Solo Tone

Bohemian Rhapsody

Queen

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarBrian May Red Special

AmpVox AC30 (1970s, likely Top Boost model, studio recording)

PickupsBurns Tri-Sonic single-coils (custom-wired, neck + middle in series, out of phase)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid8

treble6

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostDallas Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster (or custom clone)

delayMaestro Maestro Echoplex EP-3

Notes

Studio recording, 1975. Brian May used his Red Special with custom wiring and a Vox AC30. Pickup configuration for the solo is neck + middle in series, out of phase. Treble Booster and tape delay (Maestro Echoplex EP-3) used in front of the amp. No chorus, flanger, or phaser audible in this solo. All info is for the original studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

nasal and instantly ear-catchingsinging sustainrich midrange presencesmoothly overdriven, not harsharticulate and melodicorchestral, layered guitar soundunique out-of-phase pickup soundincisive attackharmonics leap outclassic British class A amp breakup

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of phrasing, bends, and vibrato, as well as the ability to play harmonized lines and maintain clarity with a unique pickup configuration. The technical demands and musicality place it at a 'hard' difficulty.

Sources

Brian May goes deep on Bohemian Rhapsody: the gear, the solo and the magic of Freddie Mercury’s finest hour | Guitar World Brian May's Guitar Gear, Pedals & Amps | Equipboard How to get Brian May's Red Special tones from a Strat or Les Paul | Guitar World [Question] Tone for first Bohemian Rhapsody solo? : r/Guitar - Reddit

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