Brian May - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Queen
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Standard
- String Gauge
- .009-.042 (Originally used banjo strings for high E)
- String Brand
- Optima 24K Gold Plated (Signature Series)
- Genre
- Classic Rock
About Brian May's Sound
Brian Harold May (born 1947) built his iconic 'Red Special' guitar with his father using wood from a Victorian fireplace. This unique instrument, combined with his sixpence coin pick and Vox AC30 amplifiers, created Queen's distinctive multi-layered guitar sound. May earned a PhD in astrophysics and has worked with NASA. His orchestral approach to guitar - layering harmonies and creating 'guitar orchestras' - was innovative and influential. Queen sold over 300 million records, and May's guitar solos consistently rank among rock's greatest. He was knighted in 2023.
Tunings Used
E Standard - 7 songs
- Bohemian RhapsodyTry this tuning →
- We Will Rock YouTry this tuning →
- Brighton RockTry this tuning →
- Killer QueenTry this tuning →
- The Show Must Go OnTry this tuning →
- I Want It AllTry this tuning →
- Somebody to LoveTry this tuning →
Drop D - 2 songs
- Tie Your Mother DownTry this tuning →
- Fat Bottomed GirlsTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Optima 24K Gold Plated (Signature Series)
.009-.042 (Originally used banjo strings for high E)
Why Brian May uses these
May originally used banjo strings for his high E (.008 gauge) because standard guitar strings broke too frequently with his aggressive style. The Red Special's unique construction (zero fret, Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, extensive switching options) required specific string tension. His current Optima gold-plated strings reduce finger noise and corrosion. May's technique of playing close to the bridge with a coin (sixpence) produces his characteristic bright, cutting tone. The Red Special's tremolo system is unconventional and required custom string gauges for optimal performance.