Brian May's Artistry in 'Friends Will Be Friends'

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of the band Queen, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his innovative use of guitar effects. 'Friends Will Be Friends', one of Queen's final piano/guitar-based anthems, is a prime example of his masterful manipulation of various effects. This article delves into the specific guitar effects May uses in this track, providing insights into his creative process and unique sound.

1. The Red Special Guitar

At the heart of Brian May's unique sound is his Red Special guitar. This guitar, co-created by May and his father, is a customized instrument with a distinctive tone. To enhance this, May uses a treble booster to offset the lack of high-end in his Vox AC-30 amplifiers. He positions this pedal on his guitar strap, where he finds it works best for his playing style and sound.

2. Phase Switches and Scream Factor

Brian May's guitar has switches that allow him to place his pickups in and out of phase with each other. This technique is particularly noticeable in his lead sound, as it significantly enhances the feedback and "scream" factor of his tone. This adds a distinct edge to his playing, making his guitar cuts through the mix with clarity and intensity.

3. Wah Wah Pedal for Treble Boost

In 'Friends Will Be Friends', May uses a wah wah pedal. Although he mostly sets the wah to one position during live performances, the pedal still provides a pronounced treble boost to his lead sound. This effect adds a haunting and emotive quality to his solos, making them stand out in the song.

4. Flanging, Phasing, and Leslie Effects

Brian May is well known for his extensive use of flanging and phasing effects. These effects create a sweeping, fluttering sound that adds depth and texture to his guitar parts. Another notable effect he employs is the Leslie speaker, a notoriously complex and richly textured sound, famously used in songs like 'Keep Yourself Alive'. These effects contribute to the overall symphony-like quality of Queen's sound.

5. Panning and Depth Effects

In 'Friends Will Be Friends', and throughout much of his work, May frequently employs panning to create a stereo field. He often pans between left, right, and center, adding a dynamic spatial dimension to his solos and chords. This technique is particularly prominent in songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody', where the sound moves across the stereo field, giving the impression of multiple instruments and voices.

6. Multi-Layered Guitar Harmony

Perhaps May's most unique and recognizable effect is his use of harmonizers to layer multiple guitar parts together. By positioning the guitars in harmony, May creates a rich, complex sound that has become his signature style. In live performances, he uses advanced harmonizers to achieve this effect, further enhancing the layers and textures in his playing. His team of guitar technicians ensures that every layer is crisp and in perfect sync.

In conclusion, 'Friends Will Be Friends' is a testament to Brian May's masterful use of guitar effects. From the treble boost to the phase switches, wah wah pedal, flanging, and harmonizers, May crafts a sound that is both innovative and timeless. The guitar in this track is not just a musical instrument but an extension of May's artistic vision, contributing to Queen's enduring legacy in rock music.