Queen Guitarist Brian May on His and Legends' Guitar Players

For fans of Queen, guitar enthusiasts, and aspiring players, understanding the influences behind Brian May’s iconic sound offers valuable insights. In this article, Brian May shares his thoughts on some of the most legendary guitarists who have shaped his style and musical perspective. Discover the stories behind these guitar legends and find out what makes their playing so enduring and inspiring.

Jimi Hendrix

Brian May has often cited Jimi Hendrix as a monumental influence on his guitar playing. Hendrix’s innovative use of feedback, wah-wah effects, and his ability to blend blues with psychedelic rock pushed the boundaries of electric guitar. May admires Hendrix’s fearless experimentation and his mastery of expressive tonal control, which inspired May to explore new sounds and techniques in his own work.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s soulful blues-based playing and technical mastery have left a lasting impression on Brian May. May appreciates Clapton’s tasteful phrasing and his ability to convey emotion through a simple yet powerful note selection. Clapton’s work with Cream and his solo career exemplify how blues influences can be seamlessly integrated into rock, a balance May strives for in his own solos.

Jimmy Page

As the guitarist for Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page’s innovative riffs and use of alternate tunings have been a significant inspiration for Brian May. May admires Page’s versatility — from heavy riffs to delicate acoustic passages — and his pioneering approach to studio recording. Page’s legendary riffs, like those in “Whole Lotta Love,” resonate with May’s appreciation for combining technical skill with raw power.

Steve Howe

Guitarist for Yes, Steve Howe’s complex fingerpicking and mastery of progressive rock have influenced May’s approach to composition and guitar technique. Howe’s use of hybrid picking and his ability to craft intricate, melodic lines demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. May values Howe’s ability to blend technical proficiency with musicality, inspiring his own arrangements in Queen’s elaborate compositions.

Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck’s innovative use of vibrato, whammy bar techniques, and his ability to blend genres have deeply resonated with Brian May. Beck’s experimental approach, especially with the Yardbirds and his solo projects, exemplifies a fearless pursuit of new sounds. May admires Beck’s tone and his knack for transforming simple ideas into expressive guitar statements.

B.B. King

While primarily a blues musician, B.B. King’s expressive vibrato and melodic phrasing have influenced May’s approach to emotional playing. May respects King’s ability to tell a story through his guitar and his mastery of dynamics. This influence encourages May to focus on the expressiveness and storytelling aspect of his own playing.

Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana’s fusion of Latin rhythms with rock guitar has inspired May’s exploration of rhythmic and melodic blending. Santana’s sustained notes, melodic phrasing, and spiritual approach to playing highlight the importance of feel and emotion. May appreciates Santana’s ability to create a unique voice on the guitar, something he strives for in his own style.

Yngwie Malmsteen

Yngwie Malmsteen’s neoclassical shred guitar and fast picking techniques have influenced May’s technical exercises. While stylistically different, May respects Yngwie’s mastery of speed and precision. This admiration pushes May to refine his own technical skills and incorporate more intricate passages into his solos.

Mark Knopfler

Known for his fingerpicking style and clean tone, Mark Knopfler’s playing has impacted May’s approach to tone and articulation. Knopfler’s storytelling through subtle dynamics and phrasing demonstrates that less can be more. May emphasizes the importance of nuance and expression, inspired by Knopfler’s style.

How to Choose

When selecting a guitar or style inspired by these legends, focus on what resonates with your musical goals. Consider the genre you enjoy, the techniques you want to master, and the tonal qualities you prefer. For example, if you admire expressive vibrato, B.B. King’s influence might be key. If technical speed is your aim, studying Yngwie Malmsteen could be beneficial. Ultimately, authenticity and personal connection to a guitarist’s style matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Brian May’s biggest guitar influence? Jimi Hendrix is often cited as May’s primary influence, especially for his innovative approach and expressive playing.
What guitar does Brian May use? May famously plays a Red Special, his custom-built guitar, which he designed with his father in the early 1960s.
How did Queen’s guitar sound become so distinctive? May’s use of the Red Special’s unique tone, combined with his creative use of effects like treble booster and pentatonic scales, contributes to his signature sound.
Can I emulate Brian May’s style without a Red Special? Absolutely. While the Red Special has a unique tone, many of May’s techniques and phrasing can be adapted to other guitars with similar pickup configurations and effects.
What techniques does Brian May commonly use? May frequently employs bends, vibrato, harmonics, and his own form of “treble booster” effects to shape his sound.
How important is tone compared to technique? Tone is vital; May emphasizes that how you play and the sound you produce are equally important as technical skill.

Final Thoughts

Brian May’s reflections on these legendary guitarists reveal a deep respect for innovation, emotion, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s Hendrix’s daring experimentation, Clapton’s soulful phrasing, or Page’s riff mastery, each legend offers lessons that can inspire players at every level. Emulating their techniques and philosophies can help you develop your own voice on the guitar, blending technical skill with expressive storytelling. Remember, the most crucial aspect is to find what moves you personally and pursue it with passion and dedication.

Queen Guitarist Brian May on His and Legends’ Guitar Players