Brian May has been rocking Queen’s repertoire for over 50 years now. And, though all four members of the band penned hit singles, it was Brian and original lead singer Freddie Mercury who took the lion’s share of the writing credits. Before we get into the nitty gritty of Brian’s trademark composition and playing techniques, it’s worth taking a moment to think about that other key element of his unique sound: the homemade Red Special guitar.
Though equipped with ‘off the shelf’ Burns pickups, its body, neck and sophisticated electronic switching system were all bespoke, designed and built by Brian and his father, Harold. Factor in Brian’s choice of a sixpence piece as a pick and you have a tone that’s near impossible to recreate.
That said, diehard Queen fans could invest in a BMG Red Special guitar and a Vox AC30 amp, and there are modelling options, too. Almost any digital multi-fx unit will have an AC30 model. And do check out IK Multimedia’s Amplitube Brian May,
