First Steps with Pink Floyd's "Breathe"

Lesson #544 • Mar 13, 2024

Today we’re looking at Pink Floyd’s classic Breathe, played on an acoustic guitar. I’ll teach things as Pink Floyd plays them — but also include a ton of handy tips for simplifying the chord shapes, riffs, and strumming patterns. This will let you play the song in a way that suits your skill level perfectly, whether you’re earlier along in your guitar journey or a bit more experienced. Remember, hit the play button when the lion roars for the third time 😜

0:00 Lesson Summary
2:16 Chord Progression
3:30 Chords Shapes
10:12 Playthrough
12:49 Rhythm & Strum Patterns
16:18 Raked Strumming
20:02 E-min Slide Guitar Riffs
23:41 A-maj Riffs
27:26 Practice Track Preview

Lesson Discussion

Instructional PDF 3 pages

Play-Along Practice Tracks

With guitar, bass, and drums

Here’s a custom track I made you can use to practice chord changes, strumming, or even lead guitar. This goes through the two progressions I teach (looped for 5 minutes), with graphics following along to you know which chord is next. Download audio version.

“No guitar” version

Same as above, but without the rhythm guitar. You can still follow the chord changes via the bass and on-screen graphics… which makes this ideal if you want to work on strumming and staying on the beat, without having to compete with another guitar in the recording. Download audio version.

Looking for the Lyrics?

My practice sheet (PDF) linked above does not include lyrics, for copyright reasons. If you’re in a pinch, here’s a version on Ultimate Guitar that I’d recommend. If you’d really like me to create my own licensed song sheet (with lyrics and chords) for purchase, click the button below to request it… and if there’s enough demand I’ll put it together one day.

Click to Request

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First Steps with Pink Floyd's "Breathe"

Lesson Discussion

Instructional PDF 3 pages

Play-Along Practice Tracks

With guitar, bass, and drums

“No guitar” version

Recommended Videos Featuring This Song

Pink Floyd’s Album Recording of Breathe

Breathe, Live in 1994

Tips for Soloing Over Breathe

Related Lessons I’ve Made

Looking for the Lyrics?

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Strumming & Rhythm

Fingerstyle & Travis Picking

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learning Lead Guitar

Beginner Chord Guide

Practical Music Theory

Using a Capo

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Capo Captain

Key Master

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons