Riff Tone

Cool Cat

Queen

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarBrian May Red Special

AmpVox AC30 (likely Top Boost model, as used by Brian May in studio in early 1980s)

PickupsTri-Sonic single-coil pickups (Burns, modified by Brian May)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1981-1982 (Hot Space sessions). No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this clean section. No explicit mention of pedals or effects for this song in sources; settings and effects inferred from era, genre, and Brian May's typical clean setup.

Tone Character(10)

warm and glassysmooth and roundedclean with subtle sparklefunky and percussivetouch-sensitivedynamic responseslightly compressedsubtle amp reverbno audible drive or breakuparticulate and clear

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically interesting and requires a light, precise touch to maintain clarity and groove, but does not involve advanced techniques or speed.

Sources

Daily Queen Song Discussion #117: Cool Cat - Reddit Q: what guitar did Brian May used in Cool cat(*taken in H.S '82)?

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