Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is built from a handful of simple parts, and the isolated tracks let you hear each one: David Gilmour’s lead vocal, the “radio” intro guitar, the lead acoustic guitar, and the piano and synth underneath.
Isolated vocals
Isolated intro rhythm guitar
Isolated lead acoustic guitar
Isolated piano and synth
What to listen for
- The “radio” intro. On the record, the opening guitar sounds as if it’s coming through a small radio speaker before a second guitar joins, full and close. The isolated intro track shows how plain the rhythm part is on its own.
- The acoustic licks. The lead acoustic stem makes the short melodic fills between vocal lines easy to hear and learn.
- Gilmour’s vocal. Without the band, his delivery is restrained and conversational, with harmonies added only in places.
- Keys in the background. The piano and synth parts are quiet in the full mix. On their own you can hear how they fill out the second half of the song.
About the song
“Wish You Were Here” is the title track of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album. It was written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, and Gilmour sings lead. The album’s themes of absence are widely linked to former band member Syd Barrett.
More Pink Floyd isolated tracks: Comfortably Numb, Hey You, Shine On You Crazy Diamond and the full Pink Floyd isolated tracks page.
FAQ
Who sings Wish You Were Here?
David Gilmour sings lead vocal on Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”.
Who wrote Wish You Were Here?
David Gilmour and Roger Waters wrote it. It’s the title track of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album.
Can I learn the intro from the isolated track?
Yes. The isolated intro and lead acoustic guitar tracks above make the parts much easier to hear and learn by ear.
Want to make your own isolated track of any song? See our guide: Isolated Tracks: What They Are, Where They Come From and How to Make Your Own.
