Queen’s Brian May giving a tutorial on how to play ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is so soothing

9 December 2020, 13:49

Filmed in 1983, the tutorial shows the Queen guitarist demonstrating the technical and practical ways to achieve the famous 'Bohemian Rhapsody' solo as the camera zooms in on his acoustic set.
Filmed in 1983, the tutorial shows the Queen guitarist demonstrating the technical and practical ways to achieve the famous 'Bohemian Rhapsody' solo as the camera zooms in on his acoustic set. Picture: Star Licks/Brian May/UMG

A video of Brian May breaking down Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by showing exactly how to play it on the guitar, is an incredible insight into one of the most famous songs - and guitarists - the world has ever seen.

Brian May calmly showcasing how to play the solo from 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by slowly playing the famous song is the satisfying video we didn't know we needed.

Filmed in 1983, the tutorial shows the Queen guitarist demonstrating the technical ways to achieve the famous 'Bohemian Rhapsody' solo in a calm soothing voice, as the camera zooms in on his acoustic set.

See more: Brian May: 9 interesting facts about the Queen guitarist

Despite Brian referring to making the guitar 'scream', the video is surprisingly relaxing and gives a fascinating insight into the exact workings of the track and how it is broken down into particular chords.

Brian May calmly showcasing how to play the solo from 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by slowly playing the famous song, is the satisfying video we didn't know we needed.
Brian May calmly showcasing how to play the solo from 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by slowly playing the famous song, is the satisfying video we didn't know we needed. Picture: Star Licks/Brian May/UMG
Despite Brian referring to making the guitar 'scream', the guitar solo is quietly fascinating insight into the exact workings of the track and how it is broken down into particular chords.
Despite Brian referring to making the guitar 'scream', the guitar solo is quietly fascinating insight into the exact workings of the track and how it is broken down into particular chords. Picture: Star Licks/Brian May/UMG

Virtual Coffee Break with Queen's Brian May - the full interview

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In an extended version of the orginal video, Brian May covers both famous and less well known Queen songs, including 'It's Late', 'Dead On Time', 'Somebody To Love', 'It's A Hard Life', 'Jesus', 'Father To Son' and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'.

Produced by Star Licks Productions, Brian May was just one of the numerous artists to agree to be filmed for a tutorial series, which included Tony Lommi from Black Sabbath, acclaimed guitarist Wolf Marshall and Earth, Wind and Fire's guitarist Al McKay.

See more: Queen's Brian May releases his first solo single in 20 years, featuring Stephen Hawking

The brainchild of producer Mark Freed, the instructional video was recorded at Sarm West, London and after being released in 1983 was re-released in 1993.

Speaking of the project, Brian May revealed he was the first star to agree to be filmed.

"Mark initially came to me with an idea for making audio cassettes of guitarists explaining their techniques. It seemed a good one and we arranged to meet and make it happen," said Brian.

See more: Spine-tingling moment Brian May plays a staggering guitar solo to an empty stadium

Produced by Star Licks Productions, Brian May was just one of the numerous artists to agree to be filmed for the tutorial series.
Produced by Star Licks Productions, Brian May was just one of the numerous artists to agree to be filmed for the tutorial series. Picture: Star Licks/Brian May/UMG

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody - Brian May Guitar Tutorial

Queen is still as popular as ever and saw their latest album, Live Around The World with frontman Adam Lambert, going to number one in the UK in October 2020. Brian May pictured in February 2020.
Queen is still as popular as ever and saw their latest album, Live Around The World with frontman Adam Lambert, going to number one in the UK in October 2020. Brian May pictured in February 2020. Picture: Getty

See more: Brian May has released a Christmas song and you've never heard him like this before

"But I said... if we’re going to the trouble of recording this stuff, why not film it as well, and make it into a Video Cassette?!

"So we made a ‘pilot’ video, and people liked it, and this became the template for a whole collection of videos which, I think, stand up very well to this day."

And stand up to this day they do. Queen is still as popular as ever and saw their latest album, Live Around The World with frontman Adam Lambert, going to number one in the UK in October 2020 – the band's first chart-topping album in 25 years.

See more: Queen: Freddie Mercury and Brian May's private hotel jam session from 1986 is magnificent

On December 3, 2020 Queen's Brian May, Adam Lambert and Roger Taylor released the official music video for 'Don't Stop Me Now' featuring photos and videos sent in by fans.

The four-minute music video is a tribute to all of Queen's followers around the world and solely features footage and pictures sent in by fans during the COVID-19 pandemic, which came after the band asked fans to send in their content for the special project.

Brian May has also recently turned his hand to the festive season by releasing a Christmas song with longtime collaborator Kerry Ellis.

See more: Best TV audition of all time? Girl, 13, sings staggering original soul version of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Brian May SOLO para Bohemian Rhapsody película

The original holiday song 'One Beautiful Christmas Day' was written by the pair and sees Ellis on vocals and May on guitar.

See more: When Queen, the Beatles and Rod Stewart sang spectacular version of 'All You Need Is Love'

The festive tune is an unusual departure for the star, but one he feels is right for 2020.

“The time is right for a new Christmas Classic – and this is it!!" he said. "One Beautiful Christmas wish for togetherness at the end of a tough year."

Thank you Brian, we couldn't have said it better ourselves...

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