How to Get Brian May’s Guitar Tone

Brian May’s guitar tone is legendary, and for a good reason. It's as if he's managed to bottle the essence of rock and roll and channel it through his signature Red Special guitar. If you’ve ever wondered how to capture even a hint of that iconic sound, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the gear, techniques, and a few insider tips that can help you get closer to that soaring, harmonically rich tone.

Building Your Foundation: The Right Guitar

Let's start with the obvious: Brian May's tone begins with his guitar, the Red Special. This homemade creation is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity, built from wood salvaged from a fireplace, and features a unique set of pickups and wiring. While you might not have a fireplace to dismantle, you can aim for something similar with a few key choices.

• Pickups: The Red Special uses three single-coil pickups wired in series, which is quite different from the standard parallel configuration. This setup allows for a thicker, more powerful sound. You can mimic this by modifying a guitar with single coils or investing in a guitar that offers similar versatility.
• Neck and Body: While the Red Special is one-of-a-kind, guitars with a mahogany body and neck can help you achieve a similar warm, resonant tone. Look for guitars with a wide range of tonal options, possibly with phase-switching capabilities.
• Feel: Brian’s instrument is unique not just in sound but in feel. Pay attention to the setup of your guitar, especially the action and string gauge. Lighter strings paired with a lower action can allow for the fluid, expressive playing style May is known for.

Interestingly enough, it’s not just about the gear. Brian May's tone is also in his fingers, his approach to playing, and even his choice of picks. So, while the right guitar is essential, it’s only the beginning.

Amplifiers: Capturing That Signature Roar

Next, let's talk amps. Brian May's choice of amplifier is as iconic as his guitar. His go-to has been the Vox AC30, a tube-driven amp that’s known for its bright, chime-like tones and natural overdrive.

Here's how you can set up your amp to get closer to his sound:

• Volume: May’s sound is heavily reliant on pushing his amp to the brink. That means cranking the volume to achieve natural overdrive. You might want to invest in a power attenuator to manage the volume levels without sacrificing tone.
• EQ Settings: A typical setting would see the treble and bass around 12 o’clock, with the mids slightly boosted. This configuration helps in achieving that vocal-like quality in May’s leads.
• Effects Loop: Although May doesn't rely heavily on effects, a touch of delay and modulation can help in replicating the lush textures found in some of Queen's tracks.

Remember, it’s not just about mimicking the settings but understanding how they interact with your guitar and playing style. Experiment and tweak until you find a sound that feels right.

The Pick of Destiny: Coin Picks

Believe it or not, one of Brian May’s secret weapons is his choice of pick. Rather than using traditional guitar picks, May uses a British sixpence coin. This might sound odd, but the coin provides a distinct attack and an ability to effortlessly control dynamics.

• Attack: The rigidity of the coin allows for a pronounced attack, which contributes to the clarity and precision in May’s playing.
• Control: The coin’s edge can be used to create subtle variations in tone and texture, giving you more expressive possibilities.
• Experiment: Try using different materials and thicknesses of picks to see how they affect your tone. You might find that a heavier pick gives you the control and sound you're looking for.

While using a coin might not be for everyone, it’s worth experimenting with different picks to see how they influence your sound. After all, tone is a highly personal pursuit.

Effects: Keeping It Simple

One might assume that Brian May's tone comes from a complex array of effects pedals, but in reality, he keeps it pretty straightforward. His primary effect is the treble booster, which plays a significant role in shaping his sound.

• Treble Booster: This pedal is vital for pushing the mids and highs, making the guitar cut through the mix. It's often placed directly after the guitar and before any other pedals or the amp.
• Delay: May uses delay to add depth and space to his solos. A single slapback delay with minimal feedback can create a fuller sound without muddying the mix.
• Modulation: Occasionally, adding a hint of chorus or phaser can replicate the lush soundscapes found in some of Queen’s more expansive tracks.

While effects are a part of the equation, May’s use of them is always tasteful and supportive of the song. Consider using a subtle hand when dialing in your own effects.

Techniques: More Than Just Gear

Even with the perfect gear, capturing Brian May's tone involves more than just equipment. Techniques play a massive role in achieving that signature sound.

• Finger Vibrato: May’s vibrato is wide and controlled, adding emotion and expressiveness to his playing. Practice using your fingers to bend and sustain notes, focusing on consistency and control.
• Harmonic Control: May often uses harmonic feedback to his advantage, creating sustain and texture. Work on controlling feedback and using it musically, perhaps by experimenting with amp placement and volume.
• Note Choice: May is known for his melodic sensibility. Focus on phrasing and note choice, emphasizing the melody over speed or complexity.

It's these subtle elements that contribute to the overall feel and expression of May’s playing. Don’t be afraid to spend time on these nuances—they can make all the difference.

Getting Hands-On: Practice Tips

Theoretical knowledge is valuable, but practical application is where you'll see real improvement. Here are some practice tips to help you develop a tone reminiscent of Brian May:

• Transcribe Solos: Learning May’s solos by ear can help you internalize his unique phrasing and note choice.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can provide insight into areas that need improvement and help you hear your progress over time.
• Play Along with Backing Tracks: This can help you practice your timing and feel, which are just as important as tone.

And here’s where Riffhard comes into play. We have lessons from some of the world’s best and most respected metal guitarists, providing you with the tools to refine your rhythm and lead skills. Our interactive player allows you to slow down lessons, ensuring you catch every detail.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in your playing and setup will significantly affect your tone. This consistency enables you to make subtle tweaks and adjustments without losing your baseline sound. Here’s how you can maintain consistency:

• Routine Maintenance: Regularly change strings, check intonation, and maintain your guitar and amp to ensure they’re always performing at their best.
• Practice Schedule: Set aside regular practice time to focus on tone development and technique.
• Recording Environment: Try to practice in the same space where you typically play or record. This familiarity can aid in achieving a consistent sound.

By keeping these elements consistent, you’ll be more attuned to changes in your tone and better equipped to make precise adjustments.

Exploring Your Unique Sound

While it’s fantastic to aim for Brian May's iconic tone, remember that your unique sound is just as important. Use May’s techniques and gear choices as a foundation to build upon, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

• Try Different Gear: Experiment with various guitars, amps, and effects to see what combinations resonate with your playing style.
• Develop Your Style: Incorporate elements from different genres and players to create a sound that’s uniquely yours.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be open to new ideas and techniques, as these can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in your tone and playing.

At Riffhard, we emphasize the importance of developing your own voice on the guitar. Our instructors, including some of the best modern metal guitarists, offer insights that can help you carve out your unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Getting Brian May’s guitar tone involves a mix of the right gear, technique, and a bit of personal flair. While capturing every nuance of his sound might be challenging, it’s a rewarding journey that can teach you a lot about your playing style. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from world-class guitarists, helping you refine your skills and discover your unique sound. Keep practicing, and enjoy the process of exploration!