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Riff Tone

Killer Queen

Queen

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarHomemade Red Special (Brian May's original, 1960s-70s build)
AmpVox AC30 (Top Boost, 1970s, cranked, non-master volume)
PickupsTri-Sonic single coils (modified, series/parallel phase switching)

Amp Settings

gain5
bass6
mid7.5
treble9
reverb1
presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostDallas Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster (or clone)

Notes

Studio recording, 1974. The riff section was tracked with the Red Special into a Vox AC30, using a Dallas Rangemaster-style treble booster and a sixpence coin as a pick. No evidence of the Deacy amp on the main riff. Effects are from pedals, not amp. No evidence of amp reverb or delay used on the riff section.

Tone Character(10)
chimey and articulatebright and cuttingrich midrangetight and focuseddynamic and responsiveslightly compresseddistinct treble boost sizzleclear note separationBritish crunchmetallic attack from coin pick

Difficulty

The riff requires tight rhythmic accuracy, dynamic picking with a coin for attack, and control of articulation to achieve the signature chime and crunch. Not technically advanced, but demands precision and touch.

Sources

bryan may killer queen tone!! - forum topicBrian May's guitar gear: how to sound like the iconic Queen guitaristThe 50 greatest guitar effects moments of all time

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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Killer Queen settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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Killer Queen by Queen — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt