Brian May Reveals His Secret: Why Soul Beats Speed on Guitar

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen and crowned “Greatest Guitarist of All Time” in a 2023 Total Guitar readers’ poll, recently opened up about what truly makes his playing unforgettable—and it’s not technical speed.

In a candid 2017 interview with MOJO magazine, May compared himself to guitar virtuosos like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. While he admired their dazzling speed and flawless technique, he acknowledged that his strength lies elsewhere.

“I have none of that high-speed, high technical skill of a Steve Vai or a Joe Satriani,” May admitted. “But what I have is a connection between the mind and the fingers, which just serves me in a particular way.”

This connection, he explained, allows him to channel what he hears in his head directly through his guitar. It’s not about calculated notes or finger exercises—it’s about bypassing thought and letting pure feeling pour out through the strings.

The Touch That Defines a Legend

May insists that the heart of his sound isn’t found in gear or effects but in the way he plays. His guitar has become an extension of himself—so much so that people recognize his sound instantly, even when he’s playing someone else’s instrument.

That signature touch, coupled with the homemade Red Special guitar he built with his father, has given Queen’s music its soaring, emotional power. It’s a sound that has carried stadium anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You across generations.

The “Battle” Behind We Are The Champions

May also shared a rare behind-the-scenes story from mixing We Are The Champions. He and Freddie Mercury found themselves in a playful tug-of-war—Mercury pushing the vocals up, May pushing the guitar forward.

“Freddie had his hand on my guitar and I had my hand on his vocals,” May recalled. “The guitar is fighting with the vocal here and that’s the way it should be.”

That tension between instrument and voice helped give the song its iconic balance of power and emotion—proof that even artistic conflict can create timeless magic.

The Value of Tangibility

In today’s streaming era, May also reflected on the importance of physical music formats. Holding a CD, vinyl, or any creative product in his hands, he said, brings a sense of fulfillment that digital files simply can’t match.

For him, true success isn’t about chart rankings or sales figures. It’s about the satisfaction of knowing that a piece of music fulfilled a dream—that it was made with authenticity and passion.

Why Brian May Still Inspires Millions

In a world obsessed with speed and technical perfection, May’s words are a reminder that music is ultimately about connection. His playing may not be the fastest, but it resonates on a deeper level. His guitar lines soar because they carry feeling, not just notes.

That’s why stadiums still roar to his solos decades later. That’s why his sound remains unmistakable. And that’s why, even in comparison to guitar gods of sheer technique, Brian May’s legacy stands unmatched.

Because sometimes, soul beats speed.