Solo Tone

'39

Queen

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarHomemade 'Red Special' (Brian May's original, with Burns Tri-Sonic pickups)

AmpVox AC30 (mid-1960s, Normal channel, Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, no reverb/tremolo circuits)

PickupsBurns Tri-Sonic single-coil pickups (wired in series, with phase switches)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostDallas-Arbiter Dallas-Arbiter Rangemaster Treble Booster

Notes

Studio recording, 1975 (A Night at the Opera sessions). Brian May used his original Red Special and a treble booster into a Vox AC30. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for this solo beyond the treble booster and possible studio delay/ambience. Pickup selection likely bridge and middle in phase, as per May's typical solo tone. No evidence of chorus, flanger, or other modulation effects on this solo.

Tone Character(10)

sparkling clean with trebly chimehollow, nasal midrangesinging sustainarticulate and brightslightly compressedfull-bodiedclear note separationmild edge-of-breakup crunchdistinctive Red Special characterdynamic response to picking

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate technique, with expressive bends, dynamic picking, and familiarity with Brian May's unique guitar wiring for authentic tone.

Sources

Brian May's Guitar Gear, Pedals & Amps | Equipboard The Secrets Behind Brian May's Guitar Sound on Queen's ...Rig Rundown: Queen's Brian May

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