Brian May is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential, innovative, technically gifted, and recognizable guitarists in the history of rock music.
As a child, May built his own guitar with his father, partly out of an old fireplace. Unusually, the guitar was designed to feedback.
He formed the band Smile while at university with drummer Roger Taylor. They were later joined by flamboyant singer and pianist Freddie Mercury, who renamed the band Queen.
The addition of bass player John Deacon completed the line-up of a band which would go on to become one of the most successful in the history of popular music.
May's guitar playing would become an integral part of Queen's sound.
May was influenced as a guitarist by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, who had dazzled audiences with their technical skills and volume.
He was also an admirer of the melodic skills of George Harrison of The Beatles and the original British rock and roll guitar hero, Hank B. Marvin of The Shadows.
What made May stand out as a guitarist was his combination of virtuosic technique but also melodic awareness.
Unlike some virtuosos, who only play to showcase their ability, May always played to serve the songs.
His multi-tracking of guitar solos has also made him one of the most unique sounding guitarists in the world.
Nowhere was this better exemplified than on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", the song which came to define the band more than any other and has become one of the most celebrated recordings in the history of rock music.
May's solos are a big part of what gives the track its enduring appeal and emotional power.
May's legacy in music history is assured. He will be remembered along with the likes of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page as one of the most important and influential guitarists to come out of England.
His songs for Queen were often their harder rock tracks, such as "We Will Rock You", "Tie Your Mother Down", and "Hammer to Fall", but he also wrote emotional songs such as "Save Me" and the symphonic "Who Wants to Live Forever", which proved his versatility as a songwriter.
Brian May was educated at Hampton Grammar School in London. He then graduated with a degree in Maths and Physics from one of Britain's top universities, Imperial College London.
May's guitar playing was characterized by his ability to combine virtuosic technique with melodic awareness, making him one of the most influential and innovative guitarists in the history of rock music.
He was a prolific songwriter, responsible for writing or co-writing many international hits with Queen, and his songs often showcased his ability to write both harder rock tracks and emotional ballads.
May's guitar solos were often multi-tracked, giving him a unique sound that set him apart from other guitarists.
His work on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is particularly notable, as his solos add to the song's emotional power and enduring appeal.
May's legacy in music history is assured, and he will be remembered as one of the most important and influential guitarists to come out of England.
He was influenced by a range of guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, George Harrison, and Hank B. Marvin, and he drew on these influences to develop his own unique style.
Throughout his career, May has been recognized for his contributions to music, and he has won numerous awards and accolades for his work with Queen.
Despite his many achievements, May remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans.
