Tone Profile

A bright and harmonically rich guitar tone with a slightly overdriven edge, perfect for classic rock riffs and solos. It's characterized by its sustain and clarity, cutting through the mix with definition.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Brian May often used his custom-built Red Special guitar, known for its unique construction and tonal qualities.
• The Deacy Amp, a small solid-state amplifier, was a key component in May's signature sound. He would often crank it up to achieve a saturated and harmonically rich overdrive.
• A Dallas Rangemaster treble booster was used to further shape the tone, adding brightness and sustain.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a guitar that has single-coil-like characteristics; if a Red Special is unavailable, try coil-splitting a humbucker.
• Use a small, low-wattage amplifier and push it into overdrive. A Vox AC4 or similar amp can get you in the ballpark.
• Add a treble booster pedal to increase sustain and brightness. Adjust the pedal's settings to taste.
• Experiment with different microphone placements to capture the desired tone. A dynamic microphone like a Shure SM57 can be a good starting point.

Recommended Gear

• Red Special(guitar)
• Deacy Amp(amp)
• Dallas Rangemaster(pedal)