Another Brick in the Wall
by Pink Floyd
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
BeginnerLead
AdvancedBass
IntermediateWhy "Another Brick in the Wall" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Pink Floyd's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The D Dorian Funk-Rock Groove Powered by a Major IV Chord (G)
Standard natural minor (Aeolian) would require a minor iv chord (Gm), producing a bleak, gloomy tone. Pink Floyd instead plays G major against the D minor foundation. That single major IV chord introduces the bright B natural note—the signature characteristic pitch of the Dorian mode—giving the rhythm guitar its strutting, disco-funk swagger.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
i - IV - iStep-by-Step Movement
- •Dm (i): The hypnotic minor tonic foundation established by David Gilmour's syncopated 16th-note strumming.
- •G (IV): Major subdominant borrowed from D Dorian with the natural 6th degree (B natural) lifting the groove.
- •C (♭VII) to Dm (i): Subtonic cadence in the chorus providing anthemic rock resolution.
- •F (♭III) to C (♭VII): Brief relative major lift supporting Roger Waters' defiant school chant.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The B natural in the G major chord contrasts directly with the Bb in standard D natural minor, creating an unforgettable harmonic sparkle.
- ›Gilmour's stratocaster rhythm tracks use tight 16th-note strumming with left-hand muting to keep the harmonic spacing crisp.
- ›The iconic solo glides between D Dorian and D Minor Pentatonic, targeting the 9th (E) and 6th (B) for soulful phrasing.
Fretboard Mechanics
Rhythm guitar is clean through a compression pedal and Hiwatt amp. Focus on the 10th-fret Dm bar chord and 10th-fret G barre chord, letting the high strings cut through on beats 2 and 4.
To prevent a minor key song from sounding depressing or sluggish, substitute your minor iv chord with a major IV. It immediately injects sophistication, funk, and modal drive.
The fundamental scale behind the major IV chord and funk feel.
The scale driving David Gilmour's legendary guitar solo.
The natural 6th minor mode that defines the track.
Mastering the Dm barre and open voicings.
Adding dominant 7th color to the Dorian IV chord.
The definitive Dorian cadence used in rock and funk.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding D minor:
D minor has a darker, more introspective character. The Aeolian (Natural Minor) with Dorian inflections mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Primary scale for David Gilmour's iconic guitar solo; forms the backbone of all lead phrases with expressive bending
Provides the harmonic framework for the chord progression and vocal melody throughout the song
Occasionally colors the solo with the raised 6th (B natural), adding brightness to certain phrases over the Dm chord
The harmonic character shaping D minor
The harmonic character shaping D minor
Understand minor chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in D minor
D minor pentatonic
Notes: D - F - G - A - C
Application: Primary scale for David Gilmour's iconic guitar solo; forms the backbone of all lead phrases with expressive bending
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
The chorus and solo sections use a Dm to G progression. The G major chord (IV) contains B natural, which technically belongs to D Dorian rather than D Aeolian, adding harmonic complexity.
💡 Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
Dm
G
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- Dm (i)Tonic minor chord; provides the dark, brooding foundation for the entire song
- G (IV)Major IV chord (Dorian quality); the B natural creates brightness against the minor key
- F (III)Relative major chord; provides brief harmonic warmth in the outro section
- C (VII)Subtonic chord; creates a suspended quality before resolving back to Dm
Key Techniques
Expressive Bending and Vibrato
AdvancedDavid Gilmour's signature technique of wide, precise bends combined with controlled vibrato that gives his solo its emotionally devastating character. Each bend is deliberate and reaches exact pitch.
Progression:
Solo over Dm drone vamp
Technique Tips:
- •Gilmour's bends are slow and deliberate - never rush them
- •Use three fingers together for bending strength and control
- •Practice bending to exact pitch using a tuner for reference
- •Vibrato should be even and controlled, not wild or erratic
- •Less is more - Gilmour chooses fewer notes but makes each one count
- •Let bent notes sustain fully before moving to the next phrase
Disco-Influenced Rhythm Pattern
BeginnerThe rhythm guitar plays a steady, muted pattern influenced by late-1970s disco music, providing the hypnotic groove that drives the verse sections forward
Uses chords:
Progression:
Dm (steady eighth-note pattern)
Technique Tips:
- •The rhythm should feel like a drum machine - perfectly steady
- •Palm muting should be light, not heavy - you want note definition
- •Listen to the bass line and lock in with its pattern
- •Think 'groove' rather than 'rock' for the rhythmic approach
- •The steady rhythm contrasts with Gilmour's expressive, free solo
Pentatonic Phrasing with Space
IntermediateGilmour's approach to soloing emphasizes space between phrases as much as the notes themselves. Each phrase is a complete musical statement followed by silence, creating a conversational quality.
Progression:
Over Dm vamp
Technique Tips:
- •Record yourself and check if the silences feel musical
- •Imagine the guitar is having a conversation - it needs pauses
- •Start phrases on different beats to avoid predictability
- •Build the solo arc: start simple, reach a climax, then resolve
- •Study Gilmour's phrasing by singing along with the solo
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of D minor. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Verse
Funky Dm Stratocaster 16th-Note Chop
The verse establishes the dark, repetitive mood with a single Dm chord drone and the iconic spoken/sung vocal melody. The children's choir enters to deliver the famous lyric over a tight, disco-influenced rhythm.
- •One chord throughout the entire verse - Dm
- •Steady eighth-note rhythm with light palm muting
- •The bass line provides the primary melodic movement
Chorus
Anthem Dm-G-C Progression
The anthemic chorus opens up with the Dm-G progression, providing harmonic relief. The vocal melody soars over the two-chord pattern as the children's choir delivers the hook.
- •Two-chord progression provides harmonic movement after the verse drone
- •Strumming opens up slightly from the tight verse pattern
- •The G chord's B natural adds brightness against the minor key
Guitar Solo
Bending & Phrasing Exercise
David Gilmour's legendary solo - one of the most recognizable in rock history. Built from D minor pentatonic with masterful bending and vibrato, the solo is a masterclass in emotional expression with minimal notes.
- •Based entirely in D minor pentatonic, box 1 (10th fret position)
- •Wide whole-step bends on the 10th fret (F bent to G) are the signature sound
- •Each phrase is followed by musical space - never rushed
Outro
David Gilmour 10th-Fret Dm Solo
The outro features continued solo phrasing over an expanded chord progression as the song builds to its finish. The arrangement thickens with additional instruments before the final resolution.
- •Extended chord progression adds harmonic variety
- •Solo phrases continue with less intensity as the song winds down
- •F and C chords provide brief moments of major-key brightness
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Neck pickup single coil for warm, singing solo tone; bridge/middle for rhythm
Alternative Models:
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 4-5 (clean to mild breakup, rely on pedals for overdrive)
Treble: 6 (clear articulation for solo notes)
Middle: 5-6 (present but not honky)
Bass: 5 (controlled low end for solo clarity)
Presence: 6-7 (bright, airy quality for Gilmour tone)
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi - medium gain setting for creamy sustain without excessive fuzz
Reverb / Delay:
Moderate plate or hall reverb for ambiance and depth
Modulation / Other:
Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger (subtle, for tonal color); compressor for sustain
Recommended Learning Path
⏱️ 2-3 weeks with regular practice
- •Master the open Dm chord shape and barre Dm at 5th fret
- •Practice steady eighth-note strumming at slow tempo
- •Learn the G chord and practice Dm-G transitions
- •Play along with the verse and chorus rhythm parts
⏱️ 4-6 weeks for basic solo performance
- •Master D minor pentatonic in box 1 position (10th fret)
- •Practice whole-step bends at the 10th fret on strings 1 and 2
- •Develop even vibrato on sustained notes
- •Learn the opening phrases of the guitar solo
- •Work on phrasing with space between melodic statements
⏱️ 6-10 weeks for complete mastery with authentic tone
- •Transcribe and learn the entire solo note-for-note
- •Perfect bend accuracy using a tuner for reference
- •Develop wide, controlled vibrato matching Gilmour's style
- •Set up the effects chain (Big Muff, delay, reverb) for authentic tone
- •Practice the full song from rhythm through solo with seamless transitions
- •Study Gilmour's phrasing approach for improvisation over the Dm vamp
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Bending out of tune - not reaching the full whole-step target pitch
- •Rushing the solo and not leaving enough space between phrases
- •Using too much distortion, which muddies the clarity of bends and vibrato
- •Playing the rhythm too aggressively instead of maintaining the tight disco groove
- •Neglecting vibrato - Gilmour's vibrato is essential to the emotional impact
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •Warm up with D minor pentatonic scale runs in box 1 position for 5 minutes
- •Practice whole-step bends at 10th fret on strings 1 and 2 with a tuner
- •Work on vibrato exercises: sustain each note for 4 beats with controlled vibrato
- •Practice the verse rhythm pattern with a metronome at 90 BPM, build to 104 BPM
- •Learn the solo phrase by phrase, focusing on exact bend pitch and timing
- •Play through the complete song structure including rhythm and solo transitions
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Bending accuracy and control (whole-step bends to exact pitch)
- •Even, wide vibrato on sustained notes
- •Musical phrasing with space and silence
- •Tight, controlled rhythm guitar comping
- •Dynamic build throughout the solo arc
- •Tone management with effects (Big Muff gain, delay settings)
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Start the rhythm pattern at 80 BPM with steady eighth notes
- •Gradually increase to 104 BPM (song tempo)
- •Practice solo phrases at 80 BPM focusing on bend accuracy and timing
- •Work on placing phrases precisely in time, including the rests between them
- •Use a drum loop or backing track at 104 BPM for realistic practice context