15 Greatest Classic Rock Guitar Solos
4. Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
"Comfortably Numb" was originally written for Pink Floyd's 1979 classic The Wall, a concept album dealing with themes of anger, loss and isolation. Coming in near the end of the album, the song is able to summarise these feelings perfectly, acting as a sort of emotional catharsis for protagonist Pink, as well as any listeners that have been following the narrative of The Wall.
The band's two main vocalists, Roger Waters and David Gilmour, switch lead vocal duties throughout this song, utilising their different voices to stunning effect, whilst every member of the band is on top form to deliver one of the most haunting and memorable songs of the band's entire career.
"Comfortably Numb" has two distinct solos, both played by Gilmour, that have their own feel, style and emotion behind them that completes this classic track. Whilst the first solo is more light and easy, the second solo is much more darker, aggressive and longer.
The reason behind this is that the second solo is played over minor chords, which are far more woeful and melancholic than the major chords that the first solo is played over. With such a unique blend of styles and feelings, "Comfortably Numb" is a perfect representation of the emotions that the album in its entirety conveys.