1. Tunefox.com
    2. ›
  2. Mandolin songs
    3. ›
  3. Wish You Were Here
Back

Mandolin tablatures for Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd

Recomended level: Intermediate

A beautiful ballad by Pink Floyd. This one sounds so wonderful on the mandolin, especially with the use of tremolo. If this is a technique you're not familiar with then check out our learning path for Tremolo 101. This will help you work out the basics of the technique and apply it to a song.



The Low Octave arrangement stays close to the melody the acoustic guitar plays in the intro of the song. It uses tremolo and stays in first position. It's definitely the easiest of the bunch. That doesn't mean it's boring. Simple is beautiful and there are some great licks here to really keep things new and fresh. The High Octave arrangement also uses double stops but it adds in double stops, position shifts, up the neck playing and fancier licks. This one is definitely more for intermediate for advanced players.



If you are up for a challenge and love classic rock, then check out the Gilmour Style arrangement. This one is a transcription of David Gilmour's iconic intro solo for this tune.

  • Mandolin Wish You Were Here Low Octave

    Low Octave

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    A melody this beautiful does not need to be over complicated to sound great. Have fun with this one :)

    Mandolin Wish You Were Here Low Octave
    Learn
  • Mandolin Wish You Were Here High Octave

    High Octave

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    This tune is mighty lonesome. A powerful number. This arrangement has us playing up the neck. Slide in to those seventh fret unison notes to really bring out those ancient tones.

    Mandolin Wish You Were Here High Octave
    Learn
  • Mandolin Wish You Were Here Gilmour Style

    Gilmour Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    A David Gilmour solo on the mandolin could bring a tear to a glass eye. Gilmour uses space masterfully in this sweet intro solo. Notice how most of the phrases come in just after the...

    Mandolin Wish You Were Here Gilmour Style
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview: This comprehensive guide provides bluegrass mandolin tablatures for 'Wish You Were Here' in Low and High Octaves, as well as Transcription Styles. Specifically designed for intermediate players, this resource engages tools of Tunefox platform, such as Lick Switcher and the Arrange Slider, to create a personalized learning experience.


Practice Tip 1 - Lick Switcher: Innovation is key to music training. The Lick Switcher lets you experiment with various lick vocabularies within the same song, offering fresh perspective. Change licks for individual measures for a customized song interpretation. Just tap on the measure to uncover hidden licks.


Practice Tip 2 - Arrange Slider: Tailor-made music makes practice fun and efficient. The Arrange Slider feature enables custom setting of difficulty levels. Slide left for a simple, core arrangement or swivel right for a fully fleshed out song rendition. This flexibility reinforces memory of tune and nurtures complexity understanding.


Practice Tip 3 - Tempo Slider: Conquering speed is a big achievement for any musician. Using the tempo slider, start slow and gradually increase the song speed. This gradual progression provides the right kind of challenge to your skills and improves song execution.


Practice Tip 4 - Backing Tracks: Playing along with backing tracks not only makes practice enjoyable but also prepares you for live performances. Be adventurous with your music! Experiment with selected measures and keep repeating them. The 'Speed Up' feature gradually boosts the playback tempo, an excellent tool for transitioning to faster speeds.


General Tips: Regular practice, slow-speed starting, gradual challenge increase and experimentation form the cornerstones of effective learning. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process, so have fun while learning!


Wish You Were Here lyrics

So, so you think you can tell

Heaven from hell?

Blue skies from pain?

Can you tell a green field

From a cold steel rail?

A smile from a veil?

Do you think you can tell?



Did they get you to trade

Your heroes for ghosts?

Hot ashes for trees?

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Cold comfort for change?

Did you exchange

A walk-on part in the war

For a leading role in a cage?



How I wish, how I wish you were here

We're just two lost souls

Swimming in a fish bowl

Year after year

Running over the same old ground

What have we found?

The same old fears

Wish you were here