Learn To Play Brian May - The Solos

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

"Learn To Play Brian May - The Solos" is an in-depth set of tutorials by Michael Casswell that analyze and break down some of the most iconic guitar solos by legendary guitarist Brian May of Queen. Known for his technical skill, distinctive style, and musical versatility, Brian May has contributed immensely to Queen's unique sound. This product meticulously explores the complexity behind the solos in five renowned Queen tracks: "Killer Queen," "I Want It All," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Hammer to Fall," and "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Guitar Lessons Include:

Killer Queen 

I Want It All 

Crazy Little Thing Called Love 

Hammer To Fall 

Bohemian Rhapsody

Lesson Performance Notes

Killer Queen

"Killer Queen" features a guitar solo that perfectly complements the song's lyrical wit. The solo is based around the E Major scale, demonstrating May's preference for rich, melodic lines. The tutorial will break down the nuances of this solo, focusing on the expressive bends, vibrato, and melodic phrasing that characterize May’s playing.

I Want It All

"I Want It All" is a song that showcases Queen’s heavier side, and the guitar work is central to its energy. The solo here is in E Minor and is a brilliant display of May’s command of the pentatonic scale and his ability to incorporate quick runs and string skipping while maintaining melodic integrity. This lesson emphasizes these aspects alongside the song’s driving rhythm.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

This rockabilly-inspired song requires a different approach to the guitar. The solo, while brief, is an essential piece of the song, and it is based around the D Major scale. The lesson focuses on the importance of rhythmic feel, fingerpicking, and the country-inspired double stops and slides that are key components of the track.

Hammer To Fall

"Hammer to Fall" is a hard-hitting rock anthem, and the guitar solo is suitably powerful. It's based around the G Major scale, and this tutorial dissects the aggressive string bends, fast legato runs, and tapping technique employed by May, offering step-by-step guidance on mastering these elements.

Bohemian Rhapsody

"Bohemian Rhapsody," known for its complexity and changes in style, presents a solo that serves as a microcosm of the song itself. Centered around the Bb Major scale, this solo incorporates a wide range of techniques and expressive playing. The lesson breaks down each phrase, focusing on the emotive bends, rapid scales runs, and the dynamic feel essential to playing this iconic solo authentically.

Brian May's Musical Mastery

Before diving into the song specifics, it's essential to understand Brian May's musical background and his contributions to these songs. May is not just a guitarist; he's a songwriter, an astrophysicist, and a maker (he built his guitar, the Red Special, with his father). His intellectual depth transcends into his guitar playing, evident through his intricate solos, masterful use of scales, and a keen sense of melody and harmony. Each solo in this tutorial series reflects his sophisticated musicianship and his skill in making the guitar both a rhythmic and an orchestral instrument, contributing significantly to Queen’s collective sound landscape.

Techniques Utilized

In these lessons, several guitar techniques that Brian May frequently uses are highlighted. Understanding these techniques is crucial for players looking to learn his solos. Here are the techniques included in these tutorials:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Rakes
• Pre-bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Each lesson in "Learn To Play Brian May - The Solos" is crafted to guide guitarists through the intricate details of Brian May's style, helping them understand not just how to play these solos, but also how to capture the emotion and energy that May delivers in his performances. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, this set of tutorials is a valuable resource for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire and skill set.