The Atmospheric Rock Anthem
Shine On You Crazy Diamond is a tribute to former Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett. Written by Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Richard Wright for the 1975 album Wish You Were Here, this nine-part composition requires a vocalist who understands patience. The vocals don't enter until nearly 9 minutes into the track (in the full version), meaning the singer must match the established atmosphere perfectly.
Unlike high-energy rock songs, this track relies on "blues phrasing" within a progressive rock structure. You need a warm, resonant chest voice and the ability to slide into notes with emotion rather than pure power. Let's break down the vocal entry and key sections.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Support
The tempo is slow (approx. 68 BPM). Singers often run out of air on phrases like "Remember when you were young." Take a deep diaphragmatic breath before the line starts to maintain a consistent tone without wobbling at the end.
Phase 1: The Verse (Entry)
The song is in G Minor. The first line, "Remember when you were young," is sung with a soft, almost conversational tone. David Gilmour uses a lot of air in his voice here.
The Trap: Do not attack the first note too hard. A glottal attack (hard onset) will ruin the mood. Ease into the "Re-" of "Remember" gently.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Sustain)
When the line "Shine on you crazy diamond" arrives, the melody lifts. This requires more forward placement in the mask of the face to get that ringing quality on "Shine." However, it should not be shouted. It is a plead, not a command.
- Vowel Shaping: Modify the "I" vowel in "Shine" towards an "Ah" shape to keep the throat open and resonant.
- Pitch Accuracy: The harmonies here are dense. Focus on holding the root melody line firmly against the backing vocals.
Phase 3: The "Target" Bridge
The lyrics "Come on you target, come on you remote..." introduce a change in rhythm and attitude. This is where you add the grit. Gilmour adds a slight growl (vocal fry) to the start of these phrases.
This section sits higher in the chest register (touching G4). To hit "Target" and "Raver" comfortably, engage your core muscles and think of singing "down" into the floor, rather than reaching up for the notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a G4 on the word "Target" (and similar phrases in that section). It is a solid chest voice belt.
Technically, the range is moderate. The difficulty lies in the timing, the long sustains, and maintaining the emotional intensity over a slow tempo without sounding bored.
The vocal enters after the iconic four-note guitar arpeggio repeats and the drums settle into a groove. The Singing Coach AI app provides a visual countdown so you never miss the entry.
