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Original source: Diego Ariel Miranda
This video from Diego Ariel Miranda covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 6 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
'Breathe' builds on an E minor ninth and an A seventh. Focus on precise fingering and string muting to achieve the original sound.
Play Pink Floyd's 'Breathe': Intro Chords & Strumming
- 6th string: open
- 5th string: 2nd fret (index finger)
- 4th string: 4th fret (ring or pinky finger)
- 3rd string: open
- 2nd string: open
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: muted (with thumb)
- 5th string: open
- 4th string: 2nd fret
- 3rd string: open
- 2nd string: 2nd fret
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: muted (with thumb)
- 5th string: open
- 4th string: 2nd fret
- 3rd string: 2nd fret
- 2nd string: 2nd fret
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: 3rd fret (ring finger)
- 5th string: 3rd fret (pinky finger)
- 4th string: 2nd fret (middle finger)
- 3rd string: open
- 2nd string: open
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: muted
- 5th string: 2nd fret (barre)
- 4th string: 4th fret (ring finger)
- 3rd string: 4th fret (pinky finger)
- 2nd string: 3rd fret (middle finger)
- 1st string: 2nd fret (barre)
- 6th string: 1st fret (thumb)
- 5th string: 3rd fret (ring finger)
- 4th string: 3rd fret (pinky finger)
- 3rd string: 2nd fret (middle finger)
- 2nd string: 1st fret (index finger)
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: 3rd fret (thumb)
- 5th string: 5th fret (ring finger)
- 4th string: 5th fret (pinky finger)
- 3rd string: 4th fret (middle finger)
- 2nd string: 3rd fret (index finger)
- 1st string: open
- 6th string: muted
- 5th string: 5th fret (middle finger)
- 4th string: 4th fret (index finger)
- 3rd string: 5th fret (ring finger)
- 2nd string: 6th fret (pinky finger)
- 1st string: muted
- 6th string: muted
- 5th string: 5th fret (middle finger)
- 4th string: 4th fret (index finger)
- 3rd string: 5th fret (ring finger)
- 2nd string: 4th fret (index finger)
- 1st string: muted
- 6th string: muted
- 5th string: open
- 4th string: 2nd fret
- 3rd string: open
- 2nd string: 3rd fret (pinky finger)
- 1st string: open
The song opens with two main chords: E minor ninth (Em9) and A seventh (A7). For Em9, fret the fifth string at the second fret and the fourth at the fourth fret, leaving other strings open. This isn't a simple E minor; the added ninth (F#) gives it David Gilmour's signature sound. The second chord, A7, frets the fourth and second strings at the second fret. An A major (A) also works. Crucially, mute the sixth string with your thumb for both A chords to prevent unwanted resonance and muddy harmony.
"It's not a simple E minor. Many play it that way, but Gilmour adds this note, an F#, which sounds great."
David Gilmour's 'Breathe' Arpeggio Over A Chord
An arpeggio figure enriches 'Breathe''s intro over the A chord. Play the fourth and second strings simultaneously. The progression: both strings at the 12th fret, then 14th, back to 12th. Resolve on the second string at the 10th fret and the fourth string at the 11th fret. With your right hand, strum down from the fifth string, then pluck the arpeggio strings upwards for the full effect.
"He plays this great little arrangement. You do it by playing the fourth and second strings."
'Breathe' Chorus Progression: Cmaj7, Bm, Fmaj7, G6
The chorus chord progression introduces four new shapes. It starts with a Cmaj7, followed by a Bm barre chord at the second fret. The third chord is Fmaj7; ideally, use your thumb to fret the bass on the sixth string, first fret, leaving the first string open. A simplified version omits the bass for easier positioning. The sequence ends with a G6, using the Fmaj7 position shifted up two frets, also keeping the first string open for its distinct sound.
"You must play Fmaj7 with your thumb because it includes an open first string, that E. Otherwise, it gets complicated."
Playing 'Breathe' Intro Lead Without a Slide
Play 'Breathe's distinctive melodic intro lead without a slide, focusing on the first and second strings. The melody alternates notes and small slides. Main phrases start on the 12th fret of the first string, then move from the 12th to 14th fret on the second. Another key figure is a slide from the 10th to 12th fret on the first string. These melodic lines play over an Em9 and A7 harmonic base, setting the song's mood from the start.
"Play it all on the first and second strings, starting with the first on the 12th fret, then moving to the second."
'Breathe' Slide Technique: Achieving Correct Pitch
Executing the lead with slide technique demands precision for proper intonation. The key: position the slide (the "little metal bar") exactly over the fret wire, not between frets where fingers usually press. If the slide rests in the space, the note will sound flat. Apply this technique across the entire melody, including slides and sustained notes of the lead, developed over the verse and chorus progressions.
"With the slide, place it right over the fret wire. If you put it where you normally press, it will sound out of tune."
'Breathe': Verse and Chorus Structure, Variations Reviewed
Breathe's full structure repeats sections from the intro. Verses alternate Em9 and A7. The chorus progresses through Cmaj7, Bm, Fmaj7, G6, ending with D augmented ninth and diminished chords. For a variation, enrich the A7 arpeggio in the verse by adding an Asus4; place the pinky on the second string, third fret.
"The verse and chorus repeat everything from the intro. The verse uses Em9 and A7."
Also mentioned in this video
- Instructor explains song effect settings (2:05)
- Instructor explains intro harmonic arrangement, including A13sus (5:32)
- Instructor explains intro strumming and arpeggio pattern (6:39)
- Instructor explains D aug 9th and D dim 9th chords (14:10)
- Instructor suggests strumming patterns for C Maj 7 section (15:44)
Summarised from Diego Ariel Miranda · 24:47. All credit belongs to the original creators. Streamed.News summarises publicly available video content.
