Queen's 'We Will Rock You'

Our "We Will Rock You" guitar lesson is a complete, note-for-note breakdown of Queen's iconic anthem, meticulously capturing Brian May's memorable riffs, rhythms, and stylistic choices. This song, with its primal beat and commanding riffs, provides a unique opportunity to study guitar techniques that make a memorable impact through simplicity and precision. In this lesson, we'll cover key techniques from Brian May's approach in "We Will Rock You," exploring how these elements contribute to the song's timeless, arena-filling power.

Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May has inspired countless players worldwide, and his style in "We Will Rock You" demonstrates his ability to blend powerful rhythm with precise melody. As you work through each section of the song, you'll improve your technique and capture the essence of May's distinctive sound, learning skills that are both immediately applicable and long-lasting. Michael Casswell breaks down this rock anthem in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Impact of Brian May

Brian May, Queen’s lead guitarist and co-songwriter, is known for his masterful control, distinct tone, and technical ability. With a background in both rock and classical music, May developed a unique playing style that helped define Queen's sound. His guitar work is both inventive and deliberate, often relying on specific techniques to evoke emotion and energy. By mastering May’s techniques in "We Will Rock You," guitarists gain a deeper understanding of how to create impactful music that resonates with listeners on a grand scale.

Key Techniques in "We Will Rock You"

Power Chords

Brian May employs power chords throughout "We Will Rock You" to create a powerful, driving sound. This technique focuses on two or three notes, giving it a raw, straightforward energy that complements the song’s stomping rhythm. Power chords are an essential skill for rock guitarists, providing the backbone for many rock and metal songs. Learning this technique will give you the ability to create a solid rhythmic foundation in any rock piece.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used in the song to add rhythmic texture and control dynamics, making the chords and notes sound tight and punchy. By resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can dampen the sound, creating a staccato effect that adds tension and control to your playing. Palm muting is a valuable skill that can be applied to various music styles, allowing for greater control over the intensity and feel of your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

May uses hammer-ons and pull-offs in the solo section of "We Will Rock You," helping to create smooth, fluid note transitions. These techniques allow you to play notes without picking each one, creating a legato sound. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs is beneficial for developing finger strength, speed, and fluidity, essential for achieving May’s melodic flow.

Slides

In several sections, slides connect notes smoothly and add a vocal-like quality to the melody. Sliding from one note to another enhances phrasing and expression in your playing. This technique is especially useful for creating seamless transitions and adding emphasis to notes. Practicing slides will enhance your control and the expressive quality of your sound.

String Bending

String bending is one of May's go-to techniques to add emotion and character to his solos. In "We Will Rock You," bends bring expressive peaks to the melodic lines, allowing notes to soar. This technique stretches the pitch upward, mimicking a vocal quality that helps notes resonate with intensity. Mastering string bending will improve your finger strength and allow you to add expressive touches to your solos.

Sustain

One of May’s signature techniques, sustain, plays a critical role in the solo of "We Will Rock You." Sustain allows a note to ring out clearly over a longer period, creating a bold, lingering effect that holds the listener’s attention. Practicing sustain teaches control and is an essential technique for creating powerful, emotive guitar solos.

Vibrato

Brian May’s use of vibrato in "We Will Rock You" adds a unique vocal quality to his sound. Vibrato is the subtle, rapid variation in pitch that gives a note depth and richness. Incorporating vibrato in your playing improves finger strength and provides expressive control, allowing you to infuse each note with more emotion and character.

Double Stops

In some sections, May incorporates double stops, playing two notes simultaneously to create harmonic interest and a fuller sound. This technique is essential for players looking to add layers and complexity to their rhythm and solo sections. Practicing double stops builds dexterity and precision, and it’s a versatile technique that enriches both rock and blues playing styles.

List of Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Sustain
• Vibrato
• Double Stops

This comprehensive lesson for "We Will Rock You" provides guitarists the chance to explore Brian May's iconic style and add some of the most powerful techniques in rock music to their skill set. By studying each of these elements, you’ll develop the foundation to enhance your rhythm, soloing, and overall musicality. Whether you're performing for an audience or just improving your playing, mastering these techniques from "We Will Rock You" will help you bring an undeniable energy and expression to your guitar work.