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At 80, David Gilmour Reveals the 5 Greatest Guitarists He Ever Saw

The Star Tapes

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#JimiHendrix #PeterGreen #BBKing
#DavidGilmour #EricClapton #ClassicRock

David Gilmour looks back on the five guitarists who changed the way he heard and played the instrument throughout his remarkable life and career. From the otherworldly sound of Jimi Hendrix and the soulful tone of Peter Green to the economy of B.B. King, the blues language of Eric Clapton, and the fearless playing of Jeff Beck, these memories reveal the influences behind one of rock's greatest guitarists.

Through stories of inspiration, admiration, competition, friendship, and unforgettable performances, David reflects on the players who taught him that technique was never enough—it was about feel, sound, and finding your own voice. A fascinating look at the guitar legends who shaped the sound behind one of rock's most beloved musicians.

#JeffBeck #JimiHendrix #PeterGreen #B.B.King #EricClapton #PinkFloyd #ClassicRockLegends

20 Comments

@Tcrim354 2 weeks ago

“People who are afraid to fail tend to be boring.”

That line really stuck with me. The respect in your voice when you talk about Jeff Beck reminds me of a poet writing an epitaph for another poet. You’re not just talking about his music—you’re honoring the courage it took to experiment, to fail, to push boundaries, and to keep creating.

That’s what made Jeff Beck special. He wasn’t afraid to take chances, and because of that, he could never be boring.

@charliegorman1797 10 days ago (edited)

Gilmour on Hendrix : “He had control over chaos”.
What a line!

@2112solas 3 weeks ago

Love that photo of Hendrix at 4:03. He was just so out there. His playing ,his style ,the way he plugged in his guitar.

@gilessmedley619 3 weeks ago (edited)

As a child in the ‘50s I lived just around the corner from David’s house next to Grantchester Meadows in Newnham, Cambridge 😊

@neilmusgrove4668 3 weeks ago

Always worth listening to either when talking about music or playing it, no one sounds like David Gilmour, utterly distinctive, always changing and progressing but unmistakably him, very much one of the greats!

@ryanjones6346 3 weeks ago

When the greatest talks about the greatest you just have to listen, what a player what a man thank you david for everything 🙏

@edenhundsdoerfer7971 2 weeks ago

What a guitar virtuoso! David Gilmour is a classy, brilliant,unique, creative musician !❤❤❤

@genegarn 3 weeks ago

To hear such a great musician praise others is so refreshing.

@jonathanbartlett6100 3 weeks ago

Ive been playing guitar for a long time and david has always been my number one idle. I have learned so much from him and when he tells us things like what hes talking about its so true . I have watched alot of videos of david talking and he is 💯 right on so many thinks.. ive only seen him play once and wish i had the opportunity to meet him
My wife says im in love with him because i follow everything about him and thats the only person i love as an guitarist. I would be in heaven to actually meet him . What i wouldnt do to be a true friend with him and learn from.him..

@MiniGamr-sc8hm 13 days ago

I wholeheartedly agree with his fav's list. And, I guess, all those sounds and slices he learned from all those masters is what led to him being my favorite guitar player of my lifetime.

@timtorkelson7201 3 weeks ago

David you definitely found your voice!! Your playing is fantastic!

@akwamarsunzal 3 weeks ago

Have met the man! A true gent! I do not know any other player who has that "feel"!

@AlanIanke 8 days ago

Hunting for melodies... He said the same in interviews through out his career. That thinking has taught me so much...

@tammyhaney3661 3 weeks ago

That was the ultimate compliment from BB King !!!!!! Well deserved!!!!!!!

@Guitartunesvid 3 weeks ago (edited)

The True Wisdom of experience, of a great guitar player, Invaluable!!!

@TBWSport 3 weeks ago

Stunning insight. Poetic and respectful. I agree with all he says. Peter Green could break your heart with one note. Thank you David, you are right up there with them too.

@SteveRodriguez-r4c 9 days ago

That was Beautiful the way he talked of each 1!!
And yet David in his own right is incredible. And the way he speaks of his Friend Jeff is a True Friendship. As Jeff is my favorite. And David is also 1 of my favorites.

@mikebrown-Ag 2 days ago

I did a painting of Jimi Hendrix in 71
Still up on my comp room.
Love David Gilmour. Seen him in95

@sxc5rhcp 3 weeks ago

What can you say? You can't put together a better lost of GOATs! Jeff Beck was unreal so unique and beautiful the sounds he could create kist with his guitar playing technique, no other guitar player can even copy what he did.