One Vision by Queen

The song “One Vision” by Queen is an iconic rock anthem that showcases the legendary guitar work of Brian May. Known for his unique tone, masterful techniques, and melodic sensibility, May’s guitar work in "One Vision" is powerful and expressive, providing guitarists with a variety of techniques to explore. This LickLibrary lesson offers a comprehensive breakdown of the guitar parts, guiding players through the techniques and styles used to capture the song’s essence. Whether you're a fan of Queen or a guitarist looking to expand your technical skills, this lesson provides everything you need to master the song. Danny Gill breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Brian May and His Influence

Brian May, the primary guitarist on "One Vision," is celebrated for his distinct tone and approach to guitar playing, blending rock, blues, and orchestral elements. Known for his use of homemade guitars, particularly his Red Special, and a preference for using a sixpence coin as a pick, May's playing is expressive and unique. His influence on rock music is vast, inspiring generations of guitarists with his technical prowess, melodic compositions, and tonal mastery. This lesson will allow you to step into his style, mastering techniques that have become hallmarks of his playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered in "One Vision"

Vibrato

Brian May’s vibrato is a key feature of his expressive playing. In “One Vision,” vibrato is used to add emotion and sustain to certain notes, giving them a "singing" quality. Learning to execute a smooth and controlled vibrato helps guitarists develop their expressiveness, making even simple phrases sound fuller and more impactful.

Alternate Picking

"One Vision" incorporates alternate picking, particularly in the faster sections of the song. Alternate picking allows guitarists to achieve speed and precision, maintaining a consistent rhythm and tone. Practicing alternate picking enhances coordination between both hands and builds speed for intricate passages.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

In May’s solos and lead lines, hammer-ons and pull-offs are frequently employed to achieve fluidity in phrasing. These legato techniques enable smooth transitions between notes and create a flowing sound. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs also strengthens finger independence, which is beneficial for executing faster, more complex licks.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is a signature element of Brian May's style, especially in "One Vision." He often bends notes to add a bluesy feel, bringing an emotional depth to his solos. Practicing string bending and bluesy bends will help you build control and accuracy, which are essential for playing expressive solos with confidence.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The powerful rhythm sections in "One Vision" heavily utilise power chords combined with palm muting to create a tight, punchy sound. Power chords are a staple in rock guitar, providing a strong harmonic foundation. Palm muting adds definition and depth, allowing guitarists to emphasise rhythm while maintaining clarity in the chords.

Slides and Double Stops

Slides and double stops are used throughout the song to create dynamic transitions and fill out the sound. Slides add a smooth, connecting element to notes, enhancing phrasing, while double stops allow for fuller harmonies. Mastering these techniques helps guitarists add texture and movement to their playing, making solos and riffs more interesting.

Unison Bends

Brian May uses unison bends to add intensity and tension in specific moments of "One Vision." Unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another, creating a powerful effect. Practicing unison bends improves finger strength and coordination, essential for executing these impactful bends with confidence.

Octave Melodies

In sections of "One Vision," May uses octave melodies to create a rich, layered effect. Octave melodies add depth and texture to guitar lines, making them sound fuller. Learning octave melodies enhances a guitarist's sense of harmony and adds versatility, allowing them to create unique and layered sounds.

Harmonics

Harmonics are used in certain parts of the song to add brightness and flair. Natural and artificial harmonics are techniques that produce bell-like tones by lightly touching the strings at specific points. Learning to execute harmonics provides guitarists with an additional tonal tool to add variety and interest to their playing.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in "One Vision" Lessons

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Hammer-Ons
4. Pull-Offs
5. String Bending
6. Bluesy Bends
7. Power Chords
8. Palm Muting
9. Slides
10. Double Stops
11. Unison Bends
12. Octave Melodies
13. Harmonics

This "One Vision" guitar lesson offers a detailed exploration of each of these techniques, empowering you to capture the power and emotion of Brian May's iconic style. Whether you’re looking to improve specific skills or expand your repertoire, mastering these techniques will elevate your playing and deepen your appreciation for this legendary song.