"Sweet Lady" by Queen: A Guitarist's Exploration

From the acclaimed album 'A Night at the Opera', "Sweet Lady" stands as a testament to Queen's innovative approach to rock music and especially to Brian May's incredible guitar prowess. For the guitarist seeking to delve deep into this song, there is a wealth of techniques, progressions, and tonalities to dissect. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library lesson.

Chords and Scales

At its core, "Sweet Lady" is rooted in some foundational rock chords that are given life through their particular voicings and progressions. Common chords such as D, A, and E are prevalent, but they're often coupled with rich and sometimes unexpected transitions. The song frequently employs power chords, allowing for a solid, driving rhythm that's characteristic of rock music of this era.

The scales employed by May in this track lean heavily on the minor pentatonic, a staple for many rock guitarists. However, May often embellishes this scale with notes from the natural minor or dorian modes, giving his solos and riffs a distinctive sound that's both familiar and fresh.

Solo Analysis

Brian May's solo in "Sweet Lady" is a masterclass in phrasing, tone, and technique. It begins with a melodically expressive phrase, utilising bends and vibrato to inject emotion into every note. As the solo progresses, there's a seamless blend of alternate picking, legato, and tapped harmonics, which showcase May's technical dexterity.

Of particular note are his use of double-stop bends, a technique where two strings are bent simultaneously, producing a rich, layered sound. Another standout moment is the unison bend, a technique where one string is fretted and played while the adjacent string is bent to the same pitch. This produces a unique tonal clash before resolving as the bent string reaches its target note.

Brian May's Signature Style

May's playing on "Sweet Lady" epitomises his unique approach to the guitar. Unlike many rock guitarists of his time who were heavily influenced by blues, May's influences are more diverse, encompassing classical, folk, and even early metal. This gives his playing an eclectic mix of precision, passion, and power.

His choice of the Red Special, a guitar he famously built with his father, further distinguishes his sound. The semi-acoustic nature of the guitar, coupled with his choice of the treble booster and Vox AC30 amplifier, results in a tone that's both biting and warm.

Techniques Used in "Sweet Lady"

For those wishing to master the guitar techniques used in this song, here's a list with accompanying resources:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• Chord Progressions

Brian May's playing on "Sweet Lady" is not only a showcase of his incredible technical skill but also his musicality. He understands that guitar playing is not just about playing notes, but expressing emotions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding guitarist, there's a lot to learn from diving deep into "Sweet Lady". So grab your guitar, give the song another listen, and lose yourself in the world of Queen's majestic guitar work.