David Gilmour’s five favourite albums of all time
There is an undeniable pleasure in exploring the foundational sonic elements that shaped the most iconic artists in pop and rock history. Just as connecting with friends and family over shared interests and cultural touchpoints is deeply gratifying, revisiting the earliest and most defining musical moments of legendary musicians can be equally enriching. These songs, albums, and performances offer an intimate glimpse into an artist’s creative journey, forming a bridge between their influences and their own groundbreaking work. Fortunately, some of our favourite musicians have shared their most cherished records, offering a roadmap to understanding their artistry. One such artist is Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour.
Gilmour became a senior member of Pink Floyd under unusual circumstances. Initially brought in as a replacement for Syd Barrett, whose erratic behaviour due to drug use had made live performances unpredictable, Gilmour eventually became a permanent fixture in the band when Barrett’s declining mental health rendered his return impossible. Over the years, Gilmour cemented himself as an icon of progressive rock, with his masterful guitar work and evocative songwriting becoming integral to Pink Floyd’s signature sound. Despite his unassuming nature, his technical skill and melodic sensibility have made him a revered figure among musicians. His ability to balance intricate compositions with raw emotion is a quality that extends not only to his own music but also to the artists who influenced him.
Once voted the greatest Fender guitarist of all time, Gilmour’s contributions to the instrument’s legacy are often understated. Unlike some of his more flamboyant peers, Gilmour’s style is defined by its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. His approach to the guitar is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, embodying an ethos of complexity wrapped in simplicity. This philosophy extends to his songwriting as well. While Gilmour’s image with a guitar in hand is forever etched in rock history, his influences tell an equally compelling story. It was only fitting that in 2017, he was invited to participate in a feature for Guitar Tricks Insider, where he shared five essential albums that every aspiring guitarist should hear.
Gilmour’s selections were presented without explanation, leaving room for interpretation as to why he chose them. However, one thing remains certain: if David Gilmour believes these records are essential listening, they deserve a place on your playlist. To make things easier, we’ve compiled them for you below.
Each of Gilmour’s picks features at least one legendary guitarist. First on the list is The Shadows’ Greatest Hits, featuring the renowned Hank Marvin. A pioneering guitarist, Marvin played a crucial role in shaping British rock and roll, influencing countless musicians, including Keith Richards. The Shadows were massive in the UK, often rivalling The Beatles in popularity, and Marvin’s distinctive sound remains an essential study for any guitarist.
Reflecting on his own development, Gilmour once said, “I copied—don’t be afraid to copy—and eventually something that I suppose that I would call my own appeared.” This philosophy is evident in his admiration for Jeff Beck, another foundational influence. Beck’s Blow by Blow (1975) showcased an innovative approach to guitar playing, proving that the instrument could create entirely new sonic landscapes. Beck’s fearless experimentation resonated with Gilmour, inspiring him to push the boundaries of his own sound.
Another key influence was Eric Clapton, whose work with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers remains one of British blues’ defining moments. Clapton’s fluid yet powerful playing style left a lasting impression on Gilmour. Speaking with Relix in 2015, he reflected, “All of those guys were incredible. I spent time trying to learn how to play their licks perfectly. Any young player should do that—it forces your own style to emerge.”
Gilmour’s selection of Dire Straits’ self-titled debut album may come as a surprise, but Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerpicking technique and melodic phrasing represented a significant evolution in rock guitar. In 1985, Gilmour praised Knopfler’s style, saying, “He brought back something that seemed to have gone astray in guitar playing. These days, I don’t listen to others with the objective of stealing their licks, but I’m sure I’m still influenced by Mark Knopfler and Eddie Van Halen.”
Finally, Gilmour’s list would be incomplete without Jimi Hendrix. His 1968 masterpiece, Electric Ladyland, showcased Hendrix at the peak of his creative powers. Gilmour, who famously mixed Hendrix’s Isle of Wight performance, once described him as the greatest guitarist of all time. In a 2006 interview with the BBC, he recalled his first encounter with Hendrix: “I went to a club in South Kensington in 1966. This kid got on stage with Brian Auger and the Trinity. He started playing the guitar the other way around [upside down], and the whole place was in shock. The next day, I went to record shops asking if they had anything by Jimi Hendrix. He hadn’t recorded yet, so I just had to wait for his first release.”
With such a diverse and deeply influential range of artists, Gilmour’s list serves as a masterclass in rock guitar history. Below, we bring you David Gilmour’s five favourite albums of all time, each one a testament to the power and evolution of the instrument he helped define.
David Gilmour’s five favourite albums:
- Greatest Hits – The Shadows
- Blow by Blow – Jeff Beck
- Dire Straits – Dire Straits
- John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton – John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
- Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix
