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Solo Tone
I Want to Break Free
Queen
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarBrian May Red Special
AmpVox AC30 (likely Top Boost, multiple amps in parallel, studio recording)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1983-1984. Brian May's Red Special into a treble booster and Vox AC30s, with effects added for the solo. No evidence of Deacy amp or other guitars for this solo. Pickup switching and slide technique used in solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainliquid, vocal-like leaddistinctive midrange focussmooth, compressed attackslightly nasal, synth-like envelopechime and crunch from AC30harmonic overtonesslide articulationenvelope filter/autowah sweeptight, focused solo presence
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced slide technique, expressive phrasing, and precise control of effects and pickup switching to achieve the vocal, synth-like tone. The combination of articulation, sustain, and effect timing makes it challenging for most players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarBrian May Red Special
AmpVox AC30 (likely Top Boost, multiple amps in parallel, studio recording)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1983-1984. Brian May's Red Special into a treble booster and Vox AC30s, with effects added for the solo. No evidence of Deacy amp or other guitars for this solo. Pickup switching and slide technique used in solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainliquid, vocal-like leaddistinctive midrange focussmooth, compressed attackslightly nasal, synth-like envelopechime and crunch from AC30harmonic overtonesslide articulationenvelope filter/autowah sweeptight, focused solo presence
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced slide technique, expressive phrasing, and precise control of effects and pickup switching to achieve the vocal, synth-like tone. The combination of articulation, sustain, and effect timing makes it challenging for most players.