"Good Company" by Queen - Guitar Lesson

"Good Company" from Queen's 1975 magnum opus "A Night at the Opera" stands out as a testament to Brian May's ingenuity both as a songwriter and a guitarist. Drawing inspiration from the 1930s jazz and big band era, this track is rife with intricate guitar work that any guitar enthusiast would love to dissect. Sam Bell breaks down this underrated classic album track.

Chords and Scales

From a guitarist's perspective, "Good Company" offers a rich palette of chords and scales. The song uses a fusion of major and minor chords, as well as 7th and diminished chords that capture the ragtime and jazz influences. Guitarists can also identify the dominant usage of the D major scale throughout the piece.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo in "Good Company" is a masterclass in multi-layering and tone. Utilising his homemade 'Red Special' guitar and the Deacy amp, May reproduces the sound of an entire jazz band. His clever use of guitar harmonies to mimic a trombone, clarinet, and other brass instruments is awe-inspiring. Each "instrument" is distinguishable, thanks to May's acute sense of tone and dynamics.

Brian May's Unique Approach

Brian May's brilliance is not just in the notes he plays but how he plays them. The way he utilises guitar techniques gives each song, including "Good Company", its unique timbre and mood. His background in astrophysics perhaps gives him an analytical edge, enabling him to craft solos that are both technically profound and soulfully resonant.

Techniques Used in "Good Company"

For a keen ear and observant guitarist, numerous techniques are identifiable in this track. Here's a list of some of the notable techniques with hyperlinks for in-depth learning:

• Chord progressions
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Finger-picking
• Travis-picking
• Power-chords
• Barre-chords
• Slides
• Sustain
• Syncopated rhythms
• Open-string riffs
• Arpeggiated chord progressions
• Chromaticism

Brian May's approach to "Good Company" is a lesson in breaking away from convention. It teaches us that a guitar isn't just six strings and a chunk of wood; it's an orchestra waiting to be discovered. Whether you're tapping into the soulful bends of blues or the rhythmic intricacies of jazz, understanding the underlying techniques is the foundation of mastering any style.

For guitarists looking to delve deep into the realm of Queen and Brian May's intricate style, "Good Company" serves as an excellent starting point. It's not just about playing the notes but understanding the why behind each note and technique. Through this understanding, one can truly appreciate the genius of Queen's lead guitarist and the timeless appeal of their music.