"I'm in Love with my Car" by Queen: Guitar Lesson

The track "I'm in Love with my Car" is a driving rock anthem found on Queen's iconic album 'A Night at the Opera'. It's Roger Taylor's ode to automobile affection and boasts some genuinely superb guitar work courtesy of the legendary Brian May. Sam Bell dives into the guitar parts of this classic album track.

Guitar Chords and Progressions

The song starts with a traditional rock rhythm backed by robust power chords. These power chords create a thick and meaty sound, foundational for the driving rock tone of the song. The progression remains straightforward, with transitions between chords such as G, D, A, and E. It's this simplicity that gives the song its raw energy. In the bridge and chorus, the chord progressions slightly change, providing a nice melodic diversion and depth.

Scales and Solos

Brian May, known for his melodic soloing and deft touch, employs a mix of the pentatonic and blues scales. The pentatonic scale, in its five-note simplicity, lends itself well to the rock sound of the '70s, while the blue notes add a touch of emotional depth and colour to the solos.

The guitar solo in "I'm in Love with my Car" is typical Brian May: articulate, melodic, and technically proficient. It starts with a couple of double-stop bends, which is a technique where two strings are bent simultaneously. This technique adds thickness to the notes and is a favourite of many rock guitarists. Unison bends are also noticeable, giving the solo its characteristic scream.

Brian May's Signature Sound

Brian May's sound is synonymous with Queen. His homemade "Red Special" guitar, combined with a treble booster and his AC30 Vox amps, produce a tone that's immediately recognisable. In "I'm in Love with my Car", this sound is very much on display. His tone is clean yet meaty, and his touch is evident in every note he plays. The vibrato, bends, and harmonics all reflect his unique style.

The way Brian approaches his solos is a study in melody. Rather than a rapid succession of notes, he crafts a mini-melody within the larger context of the song. It's as if his solos are songs within songs. This attention to melody is evident in the song, making the solo memorable, singable, and technically impressive.

Guitar Techniques Employed

• Power Chords
• Double-stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Slides
• String-bending
• Vibrato
• Pull-offs and Hammer-ons

To sum up, "I'm in Love with my Car" is a prime example of Queen's rockier side. It showcases Brian May's unique guitar tone, melodic approach to soloing, and signature style. For any aspiring rock guitarist, understanding the intricacies of this song is a masterclass in rock guitar technique and tone. Whether it's the raw power of the chords, the melody of the solos, or the tonal quality of May's sound, there's a lot to dissect, appreciate, and learn from this iconic track.