British guitarist analyses Brian May's UNEARTHLY performance!

Tonight I'm taking a look at one of my all time favourites, it's the legendary Brian May!
Original video - • Brian May Fantastic Gu...
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[@joe22589]

1. He belongs to the very top players and is in the Rolling Stone ranking. 2. Ask Tony Iommi about Brian May - he nearly stopped playing when he saw May in the audience because he adores him 3. The solo of Bohemian Rhapsody stands for itself. A truly masterpiece of melody, vibrato, sound, control and musicianship 4. He is an absolutely gentleman in the real meaning of this word. He seemed always to be totally down to earth 5. No scandals and multiple interests besides the music . 6. WOW - what a life!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@ryannewton1202]

"No scandals" isn't exactly true. He cheated on his ex-wife in the mid 80's and divorced her in 1988 for Anita Dobson (whom he married in the early 2000's), which he openly admitted in the 2011 documentary (so at least he recognizes his wrong-doings).

[@marcelboogaard5449]

That Guy On The Street Wasn’t she married to Dirty Den? 😂

[@firemario789]

That Guy On The Street And he wrote "Too Much Love Will Kill You" about it too, so you can clearly tell how much he hated himself for cheating.

[@joe22589]

@@UR_Right24 Even with an Irish name you should know that his name is GILMOUR and not Gilmore. He is not one of the Gilmore girls. He is the nonplusultra of the epic guitar sound. Time for some research! Cheers!

[@kurtisle]

Brian May is one of a few guitarists who can bring my tears with their mastery. Not bad for a Astrophysicist! Good on ya, Fil. Thanks

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah!

[@aliciasymchych3508]

It’s not just the notes, it’s the space between them. Masterful.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yep!

[@robertpinazza4043]

And May, Giimour AND Lifeson all possess this skill to the highest degree, and is the reason they can elevate the instrument to it’s purest ART FORM. Add knopfler to this list😉; almost forgot the boss!!

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

That's right. He played the song always interesting and full of colour. I love his playing in 'Keep Yourself Alive'..it's so grainy and edgy yet masterful control. It's mesmerising when you listen to it through studio monitors. I have a set of Adam monitors with ribbon mids and tweeters for crystal clear sound; it's mindbogglingly fantastic:)

[@Daz555Daz]

Had to come back. I've asked you in other videos if you thought the fingers of a 74yr old man had started to betray this rock legend. On evidence last night - no they have not. He played like a teenager. Best gig I've been to in 35+ years of gigs. Brian was on fire - close to faultless in terms of his individual performance.

[@saschaschneider6355]

Brian May is my favourite guitar player, although he has to share that honour with Gary Moore. One thing I absolutely love is that Brian never overplays. He knows what the song needs and plays exactly that. Always with the perfect tone and dynamics to suit the song's mood. All of Queen were amazing at what they were doing but were overshadowed by the larger than life Freddie Mercury. He was a great and versatile singer but nobody is talking about the band that gave him what he needed to shine. They played it all from funky stuff to proto heavy metal. And they mastered it all.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@miaschu8175]

People do talk about it. At least the Queen fans I know 😀 I didn't get to see them live, but was lucky to see Brian May on stage with The Darkness. It was an amazing concert!

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

True Queen fans know the brilliance of Brian May and the other members of Queen. Not just Freddie Mercury.

[@cristiona22]

I talk about the whole of Queen all the time. I love Freddie but my fave is Roger and I do love them all.

[@gaylachiriaco8667]

You make a valid point about the band backing Freddie. Without the 3 other guys who's to say how 'great' Freddie would have been?

[@DrumWild]

His guitar cries and screams! I have a greater appreciation for this, compared to heavy-duty shredding. Gilmour has a knack for this as well. Pure magic.

[@emilygraham1153]

DrumWild Yes, they"re both Masters of their craft ...and then some. Meanwhile, I keep playin" ma little folk tunes lol 😁 Emily Liberty the Aussie

[@magnificentfailure2390]

His solo on "Sail Away Sweet Sister" just wrecked this dude who was renting a room in my mom's house back in 1981. I was blasting "The Game" on my stereo and homie comes in my room all amazed and asks me to play the album again from the beginning.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@robertcook2139]

Cries in agony😂😂🤣

[@billbillbillbill9457]

@@magnificentfailure2390 that solo is beautiful! The bends and releases are nothing short of majestic!

[@valogden]

He turned 75 during the Queen + Adam Lambert European tour this summer. He's always been a favorite of mine and I love listening to him make his guitar talk. He's so humble and it was fun to watch them open for Party at the Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and him rising up from behind the stage performing his solo to We Will Rock You. I read recently that when he was working with Eddie Van Halen on the mini project Brian May and friends. He said that they exchanged guitars and it proved the sound comes from the finger tips. He sounded like himself on Eddie's guitar and Eddie sounded like Eddie on Brian's guitar.

[@slconstable]

One of the advantages of being in my 50’s is having the pleasure of seeing Queen live six or seven times (only with Freddie). Dr. May is an absolute LEGEND!!! The look on your face, watching him play makes me smile too.

[@shahaffiq5860]

Can you tell me what shows did you go to? I mean locations.

[@slconstable]

@@shahaffiq5860 San Francisco Bay Area, mostly Oakland Coliseum.

[@62rockin]

Brian May is a Living Legend. Someone who is so Special and I think, under appreciated. One of the Greatest Guitarist ever. The Red Special is the Holy Grail of all Guitars. Hand made by the Master himself (with help from his Dad) How many can say that.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@gaylachiriaco8667]

If you are familiar with the Romeros you will learn that Angel's dad made a guitar for him and he continues to play it to this day. The Romeros are pure guitar virtuosos. They have several videos on KZbin.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Can I quote from Highlander? "There can be only one!" - and that is true when it comes to Brian May! When he created the Red Special, I think he made a biological extension of himself! Indeed, his tone is impeccable, always crisp - clear or dirty and raunchy when it needs to be. I had just known the main 'hits' when I got into Queen (thanks to my sister), then I got a copy of Innuendo - when I heard Bijou, I nearly cried, it was the most beautiful, melodic piece I had ever heard. He can truly make it sing! Contrast that with "Tie Your Mother Down" (for dirty rock) or "Sheer Heart Attack" (for punk) or "Stone Cold Crazy" (brinking on thrash) - this amazing musician, individual can do it all!! As others have mentioned, he's in the same class as David Gilmour, nothing overly flashy, but plays exactly what the song requires! Great reaction vid!

[@wingsofpegasus]

You can always quote Highlander! 😂👍

[@eyeonit469]

The secret of Queen. They all played to the song, never to show off and never let their instruments get in front of the singer.

[@eyeonit469]

@BEN DOVER ma'am

[@bekind6763]

Brian was roughly 66 years old at the time & I know that's a lot of work. To know that he's still performing is totally impressive. Fil, That was a great analysis. Thanks!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he's still got it!

[@theonlyredspecial]

I have always liked his vibrato and feel. Also his solos are little songs too within the song which you can’t get out of your head. There is a certain skill to this that very few can do.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@TruthSurge]

One of my main influences back in the day. I think it was Killer Queen I heard first on radio. I was stunned. No one was doing that tone with those harmonies. How unique is he?? Built his own guitar with his dad and it screams. Like you said, he's a master of controlling the tones on that guitar. Nice vids as always, Fil!

[@TaraLyz]

I think I just died & went to Heaven listening to that! Forget Master, he's a bloody Jedi with that guitar!

[@emilygraham1153]

Tara Gelhaus Brilliant!!

[@parkviewmo]

Best comment! Yes, he is a bloody Jedi!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@margretmeade1]

Who else watches these videos just to see Fil and his reactions?

[@jhamptonjr]

Yeah for young guy he acts a lot like this old clown. If I hear something musically sweet I got a big smile on my face and it doesn't go away until the songs over. Sometimes it stays there after that! He would fit right in with all my friends. Peace!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I think Fil is right on with his analysis of how great guitarists get their sound and style.

[@MillionShews]

Hear here

[@wallsmartsme]

I watch FIL from wing wings of Pegasus on KZbin because he is a good guitar teacher that's what I think I am learning so much by watching all of his videos it's an education in progress and that's what I appreciate the most about Phil's videos pardon the spelling cuz I'm talking on my microphone

[@parkviewmo]

Yes, watching his face is part of the pleasure of these videos. Learning is the other--I can hear and see things I couldn't before. Love this channel!

[@jovialjudas5650]

Brian’s sound pins me against the wall , leaving me unable to move , it overloads my musical receptors, reverberating through my soul. Made in Heaven.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@michele21auntiem]

Good description.

[@gareththomas9806]

There is the solo near the end of Save me, that switches my brain off every time

[@Chris.3791]

Hey Fil! I've always thought that Brian May is often overlooked as a guitarist. For my money, he's one of the most solid and technically gifted of them all! I guess he had to be, taking the Queen's catalogue, and the many different kinds of songs he had to master. I put him right next to the Eric Clapton's of the world. IMHO.

[@roberthorn333]

Totally agree! He may be on the level with Clapton and the top players.

[@Chris.3791]

@@roberthorn333 I believe he is. If you listen to his playing he NEVER misses a thing. He sets one heck of a tone. He's so clean in sound.

[@emilygraham1153]

Absolutely!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@davedoney7017]

Wings of Pegasus kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKLOfHmee7KUf9k

[@pyt7778]

I’m lucky enough to have exchanged emails with Brian, after he started following me on Instagram. He’s a lovely guy as well as a complete rock legend…also love how kind hearted his is, with his protection of wildlife…what a guy!! Thanks for this amazing review !

[@Mistertwist.]

Brian May is awesome! He's one of the few guys, when you hear the guitar, you know it's Brian. Killer Queen! To this day I still say the best live performance was Queen at Live Aid in 85 at Wembly Stadium. Queen just blew everyone away. From what I've read, no sound check at all. Man Freddie and Brian and the boys just killed that day. Love your videos Fil! Your smile as they play is great! Oh and as you probably can see Tom Petty is my favorite of all time. If you find time, do a video on Mike Campbell. Man he can play and he too has a distinct style of his own. Peace to you man.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@patrickbooten7028]

Youre right mike Campbel is a great guitarplayer . He knows when he has to play and when not . He gives a little of his guitarplaying and makes the public crave for more . Its a bit like striptease .

[@aurum750k8]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are one of my favorite bands. You're so right about Mike Campbell. He played the song, and didn't try to take over with an over the top guitar solo. He also wrote the music (and some lyrics) for a lot of great songs by other artists. "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley is one. (Don wrote the lyrics.) Tom Petty is sorely missed. Seeing Mike with Fleetwood Mac is weird, but I hope it's therapeutic for him. He was totally devastated by Tom's death.

[@Mistertwist.]

Yeah it’s weird seeing him in FM, but as you say I’m sure it’s therapeutic for him in dealing with the loss of Tom, best friends. Stevie Nicks played a huge part in this I’m sure. I see now that Lindsey Buckingham is suing Fleetwood Mac now. After all these years they’re all still fighting lol. Yes I truly miss Tom Petty. Such a shame.

[@aurum750k8]

WOW! I hadn't heard Lindsey is suing FM! I believe you're right about Stevie. She, Tom, and Mike were all great friends. Stevie and Mike wrote a really good song for a lesser know FM album, "Behind the Mask" (1990) called "Freedom" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/boGqooyHqpKWi9k Lindsey was not on this album. He had left the band at that time. History repeats.

[@agoodday4pi]

With all the amazing groups and guitarists from the 60's-70's, I really feel that Brian May and Queen get seriously overlooked as being one of the best. Queen is one of my favs due to Freddy Mercury's singing and stage presence, and Brian's signature sound on guitar. Great vid and thanks for casting light on a true rock legend!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@tonyperez6573]

Red Special is the best fucking guitar in the world for long...

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@just-a-working-male]

Because it was made by a god

[@goyatley]

The original is. I own a Burns but it's not the same thing. The position of the pickups is key to a good replica sound. And the wood f course.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Thanks for doing this man. Brian May has imo, the most recognizable tone ever. I think it was Steve Vai who said “ I could pantomime any guitarist out there but I can’t do Brian May. When it comes to guitar tones, that man is walking on higher ground”. He’s definitely my favorite guitarist ever, I always enjoy his music and live performances. Keep rocking man.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@jeffreyl.7210]

Love Queen and Brian May! Thanks 😎👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@redcrabsc1149]

Brian is in a league of his own, IMO. I'm not surprised that you admire him- you both are kind, deep, and not governed by ego- beautiful qualities. One question for you, Fil- when you play Brian's songs, do you use a sixpence as a pick;)? Lovely analysis by a lovely chap- ROCK!

[@cocoaman1564]

I was born in 2007 and I completely love this band. It’s just magic

[@Morticia1313]

I do watch to see Fil. I think he's real , talented & a very cool guy. But also he analyses all of the music that I love. I have been a fan of Brian/Queen for years & I will finally get to see him live next month! Great job as always Fil!🤘🎸✌

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

I appreciate your comments on, "Not trying to impress." That says MUCH about your OWN style. Well done.

[@christinedaniels6073]

I love how you are constantly smiling. 💕

[@marksc1929]

...i smile constantly Christine...lol

[@TaraLyz]

How can you not smile when listening to that though?! Beautiful playing!

[@SpaceCattttt]

As soon as the camera's off, he's always growling and chewing on raw meat.

[@jhamptonjr]

That's what good music will do to you! Peace!

[@MillionShews]

teppolundgren #metoo

[@hyacinthlynch843]

Brian May and Steve Howe are my two favorite guitarists. Their playing styles have an ethereal quality that I really love.

[@aldito7586]

Very well said Wings. Brian plays - what needs to be played. Nothing more - nothing less.

[@jjdecani]

You're spot on about his restraint, and his desire to let the guitar work serve the song. I have always loved guitarists like that. We all know he has amazing chops, but when he plays, he's working to make the music work. Nothing more. That's a proper musician.

[@sandraard4306]

It's great your not locked into one style of music but delve into many different kinds and have a great aporeciation and knowledge for them all and . Queen was awesome!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Sandra!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Sandra Ard he uses pennies as picks as well

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

Almost everyone mentions the Red Special and other specific elements of his rig, as if anyone would be able to achieve his sound through these, given the opportunity. They miserably ignore the fact that his sound is in his mind and hands and fingertips. He'd still sound great and would be recognized even when he'd play a toy guitar. That, in fact, is his true legend. There are only a handful of instrumentalists alive, that are quite as recognizable, simply by their 'touch'.

[@alpha34098]

Well the Red Special was made specifically to be played with his mind and hands like if it was a extension of himself

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

@@alpha34098 indeed :)

[@capt.ricksparrow255]

Never fails....I’m not a musician but love...adore music. All kinds w a penchant for rock n roll. I get on KZbin to watch some videos on fishing then find myself two hours in to Wings of Pegasus. Thanks Fil. I’m glad I came across this channel.

[@Liz.Green789]

This just showed up in my feed for the first time. Sir Brian is my favorite human. He is always a pleasure to see in concert. Nice to see. Thank you.

[@DrumWild]

My guitar mentor called me out on my vibrato, because I tend to move a bit faster. He said, _"It needs more rum. Imagine you've been drinking rum all night and are about passed out."_ Sometimes slower can be difficult.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yep! Control is key!

[@marcelboogaard5449]

DrumWild Who’s your mentor? Captain Morgan? 😂

[@GinMae]

One last comment -- unique guitar sounds... Brian (of course) -- Carlos Santana -- David Gilmour...

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@billbillbillbill9457]

There is ONE shredder who I can imagine playing this brilliantly: Steve Vai. Typically shredders lose sight of the melody, but Vai is a rare gem.

[@suzanneO6924]

LOVE me some Brian May! Very thankful to get your feedback on this amazing video. Thank you.

[@Daz555Daz]

Back here because YES they are still touring and I'm seeing them at the O2 on Thursday evening. It's going to be stellar!

[@parkviewmo]

Brian May is my favorite guitarist! It was so wonderful to hear your analysis of his playing, although, with this one, you seemed to tilt over into my area of just experiencing pure joy listening to him. 😎 He has a deep understanding of the physics of sound and it's connection to emotion. I wanted to hear a Brian May guitar solo live at least once in my life. I did in 2017. I love Queen, and the musical talent in that band was absurd. I adore what this man can do with his heart, his technique, his deep knowledge, and his guitar. Thank you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

There are just SO many GREAT guitarists from the 70s. As kids growing up on this music, I think we took it all for granted. Now being older and having to a great degree seen that prevalent level of talent regress, it’s appreciated so much more. Not a big Queen fan, but I’ve always admired Brian’s playing and his unique voice. He’s truly brilliant and blessed.

[@thespiritof76..]

I have come to watch these videos religiously, sometimes for no other reason than to view the shear enjoyment, amazement, and satisfaction seen in Fils facial expressions... There’s a purity and innocence in his countenance, and I can’t explain why but it brings me peace. especially, especially if the PTSD has been triggered in me. Somehow i immediately feel the muscles in my own face start to relax, and I am Physically able to smile again.. thanks Fil, just for being yourself.

[@michaelmoore7975]

Brian is a rarity among guitar "gods". He doesn't burden himself with an unchecked ego; or see other players as competition or threat nor pollute or overpopulate a song. He contributes to the songs almost in an altruistic way; paying homage or deference in respect for the music and ultimately, us. As Fil said, he has that signature sound; a blind man could pick it out of a hundred guitars playing....a really sharp 'metallic' attack with the sixpence for a pick, the layered violin-like timbre, impeccable vibrato and tasteful restraint all comes together in an ethereal sound from the heavens made to announce the presence of gods. David Gilmour almost achieves the same thing, ...but his Strat sounds like a Strat (ok a really good one). David's signature style however, is another thing. Both Brian and David are "no-fluff" guitarists; they contribute with discipline and confidence. Pure control. The irony is by not 'standing out' they actually distinguish themselves as #1's in a category of 1's. Great stuff Fil! ROCK!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@jjdecani]

There's also a thing he does a couple of times here, quite deliberately and beautifully, where he either just slightly flattens a note, or hits a note just slightly flat, before immediately descending the bend to the next whole tone. And it sounds just brilliant. It gives it a yearning quality. Interestingly, Thom Yorke sometimes does the same thing with his voice.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Brian May's use of delays always reminded me of the way Les Paul would build up an orchestral approach. Brian's playing has always been, what you said, what the song needed and not a newly developed lick or bit of bravado. I've seen Queen twice, once with Freddie and again last year with Adam, and Brian sounded like he was still having fun and enjoying himself. I also saw the Brian May Band when he opened for GNR back in the 90's, that band was tight and had a pair of backup singers that were dynamite. Anyway, Brian's always top shelf! Great review!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool! Amen!

[@gaylachiriaco8667]

Check out Brian's sit in with Les Paul on KZbin. It is so awesome and not often that you hear Brian sing the blues. I love that video!!

[@Keston1302]

He’s definitely my favourite guitarist of all time. His solos and riffs are so recognisable. Can we also appreciate that he literally built his own guitar from scratch and he’s been using it for over 50yrs.

[@jazzcat8786]

He has one of the best vibrato techniques; you know it’s him! total control!!! You can tell by the way your presenting this; he’s a huge influence on you Fil🤟🏻.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yep!

[@miaschu8175]

I knew that Fil was going to be a fan of May's!

[@christopher8220]

Hello Fil from across the pond! Yet again, you have profile one of my favorites! Your statement about the his solos is SPOT ON! Everything he plays is well thought out, never showy, and expresses the sentiment of that particular song. Often, his solos are min-compositions amongst themselves, which, to me, makes Queen/Brian so rewarding to listen to. Thanks again for YET ANOTHER awesome vid!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@pambereza9349]

Brian May is an excellent guitar player. I wish more people would recognize this. LOVE HIS PLAYING!!!!!!

[@ronaldviens7862]

You are spot-on with your praise for Brian May's mastery of the craft, calling attention to his 'consistent sound' on the whammy bar while exploring little pockets of magnetic flux surrounding him. Brilliant !! But it's what he does when he is beginning to be transported by the music-- how all that perfection remains connected even though he has found an interesting side of somewhere else to focus on for a minute. His mastery of whammy bar craft lends his 'consistent sound' to the overall 'sound consistencies' i liken to a waterfall that swoops heartwrenchingly down for a full 13 or more steps and starts a new sonic trail to explore. No worries--he ALWAYS finds his way back to reconnect with the crowd. Heartfelt product with absolutely no bullshit added. Every time i've seen Mr. May has been a joy relived in my mind's eye for days afterward; i will grieve his becoming late. Have you ever done a piece on those cowboys from hell -- Pantera? Dimebag in particular seemed truly talented. Whoever you cover, you'll do them proper good as they deserve, yeah? Rock on!

[@micheleshelley6156]

Melody is king! I'm still mad at him about the Queen movie...but there is nobody who plays like Brian. He is a master musician and artist. I hope he gets to play to audiences until his last moment on Earth! He is the best! He loves music, and it shows.

[@maryasbury7814]

Why are you mad about the Queen movie.? I am too but I wanted to see if it was for the same reason as me.

[@micheleshelley6156]

@@maryasbury7814 Brian and Roger were very much a part of creating the story, and, though many movies of that type do take some artistic license, I felt that, in trying to show that ALL of the band members were extraordinarily talented, they went too far the other way, and showed Freddie to be someone he was not. It's like they were punishing his memory. They did not break up because Freddie went solo...they ALL had solo projects. Freddie did not need to seek forgiveness to get back into the band...they were all on a break after touring. Freddie was reluctant to do Live Aid because he did not want to appear political. In countless interviews and books, both Brian and Roger admitted that most of the band quarrels were between those two, and that Fred was most often the peacemaker. The whole premise of the film was bogus, and it made me sad for Freddie. In the scene where he was throwing the birthday party, and they all said they had to go home to their families...I wanted to throw up. Brian was having an affair with some singer, Roger was still partying away...the only one that scene would have been applicable to was John, who, unfortunately, has walked away from Queen after the tribute concert. I sure wish he'd write a book.

[@maryasbury7814]

Melody I totally agree with you about the movie. I was so disappointed and I felt like Roger and Brian made themselves look good. I will not watch the movie again. I hope this comes out as a reply to your post. I am trying to type on my phone and I can't see well.

[@juantailor]

That’s Dr. May to you! He must know that guitar inside out!

[@knawl]

@Ray Thatcher its my understanding that he and his father built two guitars like that out of a medieval mantlepiece

[@peterhineinlegen4672]

Wow, I'll have to look that up, thanks. There is a video somewhere about Neil Peart's drum kit made from a thousand year old log they pulled out of a river somewhere in Europe.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he's one clever dude!

[@viccrosscountry5745]

No Name as far I know they only built 1

[@casadamusica551]

GREAT Dr.BRIAN MAY !!!!!\😍/

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@oldplucker1]

A bit of History: Brian May, David Gilmour, Tony Iommi, Mark Knopfler and many others have one thing in common: they all studied Hank Marvin. Hank Marvin of the Shadows fame showed that each note has to be caressed and is a musical piece in its own right and that Tone and Melody are most important. The vibrato Hank developed to make the guitar ‘Sing’ is used by all great players. Hank also developed the single note interspersed with double stops and vibrato formula and on stage echo. All great lead breaks do most of this. Hank used mainly 3rd double stops but others use 4ths or 5ths. Tony Iommi 5ths and Ritchie Blackmoor 4ths and 5ths for instance. Hank pioneered Vox amps for the tone with his own echo settings and Brian may used 8 or so Vox AC30s in a stack but many other valve amps can produce great tones. The use of echo units is also a mark of most of the greats following after Hank and that includes Jimi Hendrix. Hank actually started with Jazz then moved through to Rock n Roll then mainly melodic instrumentals with the Shadows and lately Gypsy Jazz. But Hank has been known sing and to use distortion too and a swell/volume pedal.

[@dianefowler8779]

I REALLY enjoyed your reaction here! IMHO Brian May is the best. Others may be faster or louder, but the sounds Brian creates are unbelievable. I don't really understand all the technical stuff, but I was able to follow your comments enough to add to my own knowledge. My simple explanation is: The beautiful music comes from Brian's heart and soul, processes through his brain to decide what to play, then travels down his arm to the MAGIC FINGERS and voila! such beautiful, emotional music is heard. I love his melodies, and the song Bijou brings tears to my eyes! He did say in an interview that he thinks of the guitar as an extension of his arm.

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

Very unique player, can always tell it’s him 🔥

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Freempg]

Thanks Fil. Brian May has a PhD in Astrophysics. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers) is a self-taught missile defense expert with top secret security clearances. Baxter tried to talk May into coming to help him with some of his work at the Pentagon. May passed.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha cool!

[@brasschick4214]

I’d say Brian is too much of a pacifist to do that.

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

@@brasschick4214 And I admire him all the more for that.😊

[@kodiakfamily8032]

After watching this Fil, I have a all new respect for Brian May. Wow! What a tone...the notes, vibato - just on a new level! Thank you Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@gaylachiriaco8667]

Phil, I totally like your reaction to Brian May and have subscribed. You know what you're talking about and you give props to Brian. Looking forward to listening again. Cheers

[@knawl]

Brian is loaded with talent, unfortunately the cameraman here lacks it, he's all over the place

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah I think this was a member of the crowd 😅

[@AnthonySipes]

Fil I love your channel. You always deliver great performances.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@pixiepqueen]

I weep like a baby when Brian plays that Dvorak song.. it’s so beautiful

[@lynnbain3543]

Brian is a brilliant player and loves Rory Gallagher thanks you for the upload

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@marcelboogaard5449]

Lynn Bain And appreciated Jan Akkerman unlike other guitarists (slow hand). When asked about their influences both Vai and Satriani mentioned May. Enough praise there.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Rory was a master. And a great human being. He inspired so many others. Brian was amazing. Live Aid was the best set by a band. Ever. Freddie was the showman, Brian provided his sound and the band was tight. Have you ever seen 80 thousand people act as one?

[@seanwoodburn2616]

Still a rock star, still the absolute epitome of taste and still identifiable in the first phrase as Brian May. Thanks Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@scottmcgregor3317]

What can say about Brian May, he is masterful. He plays a dangerous style of distortion that is associated with metal and heavy rock bands, but still plays with an elegance in the format of Freddy Mercury and Queen. He has always been able to straddle between muscular heavy riffing and delicate thoughtful picking, sometimes in the same song. White Queen, and Father to Son are great examples of this.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@viccrosscountry5745]

Father to Son... one of my favorites👍🏼🎸

[@julianash2206]

Just spine tingling the sound goes through you as it should good music touches your soul

[@lgk4008]

I have been looking around your site sing if you did and analysis of Brian May… The best guitarist in the world. I know you appreciate him and I have loved him since high school. Actually I love the queen...period. The greatest band ever!!! I completely agree with you about the talent Brian may has, what a talent!

[@markbirchette8740]

May and Gilmour are two perfect examples of having their own sound that's instantly recognizable as only themselves. Nice Fil. Cheers ! ! \m/✌

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@thenoobyXD]

I still remember the day Queen announced that they would come to Singapore (where I am). Woke my friend up at 2am in the morning to grab tickets to F1 since they were performing there then. Costed SGD 168 if I remembered correctly and it's a steal to be able to watch Queen + Adam Lambert at that price... Plus it was the very first time they perform here and I felt extremely fortunate cos I remember telling my friend that in my lifetime, I may never watch Queen live. (I'm only 18 then... currently 20) I remembered we rushed over the the venue just to be near stage left where Brian always stand and we were quite lucky to be standing fairly close to the main stage and close to the roadway which extended out from the stage. Brian's tone is just so distinct that a single A chord from him and you could tell that it's already him. The entire concert just blew my mind. His guitar solo which includes part of Last Horizon just blew me away... I could not stop just admiring him at all. His solo on Bohemian Rhapsody that night was spine chilling... everything that night was magical. Still remembered the solo he played on The Show Must Go On... by far the most heartfelt solo by him in my opinion We were all 'trapped' in this magical world for 2 hours until the end. Adam Lambert did a great job on being himself singing Queen song... Just massive respect for him able to use his massive vocal range well. Beside Gary Moore, Brian my very first guitar hero to me and Queen will always be my favourite band of all time.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@jjdecani]

Always been one of my absolute favourite guitarists. A true original, and the sign of that is that you know it's him whenever you hear him play. He has his own style, and that style is terrific.

[@mkivy]

One of the worlds best...Thank U UK 🇬🇧 for Queen and the birth of the British Invasion...

[@antsmith8588]

Your bang on with melody Brain was top man with his melodies in songs. Afterall we all recognise the melody of a song... Anyway your right about Brian his is always in total control in the music.....

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@betseyclark2832]

Just watched this for the second time. I would love to see you react to Bijou by Queen on their Innuendo Album. Brian plays most of it with just a short central bit by Freddie's vocal. It's one of 2 Queen songs written by Freddie about his cats: he also wrote Delilah on Innuendo, and All Dead written by Brian about his kitten that died. Fabulous guitar on all. (Delilah features meowing guitar. lol)

[@lawrenceallwright7041]

I've learnt something new about Queen! I never knew All Dead was about a kitten. Thank you. (Delilah on the other hand where she pees on the Chippendale and all the meowing is a bit more obvious!!!) 😹

[@loristoneking5671]

Happy new year, 2023, fil. Congratulations sir Brian may, newly knighted.

[@thomaskempton6270]

Hi, Fil, another great performer, Brian May, he is so great as a solo as well as with a band. A great reaction video to a great musician. Thank you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@tmatheson54]

I’ve always loved Brian’s playing and sound. He’s one of the greats. And Queen? Gee, so many songs that were just awesome with so much feel and pulled you in. Great. Thanks once again, Fil. Cheers and rock on.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Will do!

[@markhutt4924]

Seriously one of the greatest yet most underrated guitar players ever!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@michaelmoore3452]

Thanks FIL Brain has that tone most blues players are looking for what a set of hands he has got the chops genius and the cool that separated him from the crowd IMOP the two best guitar players from England are Mr May and everybody else he's a total master of time and space #Sunnyside of excellence

[@patricklinden363]

Saw Queen many times in the 70s one of the best bands and Brian one if the all time greats, thanks Fill for the upload..

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@AdAstraOnYafro]

I've seen literally thousands of shows over the years, yet I still clearly count the 2 times I saw Queen as undisputed 1 and 2 on the list. I was a bit of a weirdo in those days (according to friends that only listened to bands like kiss) because I carried my Queen LPs around with me to school and elaewhee in A backpack. Brian May shaped me musically and personally, I know where every little note is on every old queen song there is!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@barbarasearcy6681]

This could be called "While Your Guitar Gently Makes Me Weep"! Obviously, that's a joke, but WOW, I found myself tearing up more than once! Once again Fil, you've taught me so much, and I love how you teach! You're very good at it, partly because you're so musically knowledgeable, but also because your heart is also involved, and that's a good thing! I can't imagine music without heart! It keeps me going when nothing else can! Thank you again for a wonderful video. Btw, as an American fan of Townes Van Zandt, I've wanted for a long time to ask you if you would, at some point, consider analyzing his songwriting, guitar playing (mostly fingerstyle) and his singing, when he was at his very best? Thanks in advance!

[@drew2370]

For years have been telling people how amazing Brian May is on a guitar his passion, tone..NEVER misses a note... Not sure if you have ever mentioned this Phil , im sure you know, Brians guitar was built by his Father and himself, and always plays it with a sixpence piece... When i saw Brian play with Steve Vai, Joe Walsh, Joe Satriani in Seville 92...it kinda cemented it for me..he really is on the top tier of players!!

[@nlbhaduri]

I'm just gonna jump in here and say, I love watching Fil getting hypnotised by great musicians like Brian May...it's like watching a cat watching a fish swimming round and round in a fish bowl or watching a puppy dreaming...Fil, you are beautiful.

[@Caddowolf]

He is actually a genius. I see he's not using a pick at all on this. Is it true he uses a coin for a pick when he uses one? He's such a badass!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he has done in the past 👍

[@Iceman-xx1kh]

Brian plays with a sixpence.

[@theonlyredspecial]

He says it gives more attack on the strings and he can use the serrated edges to give different tones. It’s quite difficult. I’ve tried. It’s very very fine control.

[@cmoeller3]

Has an IQ near or at 200... PhD in Astrophysics

[@vmat1000]

Another great installment, Fil. Love that you're such a fan. I've always admired Brian Mays playing but never bought anything from Queen (old cassettes of News or Jazz may be here). What i did like was his use of The Red Special in the opening minutes. Folks here probably know this already the producer for "A Silly Little Thing Called Love" wanted him to use a Tele for this session. I can see why Brian didn't think he needed one but that's what hit the tape.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Maybe it was a mix thing?! It turned out ok!

[@vmat1000]

Wings of Pegasus Might have been, Fil and thank you for the reply. Maybe the tune had such a '50s vibe to it the guy wanted Brian to play something 'old school' so to speak. In the interview Brian said the Red Special could have done the job. He was probably right.

[@mhackley7827]

Brian May is one of the best Guitarists, because his sound is so unique and refined. And on top of all that, he’s an astrophysicist as well! Truly a Rock god!

[@nick5728]

it's a kinda magic...Isn't it?You made my day with your comments...Just can't wait for another video.Am a huge Queen fan.Thank you and rock on!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@The1queencollector]

I have heard Brian play this many times and he has ballsed it up as well but instead of giving up he just skips over it like nothing has happened, he sneaks in little bits like It's Late and his usual Brighton rock, this man is a guitar God, he himself says there are far better players but he is doing himself an injustice. Watch White Queen live at the Rainbow it is mind blowing

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

My first time hearing Queen with "Killer Queen" I knew this was a band that I was going to like, I soon discovered it was their third album, I quickly found their first two, their first being an OK album but their second is where they found their "Sound" (March of the Black Queen, Ogre Battle). Brian May is one of those popular musicians which had his own sound, you knew it was him playing even if you didn't know the song. I once went to a concert in Dayton, Ohio with two cast from the tip of my feet all the way up to my ass (car accident).

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

And the fact he built, and still plays, his first electric guitar with the help of his Father makes him even more amazing to me.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Ouch!

[@bobbymonaghan4831]

His solo at the end of kind of magic from live at Wembley is one of my favourites. Dude is amazing

[@bookwoman53]

I watched a video in which he talks about the physics of sound as it relates to his guitar. He described the basic scientific principles of how each movement on the fretboard and strings or alteration in dynamics is produced . I could listen to him perform and talk all day. He is a phenomenal musician and has a soothing speaking voice. I wonder if he has ever done a lecture about the physics of music.

[@greenhotchiliqueen5395]

Brian is best guitarist ever. My favorite Queen member. He's legend.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@scottthomas9181]

Brian May is a great guitarist...saw them live in Munich in the late 70s Freddie anounced they were recording their live album and to make some nois Theres a video of him on i think Cris Lentz chanel where he is jamming with Les Paul on CJam Blues so he has a little jazz in him

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@TYinNH]

Familiar with Queen (like most people) but never really stopped to "listen" to Mays playing. Thanks for doing this as it puts it in a whole new perspective.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@johnbaxter533]

Brian has influenced me more than any other guitarist. One of my particular favorites is roughly 15 seconds of orchestrated guitars in "All Dead, All Dead". Literally leaves me breathless. You mentioned something about him getting the most out of a few notes rather than throwing a million at you ( however it was you worded it), made me think of Neal Schon on "Who's Crying Now". Neal plays a simple little chop consisting of 5 notes, sometimes 6 notes. He repeats the phrase over and over, something like 12 times. But it never gets old. It is the absolute expression of what it is he wants to convey in that particular song. Perfect

[@davidlawrence5]

Greetings Fil, I'll leave all the superlatives re: Brian May to the countless guitar players who, much like myself, consider him one of a kind. He built an axe and made it sing. I want to say kudos to you Fil and my reasons are simple. I've had a love/hate relationship with guitars for fifty plus years and I guess you'd call me a geezer but hold on lad. I visit your site because your remarks are not the standard crap composed mostly of comparing one player to another or this guy versus that guy. It's the little moments, the musical pearls, like when you get that grin of delight after a great run on the frets. As a player yourself, you understand when it's time not to play, leave space, let the tune breathe or time to let go and sail. Your reviews don't come across as based upon your ego. How refreshing indeed!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks David!

[@tmage23]

The "Red Special" (Brian May's guitar which he and his father built from scratch decades ago) has such a distinctive, lovely tone. Even without his considerable skill with the instrument, that would be enough for him to stand out as unique among his peers.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@michaeldevlin6196]

very tasty playing and great sounds not a fan of his harmonized sounds. but this is great sounds like Beck too but better

[@sourcecode6467]

I'm new to this channel, probably seen 10 videos already. I've completely warmed to Fil, a very erudite guy who talks complete sense all the way. A pleasure to watch always.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Dean!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

It's a very cool performance. Brian May is a legendary guitarist. Cheers Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!