Learn to Play Queen

LickLibrarys Michael Casswell presents "Learn to Play Queen," a comprehensive online guitar course engineered for Queen enthusiasts and guitarists of all levels. This course meticulously dissects some of Queen's most iconic songs, lending you the rare opportunity to decode the guitar genius of Brian May. You will dive deep into the songs: "Hammer to Fall," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Now I'm Here." So, strap up, pick your guitar, and prepare to embark on this rock 'n' roll journey.

Brian May and His Unique Style

In the annals of rock history, Brian May's contributions stand out for his distinctive sound and unorthodox guitar techniques. Known for his homemade 'Red Special' guitar, May's unique tonality arose from his innovative use of harmonics, his dynamic control of vibrato, and his masterful understanding of scales and chord progressions. This course aims to encapsulate the essence of May's guitar work and transfer it onto your fingertips.

Hammer to Fall

"Hammer to Fall" is a testament to Queen's hard rock roots. This song primarily operates in the key of E and features a mix of E major and minor pentatonic scales. The solo, a vibrant fusion of pull-offs and slides, is a golden opportunity to delve into May's unique melodic sense.

Bohemian Rhapsody

"Bohemian Rhapsody" represents the epitome of Queen's progressive and symphonic rock style. The composition presents an array of intricate chord progressions and key changes. Here, May showcases his ability to complement a complex melody with a fitting guitar part. The solo demonstrates tasteful use of the Bb Major scale, filled with dynamic bends and vibratos.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love," with its rockabilly style, is a testament to Queen's versatility. The song offers a fantastic introduction to open-string riffs, and the D major pentatonic scale is key here. In the solo section, May utilizes double stops to create a sound that harks back to the heydays of rock 'n' roll.

Tie Your Mother Down

"Tie Your Mother Down" is Queen at their most raucous. The main riff, based on the A minor pentatonic scale, is aggressive and driving. The solo showcases May's exceptional skill in string bending and syncopated rhythms. This song offers a great study in how to combine rhythm and lead parts seamlessly.

Now I'm Here

"Now I'm Here" showcases the band's hard rock side with a simple, pounding riff in the key of A. May's solo in this song makes ample use of slides and hammer-ons, demonstrating his command of both technical and emotive playing.

Guitar Techniques in This Course:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Pull-offs
4. Slides
5. Hammer-ons
6. Double Stops
7. String Bending
8. Syncopated Rhythms
9. Open-String Riffs

By the end of this course, you will not only learn to play these fantastic songs, but you'll also have gained a broader understanding of May's distinctive guitar techniques. "Learn to Play Queen" is not just a course but a celebration of the unparalleled creativity and sheer genius of Brian May and Queen.