Master Brian May's Iconic Guitar Solos

About the Course

Brian May's guitar solos are legendary, known for their expressive bends, melodic phrasing, and unique tone. In this course, you'll learn how to infuse your playing with the same magic that defines May's style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this course welcomes you to explore the techniques that make Brian May's solos unforgettable.

This article focuses on Chapter 1, the starting point of the full course available inside the Gibson App. Chapter 1 lays the foundation for the chapters that follow, inviting you to continue the full experience in the app.

Chapter 1

Introduction

Embracing the Brian May Style

In this course, we delve into the majestic licks that define Brian May's lead guitar style. By exploring the minor pentatonic scale and filling in the gaps with expressive string bends, you can achieve the melodic and searing sound associated with May. These techniques are accessible to players of all levels, allowing you to perform a Brian May-style solo against a Queen-inspired backing track.

Building Blocks of Iconic Solos

Each concept is presented as a short lick or musical phrase, which will be combined to create a full solo. The licks are inspired by some of Brian's most iconic solos, ensuring that they are both achievable and authentic in capturing his style.

Lick 1

The Bohemian Rhapsody Influence

Lick 1 kicks off with a nod to the legendary solo from Bohemian Rhapsody. Starting on the D string at the 12th fret, the lick incorporates whole-tone bends and a three-note-per-string picking figure on the top E. This approach reflects Brian May's blend of blues and classical tendencies, adding color to the pentatonic scale.

Expressive Bends and Vocal Style

Brian May's vocal style is evident in his use of expressive string bends, which embellish the scales and add depth to his solos. By focusing on the pitch of the bends and mastering the picking figure, you can begin to emulate May's distinctive sound.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: Lick 1

Chapter 1 introduces the foundational techniques of Brian May's style, focusing on expressive bends and melodic phrasing inspired by the Bohemian Rhapsody solo. Players learn to fill in the gaps of the pentatonic scale, creating a sound that is both achievable and authentic.

Chapter 2: Lick 2

Lick 2 captures Brian May's classic phrasing, featuring expressive bends and vocal-like articulation. Inspired by solos from A Kind of Magic and We Are the Champions, this chapter emphasizes the importance of bending into extended scale positions and adding non-pentatonic notes for color.

Chapter 3: Lick 3

In Chapter 3, players explore fast, melodic scale runs with precise sequencing and smooth fretboard movement. Inspired by Seven Seas of Rhye and Bohemian Rhapsody, this chapter adds energy and momentum to May's style, highlighting his classical influences.

Chapter 4: Lick 4

Lick 4 channels Brian May's melodic style with soaring bends and smooth phrasing. Inspired by Don't Stop Me Now, this chapter reflects his vocal-like soloing approach, emphasizing the addition of intervals to the pentatonic framework for a richer sound.

Chapter 5: Lick 5

Chapter 5 focuses on a Brian May-style run that mixes blues, pentatonic, and natural minor scales. With fluid pull-offs and chromatic touches, players learn to capture May's smooth, flowing solo style, adding excitement and complexity to their playing.

Chapter 6: Lick 6

Lick 6 introduces a double-stop figure, creating a harmonically rich and melodic texture. This chapter emphasizes the importance of visualizing chord figures within the pentatonic framework, adding flavor and color to solos.

Chapter 7: Lick 7

A harmony-based bending lick inspired by Brian May's orchestral guitar layering technique. This chapter explores the use of tape echoes and digital effects to create lush, multi-guitar harmonies, capturing the essence of May's iconic sound.

Chapter 8: Play The Full Solo

The journey culminates in combining all the licks to perform a full Brian May-inspired solo. Players apply the techniques learned throughout the course to create a cohesive and expressive performance, embodying the spirit of Queen.

By the end of this course, you'll have a new connection to your instrument, feeling personal and expressive. From your first riff to full-stage confidence, this course takes you there step by step.