Comparing David Gilmour and Eric Johnson's Guitar Styles

 I was asked to compare these two world class guitar players. Just how do they differ?

David Gilmour and Eric Johnson are both extraordinary guitarists with distinctive styles and sounds, yet they approach the instrument quite differently.

David Gilmour, known for his work with Pink Floyd, is widely recognized for his blues-inspired playing, as well as his use of ambient and psychedelic elements. Gilmour's guitar style is characterized by his melodic approach, using simple, yet emotive and lyrical phrasing. He employs a lot of bends and slides, which give his playing a smooth, expressive feel. He is also a master of tone, utilizing various effects such as delay, reverb, and modulation to create lush, expansive soundscapes. Gilmour's solos often serve as a secondary vocal line, telling a story alongside the lyrics. His playing is less about technical virtuosity and more about emotion, space, and atmosphere.

On the other hand, Eric Johnson, known for his solo career as well as his work with the band The Electromagnets, has a more complex, technique-driven style. Johnson's playing incorporates elements of rock, blues, jazz, and country, making him one of the most versatile guitarists. His precise picking technique, combined with his use of complex chord voicings, gives his playing a uniquely articulate and fluid sound. Johnson is also renowned for his fast, intricate runs and his wide use of the guitar's entire fretboard. He has a more polished, even orchestral approach to guitar tone, known for his meticulous attention to the technical aspects of sound production.

In contrast, while both guitarists have made significant contributions to rock music, Gilmour tends to focus more on creating a certain mood or emotion with his playing, often favoring simplicity and feel over complexity. Johnson, meanwhile, is more of a virtuoso, showcasing his technical ability and wide range of influences in his playing, but always with a focus on melody and musicality.

Both Gilmour and Johnson emphasize tone and feel in their playing but they approach these aspects differently. Gilmour tends to use his effects to create a sense of space and depth, while Johnson uses his to accentuate the intricacy and precision of his playing.

These differences don't make one guitarist better than the other; rather, they highlight the unique contributions each has made to the world of guitar playing. Both have their strengths, and both have developed distinctive voices on their instrument that have influenced countless other musicians.