OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Before Brian May became a global guitar icon with Queen, his musical journey started in a much more rebellious manner—one that would shape his legendary career. As a young teenager, May’s love for the guitar was so strong that he was willing to break the rules to practice, even if it meant risking suspension.
May, who cites musical influences like the Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley, began his journey with the acoustic guitar. Initially, he focused on learning the art of accompaniment, playing simple chords to support his vocals. “I started off on acoustic, and I was on acoustic for a long time, and all I did was sing and play accompaniment,” May reflects. It wasn’t until later that he became proficient in more complex guitar techniques, particularly single-note playing, which he struggled with in his early years. “I could hear people doing it on records, but I couldn’t. I didn’t know how to do it myself,” he admits.
As May navigated his early guitar challenges, he wasn’t alone. His friends were also experimenting with their instruments, yet no one quite understood the nuances of single-note playing. Despite these struggles, the group of friends found ways to share their progress and passion for music, creating a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
However, their efforts to play guitars were thwarted by the strict policies at their school. Hampton Grammar School had a rigid no-guitar policy, making it illegal for students to possess or even bring a guitar to class. But this didn’t deter the budding musicians. Instead, they devised a plan to practice in secret.
“We would hide behind the cycle sheds because it was illegal to have a guitar at my school,” May recalls. “Seriously, things were very different in those days!” He continues, “In the lunch hours, we would hide, and we would play, and go, ‘Hank Marvin’s done this, y’know. And this…’ All these wonderful things were happening. Elvis was happening. Buddy Holly was happening.”
For young May and his friends, these moments were transformative. They weren’t just practicing guitar; they were uncovering the secrets of the music that had defined a generation. They were inspired by the sounds of Elvis and Buddy Holly, constantly striving to understand how the masters achieved such magic on their instruments.
Fast forward to today, and Brian May’s musical legacy is undeniable. The guitarist, who once had to hide behind cycle sheds to practice his passion, now shares his creativity with the world through his partnership with Gibson. He recently launched the Brian May Signature SJ-200 12-string acoustic, priced at $7,999. With only 100 units available, the guitar is an exclusive tribute to his love for science, featuring premium details like a AAA Sitka spruce top, a vintage sunburst finish, and a unique planetary-themed pickguard designed by May himself.
From sneaking in secret guitar sessions as a teenager to creating iconic music that continues to inspire, Brian May’s journey exemplifies the power of persistence and passion. Whether behind the cycle sheds or on the world stage, May’s rebellious spirit and devotion to his craft have undoubtedly helped shape the legend we know today.