Who replaced Syd Barrett as lead guitarist in Pink Floyd?

David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett as Pink Floyd's lead guitarist. Gilmour joined the band in December 1967, initially as a second guitarist intended to cover for Barrett's increasingly unpredictable performances.

Gilmour and Barrett had known each other since their Cambridge school days and had played music together before Pink Floyd formed. The band briefly tried to keep Barrett involved as a non-performing songwriter, but the arrangement failed. In January 1968, the group famously decided not to pick Barrett up on the way to a show, effectively ending his touring role; Barrett's departure was announced in April 1968.

Gilmour was not simply a substitute who copied Barrett's style. His precise guitar playing and restrained vocals helped reshape Pink Floyd's sound, while Roger Waters increasingly took over much of the songwriting and creative direction. Gilmour later became the band's principal guitarist and one of its defining voices.

A common mix-up is saying Gilmour joined only after Barrett left. In fact, Gilmour joined before Barrett's official departure, during the difficult transition period.