creative dynamic with Andrew influenced the album: “Some were just me, alone in my barn, while others were created with Charlie in Brighton. I think we changed him as much as he changed us—by the end, he was loving the guitar solos and encouraging more.”
A standout moment came during the recording of Between Two Points, which features his daughter Romany. Gilmour recalled how the solo on that track felt “transcendent,” saying, “I remember plugging in and playing. In that moment, it felt almost like I was on drugs. It was one of those rare times when the music truly took over.”
In the same interview, Gilmour also expressed his enthusiasm for ProTools, emphasizing how it helps capture those spontaneous moments of inspiration. “That’s why I love ProTools. You can make a demo, and those original recordings can be used right through to the final version. It’s brilliant for preserving those unique moments,” he said.
For Gilmour, the process remains deeply intuitive, guided more by feel than by rigid technique, making each solo a unique, unrepeatable experience.
