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Solo Tone
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid)
Queen
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarBrian May Red Special (original, handmade by Brian May and his father)
AmpVox AC30 (multiple, cranked, Live Aid 1985 setup)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
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Notes
Live performance at Wembley Stadium, Live Aid, July 13, 1985. Brian May's Red Special into a treble booster and multiple Vox AC30s. No evidence of studio overdubs or additional effects. Settings and effects are for the solo section, which is the most distorted/heavy part of the song.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainharmonically richmid-forwardtight and focusedclear note separationvocal-like phrasingsmooth overdrivedistinct treble bitedynamic and responsiveclassic British crunch
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced control of phrasing, vibrato, and dynamics, as well as technical proficiency in fast runs and bends. The unique wiring and switching of the Red Special also add to the challenge.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarBrian May Red Special (original, handmade by Brian May and his father)
AmpVox AC30 (multiple, cranked, Live Aid 1985 setup)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Live performance at Wembley Stadium, Live Aid, July 13, 1985. Brian May's Red Special into a treble booster and multiple Vox AC30s. No evidence of studio overdubs or additional effects. Settings and effects are for the solo section, which is the most distorted/heavy part of the song.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainharmonically richmid-forwardtight and focusedclear note separationvocal-like phrasingsmooth overdrivedistinct treble bitedynamic and responsiveclassic British crunch
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced control of phrasing, vibrato, and dynamics, as well as technical proficiency in fast runs and bends. The unique wiring and switching of the Red Special also add to the challenge.