Fat Bottomed Girls – Queen

Learn how to play Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” note-for-note with this detailed guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com. This powerful rock anthem from Queen’s 1978 album Jazz is an outstanding showcase of Brian May’s iconic guitar work, featuring a range of essential guitar techniques that every aspiring guitarist should master. In this lesson, we break down every part of the song, from the gritty intro riff to the harmonised leads, helping you capture the authentic sound and feel of Queen’s timeless classic. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Brian May

Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen, is one of the most distinctive and influential players in rock history. Known for his unique tone, melodic phrasing, and orchestral approach to guitar layering, May’s playing on “Fat Bottomed Girls” blends bluesy grit with harmonic sophistication. His use of a homemade guitar (the legendary "Red Special") and a sixpence coin as a pick contributes to his singular tone. Brian's guitar arrangements are often multi-tracked, but every part holds up as a standalone performance – making learning this track both rewarding and educational for intermediate and advanced players.

Song Breakdown & Techniques

Intro Riff and Main Groove

The song kicks off with a blues-inspired riff, heavy with groove and attitude. The open-string riffs and sliding power chords create a raw and earthy tone that sets the stage for the rest of the track. This section trains players to lock into tight rhythms and understand dynamics in riff-based playing.

Benefit: Learning this section helps players improve their timing, rhythmic accuracy, and how to inject personality into riffs.

Verse Chord Work

The verse features a blend of power chords and barre chords, moving through classic rock-inspired progressions. May adds interest through subtle slides and note articulation that give the part a conversational, bluesy tone.

Benefit: Mastering these chords will strengthen your fretting-hand stamina and allow you to confidently handle rock rhythm guitar parts in any band setting.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus Drive

The transition sections into the chorus use tight palm-muting combined with wide string-bending and dynamic bluesy bends, leading into big, harmonised chords and ringing sustain. These shifts in playing style highlight how to build tension and release in a rock arrangement.

Benefit: These techniques develop control, expression, and an understanding of phrasing in a rock context.

Harmonised Leads and Guitar Orchestration

Brian May’s signature dual-guitar harmonies are on full display in the lead lines of “Fat Bottomed Girls.” These harmonised parts are constructed around octave melodies and arpeggios, creating the rich, layered sound Queen is famous for.

Benefit: Learning harmonised lead parts builds awareness of harmony, interval relationships, and melodic construction.

Lead Breaks and Expressive Soloing

The solos in this track feature expressive vibrato, soulful pre-bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, all hallmarks of Brian May’s lyrical lead style. His approach is not overly flashy but deeply emotive, making every note count.

Benefit: These techniques teach you how to make your solos more musical and emotionally resonant, rather than relying purely on speed or technical prowess.

Why Learn “Fat Bottomed Girls”?

This song is a masterclass in blending rhythm and lead guitar. It covers a broad palette of techniques and tones while remaining rooted in rock and blues. Whether you're performing live, recording, or simply growing as a guitarist, this lesson provides real-world applications of essential skills. By studying Brian May’s performance, you’ll gain insights into song structure, guitar orchestration, and how to inject personality into every note you play.

Guitar Techniques Used in this Lesson

• Vibrato
• Open-string riffs
• Power chords
• Barre chords
• Slides
• Palm-muting
• String bending
• Bluesy bends
• Sustain
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Pre-bends
• Arpeggios
• Octave melodies
• Dual-guitar harmonies

Dive into this lesson today and bring Queen’s iconic sound to life under your fingers. Whether you're refining your tone, working on your rhythm chops, or learning to phrase like a rock legend, "Fat Bottomed Girls" offers a perfect practice piece to grow your skills.