How to Sound Like Brian May on Guitar (hint - it's NOT the Red Special!)

Joining me today is Dave Colquhoun! Dave has played on stage with Brian May and Rick Wakeman and was recently involved in the Bohemian Rhapsody movie!

Dave's other credits include the We Will Rock You musical, teaching guitar to Bohemian Rhapsody actors Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury) and Gwilym Lee (Brian May) as well as Freddie's Mum! (story at the end of the video!)

I met Dave through my work with Waterbear music college in Brighton.

00:00 Introduction
02:48 On Teaching Rami Maleck
03:36 On Teaching Gwilym Lee
5:55 Tip 1 (Melody)
6:18 Brian's Six Pence
7:24 Tip 2 (Use the Volume)
12:09 Tip 3 (Vibrato)
14:41 Crazy Little Thing Called Love
16:56 BohRhap Ending
18:43 BohRhap Solo
28:39 Freddie Rythm Technique
31:57 We will Rock You

[diegocastaneda]

On Teaching Rami Maleck - 2:48
On Teaching Gwilym Lee - 3:36
Tip 1 (Melody) - 5:55
Brian's Six Pence - 6:18
Tip 2 (Use the Volume) - 7:24
Tip 3 (Vibrato) - 12:09
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 14:41
BohRhap Ending - 16:56
BohRhap Solo - 18:43
Freddie Rythm Technique - 28:39
We will Rock You - 31:57

[abcijaas]

I just want to tell you that I am so happy how much you grew as a youtube channel. I remember when you didn’t have this many subscribers and you deserve all of it and more! looking forward to watching more of your future videos.

[biglog]

Absolutely fantastic insight into Brian Mays technique, I absolutely loved this. 😎. Superb!

[davidwilkinson]

What a fabulous coaching session and a really informative interview from two great guys! Thanks so much.

[michaelchappell]

Many thanks Andy for sharing this technical sound played by Dave Colquhoun who has actually played on stage with Brian May, absolutely amazing for a guy like me learning everything that I can

[Ryan]

When I say I want to be able to play like Brian may. What I mean can be summed up in the following way: using the chord building blocks to build melodies into rhythm. Building solos that fit like puzzle pieces into chords, building melodic solos that are almost vocal in their expressiveness and delicate vibratos that are singable.

[cincinnatipedalsteel]

No it’s not the red special but the way he could run his pickups out of phase and all that contribute a lot to it. The treble booster is a big part of Brian’s sound too but his touch and technique are stellar.

I want one of those red specials.

[sickofthebulldodo]

It's amazing how obtainable the tones were out of that rig I really didn't think anyone but Brian May could cop his sound that perfect. It's amazing also how delicate of a touch the right hand has to deliver but nonetheless phenomenal video very detail oriented instrument. I'm a drummer with what I feel is a very good ear as far as interpreting solos and so forth and I would hum them out note by note for guitar players as if it was so easy LOL and just drive them crazy. Phenomenal video.

[jimmyjimmy]

Wow Andy, the tone Dave is getting out of that LP is awesome. 🤪😛👍

[michaelhoehne]

That’s crazy you know him! Love the videos of always!

[vrundanpatel]

As a guitar student and someone who is looking forward to have career in astrophysics I really look you to Brian may

[nanettejameson]

Wow, I was impressed how the 6 pence made such a difference to the sound, I recently discovered how a plec dulls the sound even compared to a finger nail even though small, music is an art and even the notes played as you have shown vary tremendously according to the string and bends up to a note ect, thank you for the I site into what makes a player so individual and expressive with only 7 notes❤

[manuelbarreiras]

0:04 can pls someone tell me how to do that "roar" sound like brian may?

[LeeMcDaidDonegal]

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you Dave for sharing your amazing insights into Brian (and Freddie's) playing .. it has been incredibly helpful.
You remind me of the late Mike Casswell in the level of your professionalism ... again, thank you very much for this video.

[drs-Rigo-Reus]

wonderfull, lots of gems. Thanks guys.

[tonymemphis]

Suhweeetttah!...Seriously beautiful vibes emanating out of this vid...🙏 100% thank you for your time n energy in allowing us to fly with you this is got to be the Best of the Best tutorials ever top 3 ever...good job keep up the great work! Learning to play like this at this level is what makes it all worth it....Peace n Love seriously xoxo....

[FerSpada]

OMG YOU TUBE .... YOU DID IT AGAIN YOU MADE YOUR MAGIC WAS ABSOLUTELY AWSOME IM GOING TO SHARE LIKE CRAZY.

[mercedespernas]

Thank you for this. Definitely going to try this on my telecaster.

[NaveedNaheedMusic]

Freddie would be pleased with this and so will Brian May if he’s watching this right now

[AmbroseB]

Fabulous video. So much too learn! Great to see 'proper' money again - still miss £.s.d. 🎸🎸