Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn one of Pink Floyd's most uplifting and iconic songs? "Learning to Fly" is a fantastic track to add to your repertoire. In this guide, we'll break down the chords, song structure, and some tips to help you nail this classic. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

Let's dive straight into the chords you'll need to play "Learning to Fly." The song primarily revolves around a few key chords that, when mastered, will allow you to play along with the track smoothly. Knowing these chords is the first and most important step, so take your time to learn them properly.

• G Major: The G Major chord is a fundamental chord in many songs, and it's no different here. To play it, place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. This chord provides a warm and full sound that is essential to the song's harmonic foundation. Practice transitioning to and from this chord with the others in the song to improve your fluidity.
• D Major: The D Major chord is another essential component. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum the lower five strings, avoiding the 6th string. The D Major chord adds a bright and resonant quality to the progression, complementing the G Major nicely. Be sure to get a clean sound by pressing down firmly behind the frets.
• A Minor: The A Minor chord brings a touch of melancholy and depth to the song. Place your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret. Strum all strings. The A Minor creates a poignant contrast to the major chords, giving the song emotional complexity. This chord is often used to transition between the more upbeat major chords, adding a layer of subtlety to the overall sound.
• C Major: The C Major chord is a bright and uplifting chord that adds a sense of resolution to the progression. Place your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret. Strum the lower five strings, avoiding the 6th string. The C Major provides a strong sense of tonal center and contributes to the song's accessible and catchy nature. It's a great chord to end phrases on, providing a sense of completion.
• Em (E Minor): This chord isn't used as extensively as the others, but it adds a crucial color to the song's palette. There are two common ways to play it. The first is to place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Alternatively, you can play it as 022000. Strum all six strings. The E Minor chord offers a darker, more introspective feel compared to the major chords, creating a nice contrast within the song. Pay attention to how this chord is used in the song's arrangement to fully appreciate its effect.

Understanding these chords and how they interact is key to successfully playing "Learning to Fly." Practice transitioning smoothly between them to capture the song's flowing and ethereal quality. Once you're comfortable with the chord changes, you can start focusing on the strumming pattern and overall feel of the song.

Song Structure and Progression

"Learning to Fly" follows a fairly straightforward song structure, which makes it easier to learn. The main progression repeats throughout much of the song, with subtle variations to keep things interesting. Let's break down the structure to help you understand how the chords fit together.

• Intro: The intro typically starts with a clean, arpeggiated version of the main chord progression. This sets the mood and introduces the main theme of the song. The chords used in the intro are generally G, D, A Minor, and C. Listen carefully to the intro to get a feel for the timing and dynamics. Playing the chords individually rather than strumming them fully can create a delicate, shimmering effect.
• Verse: The verse usually follows the same chord progression as the intro: G, D, A Minor, and C. During the verse, David Gilmour's vocals enter, telling the story of the song. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and allowing the vocals to take center stage. The strumming pattern should be consistent and not too overpowering.
• Chorus: The chorus is where the song really takes off. The same chord progression continues (G, D, A Minor, C), but the intensity and dynamics increase. This is where you can strum with more energy and passion. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, so make sure to emphasize it.
• Bridge: The bridge offers a change of pace and often introduces new chords or a modified progression. In "Learning to Fly," the bridge includes Em (E Minor), adding a slightly darker and more reflective tone. The bridge serves as a transition, building anticipation for the return of the chorus. Pay attention to the dynamics during the bridge, as it often builds in intensity leading back to the main theme.
• Solo: Of course, no Pink Floyd song is complete without a guitar solo! The solo in "Learning to Fly" is melodic and soaring, perfectly capturing the feeling of freedom and flight. While the solo itself doesn't involve chords, understanding the underlying chord progression (G, D, A Minor, C) will help you appreciate how Gilmour's playing complements the song's harmony. Practicing the solo separately and then playing it along with the backing track can help you master it.
• Outro: The outro typically revisits the intro's arpeggiated chord progression, gradually fading out. This brings the song to a gentle and peaceful conclusion. The outro provides a sense of closure and leaves the listener with a feeling of tranquility. Pay attention to the dynamics as the song fades, gradually decreasing the volume to create a smooth and natural ending.

Understanding this structure will help you navigate the song with ease. Listen to the track multiple times, paying attention to how each section flows into the next. Once you have a good grasp of the structure, you can focus on perfecting your playing and adding your own personal touch.

Strumming Pattern and Rhythm

Getting the right strumming pattern and rhythm is crucial for capturing the feel of "Learning to Fly." While there are many variations you can use, a simple and effective pattern to start with is:

• Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

This pattern works well with the G, D, A Minor, and C chord progression. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and keeping your strumming hand relaxed. The rhythm should be steady and flowing, creating a sense of forward motion. Experiment with different variations of this pattern to find what feels most natural to you.

Another approach is to emphasize the downstrokes, giving the song a slightly more driving feel. Try this pattern:

• Down, Down, Down, Up, Down

This can add a bit more energy to the song, especially during the chorus. Pay attention to the dynamics, varying your strumming intensity to match the song's emotional peaks and valleys. During the verses, you might want to strum more softly, while during the chorus, you can strum with more force.

Listen closely to the original recording to get a feel for the nuances of the rhythm. David Gilmour's playing is characterized by its subtle variations and dynamic control. Try to emulate his style by paying attention to the way he accents certain beats and chords. This will help you capture the true essence of the song.

Experiment with different strumming patterns until you find one that feels comfortable and sounds authentic. The key is to maintain a steady rhythm and allow the song to breathe. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch, but always stay true to the song's overall feel and intention.

Tips for Mastering the Song

Here are a few additional tips to help you master "Learning to Fly":

• Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the chords and strumming pattern slowly. This will help you develop muscle memory and ensure that you're playing the chords cleanly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome can be an invaluable tool for improving your timing. Set the metronome to a slow tempo and practice playing along with it. This will help you develop a consistent rhythm and avoid rushing or dragging.
• Listen Actively: Listen to the original recording of "Learning to Fly" repeatedly. Pay attention to the nuances of the playing, the dynamics, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you internalize the song and play it with more authenticity.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recording and pay attention to your timing, chord changes, and overall sound. This will help you pinpoint specific areas that need more work.
• Play with Others: Playing with other musicians can be a fun and rewarding way to improve your skills. Find some friends who also play and jam on "Learning to Fly" together. This will help you develop your timing, listening skills, and overall musicianship.
• Be Patient: Learning a new song takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and you'll eventually master it. Remember that every musician goes through a learning process, and patience is key.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to mastering "Learning to Fly" and adding this iconic song to your repertoire. Enjoy the journey and have fun!

Final Thoughts

Learning "Learning to Fly" by Pink Floyd is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. By understanding the chords, song structure, and strumming patterns, you can capture the essence of this classic song. Remember to practice regularly, be patient, and most importantly, have fun! Keep flying high with your guitar playing!