Tone Profile

The guitar tone is bright, harmonically rich, and slightly overdriven, with a characteristic 'honky' quality. It's articulate and cutting, perfect for melodic lines and harmonies.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Brian May often used a sixpence coin as a pick, contributing to the bright, articulate attack.
• The guitars were recorded in a studio setting with careful attention to mic placement to capture the AC30's unique characteristics.
• Layered guitar harmonies are a key element of Queen's signature sound.
• The 'Deacy Amp,' a small, custom-built amplifier, was used in conjunction with the AC30 for some parts, contributing to the unique mid-range character.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a guitar that has single-coil pickups or something that can be coil-split to emulate that thinner sound.
• Use a Vox AC30 amp or a modeler that has a good AC30 emulation. Dial in a slightly overdriven tone with a focus on the upper mid-range.
• Experiment with a treble booster or a mid-boost pedal to get that 'honky' sound.
• Use a light touch with your picking hand, and consider using a thinner pick to brighten the attack.
• Double-track your guitar parts and pan them slightly to create a wider stereo image, and layer multiple harmonies.

Recommended Gear

• Burns Brian May Super(guitar)
• Vox AC30(amp)
• Neumann U67(mic)
• Treble Booster(pedal)
• Dallas Rangemaster(pedal)