Few guitarists in rock history have a sound as distinctive and instantly recognizable as Brian May. As the lead guitarist of Queen, May crafted some of the most anthemic and technically brilliant solos ever recorded. His unique technique, harmonies you hum for days, and custom-built guitar have made his style the cornerstone of Queen’s legendary sound. From stadium-shaking riffs to delicate, orchestral-like arrangements, May’s guitar work is as much a part of Queen’s identity as Freddie Mercury’s voice.

A Brief History of Brian May

Born in 1947 in London, Brian May showed an early passion for both music and science. As a child, he excelled academically, eventually earning a degree in physics and beginning work on a PhD in astrophysics at Imperial College London. However, his love for the guitar was just as strong, and by the late 1960s, he was already playing in local bands while balancing his scientific studies. His deep fascination with space would remain a lifelong passion, even as music took center stage in his life.

In 1970, May co-founded Queen alongside Freddie Mercury, bassist John Deacon, and drummer Roger Taylor. The band’s fusion of rock, opera, and theatrical performance quickly set them apart, propelling them to international fame. They became one of the biggest rock acts in the world, known for their elaborate arrangements and May’s signature harmonized guitar sound.

One of their defining moments came in 1985 at Live Aid, where their set became one of the most celebrated live performances in rock history, with May’s guitar work helping cement the shows legendary status. Queen’s success continued into the early ‘90s, but the band suffered an immense loss when frontman Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991. Though it marked the end of an era, their music remains as powerful and influential as ever, carrying Mercury’s and May’s legacy forward for new generations of fans.

Top Hits Featuring Brian May

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

One of the most iconic songs in rock history, and May’s solo is a perfectly composed, melodic masterpiece. His use of harmony and sustain makes this one instantly recognizable. And still remains in many peoples top-10 lists.

“We Will Rock You”

Though known for its stomping rhythm, this song explodes with a short but blistering solo that is pure Brian May—screaming bends, harmonic layering, and that signature style that captivates the listeners in an instant.

“Brighton Rock”

A masterclass in guitar harmony, May’s solo in this track is a showcase of his famous delay techniques, where he essentially plays three-part harmonies with himself.

“Somebody to Love”

May’s guitar work in this gospel-infused track is soulful and expressive, with smooth, singing tones that blend beautifully with the layered vocals over the top. This rock-esk power fest is basically a love song on volume 11.

“Tie Your Mother Down”

A straight-up rock powerhouse, this song features one of May’s most ferocious riffs and solos, proving he can go as hard as any guitarist in rock. It’s simple and instantly catchy.

Learn to Play Like Brian May

To sound like Brian May, it’s not just about what you play—it’s how you play it. His approach is equal parts precision, melody, and orchestration, and here’s what you need to focus on:

🎸 Sustain & Vibrato: May’s use of sustain is legendary. His vibrato is slow and controlled, giving his solos a singing, vocal-like quality.

🎸 Harmonic Layering: One of his trademarks is recording multiple guitar harmonies. To replicate this, experiment with playing thirds and fifths over your main melody lines.

🎸 Treble Boosted Tone: His tone is sharp, cutting, and full of presence. This comes from using a treble booster in his signal chain.

🎸 Orchestral Thinking: May doesn’t just play solos—he arranges them like compositions. Think about how each phrase builds upon the last.

🎸 Homemade Gear & Unique Techniques: He plays with a sixpence coin instead of a pick, giving his tone a bright attack. He also built his own guitar, the Red Special, which contributes heavily to his one-of-a-kind sound.

Brian May’s Simple Secrets for Amazing Solos

Brian May’s guitar style is full of clever tricks that truly set him apart. In this YouTube video, Mark Zabel explains how May builds his solos around chord tones rather than just running scales, making them sound more natural and connected to the song. The video also covers May’s galloping rhythms, double stops, and chord-based soloing, revealing how he matches his guitar lines with Freddie Mercury’s vocals to create Queen’s signature sound. A must-watch for any guitarist wanting to bring more personality to their playing.

Brian May’s Signature Gear

Brian May’s Red Special is one of the most famous guitars of all time—not just because of its sound, but because of how it was made. Built by May and his father in the early 1960s, this guitar was crafted from an old fireplace mantle, hand-carved to fit his needs. Instead of traditional pickups, May installed homemade Tri-Sonic pickups, each with individual selector switches allowing for phase reversal, giving him an astonishing number of tonal options. The Red Special’s unique construction, along with May’s choice to use a sixpence coin instead of a pick, resulted in a guitar with incredible sustain, harmonic richness, and versatility—a perfect match for Queen’s genre-blending music.

It wasn’t just an experiment—it became his lifelong companion, featured on nearly every Queen album and performance since, proving that great tone comes from ingenuity, craftsmanship, and a personal touch.

Guitars

• Red Special – The legendary homemade guitar that has defined May’s sound for decades.

• Gibson SG Standard – While not an exact replica, the SG’s light body, high-output humbuckers, and smooth sustain make it a strong alternative for achieving May’s sound.

• Music Man Axis – With its comfortable neck, bright attack, and clarity, the Axis provides a versatile alternative capable of handling May’s signature harmonies and layered leads.

Modern-Day Alternatives & Budget-Friendly Options

• PRS SE Custom 24 – While not identical, its sustain and warm midrange tones make it a solid choice for a May-inspired sound on a budget.

Amplifiers

• Vox AC30 – May’s go-to amp, providing the chimey, powerful sound he’s known for.

• Vox AC10 10in 10w Guitar Amp Combo – A budget-friendly option that still delivers that classic Vox chime.

Effects

• Catalinbread Naga Viper MKII Boost– Essential for achieving May’s cutting lead tone.

• JHS Flight Delay Pedal – Try this to create his signature layered harmonies, as heard in Brighton Rock.

• Supro Analog Flanger Pedal – Occasionally used to add texture to his clean tones.

Community Reflections

Brian May isn’t just admired by Queen fans—he’s a guitarist’s guitarist. His unique sound and approach to the instrument have inspired generations of musicians, from bedroom players to stadium rockers. His ability to craft intricate harmonies, create massive booming arrangements, and balance both with and controlled power sets him apart from nearly every other guitarist.

🎸 Steve Vai: “Brian May is one of the very few guitarists who can make a guitar sing like a human voice.”

🎸 Joe Satriani: “The way Brian May arranges guitar harmonies is on another level—he’s essentially a one-man orchestra.”

🎸 Slash: “May’s tone is so pure and unique. You know it’s him within a second.”

Outside of big-name guitar heroes, everyday players consistently praise May for his inventive playing, songwriting intelligence, and instantly recognizable sound. Whether it’s his catchy hummable solos or his ability to craft the perfect guitar riff for each song, his work has shaped the way countless guitarists think about layering, tone, and composition. He’s proof that playing a guitar isn’t just about shredding—it’s about finding a sound that’s entirely your own.

A Personal Note From Get My Guitar

Get My Guitar co-founder Elliot is a massive Queen and Brian May fan, often ranking May as his #1 guitarist of all time. His fandom runs deep—so deep that he couldn’t resist picking up a Burns Brian May Signature guitar, proudly boasting that his is serial #0037 (and yes, he will remind you of this fact constantly, lol). But that wasn’t enough. Determined to capture Brian’s gravity defying tone(pun intended), Elliot went full DIY, building his own custom treble booster based on May’s specs. The final piece? A proper British sixpence coin ordered off eBay. But did it all work?

“I realized after getting Brian’s signature guitar, crafting a treble booster to match his, and even tracking down an authentic sixpence… I still sounded nothing like him, lol. I seriously considered a wig!”

Elliot has been lucky enough to see Queen perform live a few times, though sadly never with Freddie at the helm. However, he gives full credit to Adam Lambert, who does an incredible job fronting the band and keeping their legacy alive. Seeing a new generation embrace Queen’s music is proof that Brian May’s magic isn’t fading anytime soon! And he hopes it never does.

Check out his pride and joy below:

What’s Brian Doing Now?

Beyond Queen, May has had an extensive career as a composer, astrophysicist, and humanitarian, proving that his brilliance isn’t limited to just music. He earned his PhD in astrophysics and has contributed to NASA’s New Horizons mission, helping analyze data from Pluto’s exploration. His passion for science extends to public education, where he has written books and given lectures on space and astronomy.

At the same time, May remains a strong advocate for animal rights, actively working to end fox hunting and promote conservation efforts in the UK. Despite these pursuits, music remains at the heart of his life—May continues to tour with Queen alongside Adam Lambert, keeping the band’s music alive for new generations of fans. Whether on stage, in a science lab, or fighting for wildlife, Brian May’s impact is as vast as his talent.

Final Thoughts

Brian May is more than just a guitarist—he’s an architect of sound. His playing style, innovative recording techniques, and legendary solos have left a permanent mark on rock history. Whether you’re learning to play his licks or just listening in awe, there’s no denying that May is one of the most influential and unique guitarists to ever pick up the instrument.

His music isn’t just about speed or complexity—it’s about storytelling, a voice through his strings. If you want to channel his sound, focus on clarity, sustain, and layering—because that’s what makes May’s playing a truly magical thing.

So grab a Vox AC30, find a sixpence, and start crafting your own harmonized guitar lines—because no one does it like Brian May. 🎸🔥 “MAY” THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.

👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!