"The Prophet's Song" by Queen: Guitar Lesson

One of the most overlooked gems in Queen's catalogue, "The Prophet's Song," from the album 'A Night at the Opera,' is a magnum opus of rock guitar techniques, sonic landscapes, and innovative songwriting. Its intricate layers provide an endless field for exploration, particularly from the perspective of a guitarist. Sam Bell examines this gem in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Guitar Chords and Progressions

A vital backbone of any song, the chords in "The Prophet's Song" aren’t your standard fare. While the song is primarily based on power chords, one can observe a wide range of intricate chord progressions that keeps the listener engaged. The inclusion of occasional barre chords and open-string riffs augments the song's texture. This intricate weaving creates a dynamic and evolving soundscape that showcases the breadth of Queen's songwriting capabilities.

Guitar Scales

The song moves fluidly between scales, including a mix of major and minor scales, punctuated with a touch of chromaticism. This eclectic mix provides the song's various sections with distinct moods – from somber and reflective to urgent and foreboding.

Solo Analysis

The lead guitar in this song is unmistakably the work of Brian May. Known for his rich, symphonic style, May's solo is a mini-masterclass in itself. The predominant technique here is string-bending, especially bluesy bends that capture the emotive essence of the song. You can hear elements of vibrato, enhancing the bends' resonance. Pinched harmonics occasionally shine through, giving the solo a sharp, piercing quality amidst the softer bends. There's also an evident use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, lending the solo a legato feel, thus making it fluid and seamless.

Brian May's Influence

Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen, has always been known for his unique sound – a result of his homemade 'Red Special' guitar, coupled with his choice of a sixpence as a pick. In "The Prophet's Song," his style is on full display. May has a knack for making his guitar "sing," blending technical prowess with emotive playing. The attention to detail, from his tone to the precise timing of his vibratos, showcases a guitarist at the peak of his craft.

Techniques Used in "The Prophet's Song"

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Pinched Harmonics
5. Chord Progressions
6. Power Chords
7. Barre Chords
8. Hammer-Ons
9. Pull-Offs
10. Open-String Riffs
11. String-Bending
12. Bluesy Bends
13. Chromaticism

While "The Prophet's Song" might not be as commercially popular as some other Queen hits, it is a testament to their versatility and innovation as musicians. As a guitar enthusiast, diving deep into this track not only allows one to appreciate its brilliance but also offers a treasure trove of techniques to add to one’s arsenal. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, this song provides a rich palette of inspiration, cementing Queen's status as one of the pioneers of rock music.