We Will Rock You
by Queen
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
IntermediateBass
BeginnerWhy "We Will Rock You" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Queen's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The Harmonic Architecture of A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only with Mixolydian / Blues-rock hybrid in the solo section; the stomping body is essentially atonal percussion
The musical power of "We Will Rock You" stems from the deliberate harmonic movement between A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only and the I - IV - I - V progression. The guitar only enters for the solo section at the end. The chord progression is a classic rock I-IV-I-V pattern played by Brian May with his signature layered guitar tone.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
I - IV - I - VStep-by-Step Movement
- •A (I) - Tonic chord anchoring the solo section, providing the triumphant home key
- •D (IV) - Subdominant lifting the harmony and creating forward motion
- •E (V) - Dominant chord creating tension before resolving back to A
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The progression moves through A → D → A → E, creating smooth root movement across the guitar fretboard.
- ›Tuning (Standard (EADGBE)) allows open-string resonance and dynamic chord extensions.
- ›The tempo of 81 BPM gives each chord voicing time to breathe and establish its tonal identity.
Fretboard Mechanics
Played in Standard (EADGBE) with classic fretboard fingerings tailored to Arena Rock guitar playing. Focus on clean transitions between A, D, A.
Study the I - IV - I - V progression in A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only. Notice how each chord change either builds or resolves tension without overcomplicating the underlying harmony.
Brian May's guitar solo is built on A minor pentatonic with expressive bends, giving the solo its bluesy, anthemic character
Mixed into the solo for bright, triumphant moments, particularly on the high bends and resolution phrases
The underlying chord movement A-D-A-E fits Mixolydian tonality with the natural seventh (G) appearing in passing
The modal foundation of the key.
Primary chord shapes used.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only:
A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Mixolydian / Blues-rock hybrid in the solo section; the stomping body is essentially atonal percussion mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Brian May's guitar solo is built on A minor pentatonic with expressive bends, giving the solo its bluesy, anthemic character
Mixed into the solo for bright, triumphant moments, particularly on the high bends and resolution phrases
The underlying chord movement A-D-A-E fits Mixolydian tonality with the natural seventh (G) appearing in passing
The harmonic character shaping A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only
The harmonic character shaping A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only
Understand major chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only
A minor pentatonic
Notes: A - C - D - E - G
Application: Brian May's guitar solo is built on A minor pentatonic with expressive bends, giving the solo its bluesy, anthemic character
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
The guitar only enters for the solo section at the end. The chord progression is a classic rock I-IV-I-V pattern played by Brian May with his signature layered guitar tone.
💡 Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
A
D
E
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- A (I)Tonic chord anchoring the solo section, providing the triumphant home key
- D (IV)Subdominant lifting the harmony and creating forward motion
- E (V)Dominant chord creating tension before resolving back to A
Key Techniques
Stomp-Stomp-Clap Rhythm
BeginnerThe iconic body percussion pattern that forms the entire rhythmic foundation of the song - two foot stomps followed by a hand clap, repeated throughout
Progression:
Stomp - Stomp - Clap - Rest (repeated)
Technique Tips:
- •The power of this rhythm is in its precision and simplicity
- •Every stomp and clap must be exactly on the beat - use a metronome at 81 BPM
- •The rest on beat 4 creates the hypnotic, driving feel
- •In a group, synchronization is everything - listen to others and lock in
Brian May Guitar Solo
IntermediateThe legendary outro guitar solo using the Red Special's distinctive tone with layered harmonies, expressive bends, and pentatonic-based rock phrasing
Uses chords:
Progression:
A - D - A - E (solo played over this progression)
Technique Tips:
- •Focus on the bending intonation - Brian May's bends are always perfectly pitched
- •Use your ring finger backed by middle and index for strong, controlled bends
- •Vibrato should be wide and even, applied after the bend reaches pitch
- •The tone requires a bright, slightly overdriven sound - not heavy distortion
- •Practice the solo in phrases, not as one continuous run
Open Chord Accompaniment for Solo Section
BeginnerSimple open A, D, and E chord strumming that accompanies the guitar solo, providing the harmonic foundation for the climactic ending
Uses chords:
Progression:
A - D - A - E
Technique Tips:
- •Keep the strumming steady and powerful - you are the foundation for the solo
- •Do not try to compete with the lead guitar - stay solid and rhythmic
- •Full, open chord voicings work best for the big arena sound
- •The final A chord should ring out fully for the song's conclusion
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of A major, established primarily by the guitar solo section since the body of the song is percussion and vocals only. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Verse 1 (Stomp Section)
Stomp-Stomp-Clap Rhythmic Pulse
Opening verse with the iconic stomp-stomp-clap rhythm, vocals telling the story of a boy. No guitar in this section.
- •No guitar in this section - purely vocals and body percussion
- •The stomp-stomp-clap pattern at 81 BPM is the entire musical foundation
- •Freddie Mercury's vocal commands the space with just the rhythm behind it
Verse 2 (Stomp Section)
Driving Beat Accompaniment
Second verse continuing the stomp-stomp-clap with the story of a young man. Still no guitar.
- •Same percussion pattern continues through the second verse
- •Vocal intensity builds slightly from the first verse
- •The repetition of the rhythm creates an increasingly hypnotic effect
Verse 3 (Stomp Section)
Pre-Solo Dynamic Tension
Third and final verse with the story of an old man, building maximum anticipation for the guitar entrance.
- •Maximum vocal intensity as the final verse builds to the climax
- •The tension of three verses without guitar creates enormous anticipation
- •Freddiethe iconic vocal hookWe will rock you'
Guitar Solo / Outro
Brian May Iconic Multi-Tracked Solo
Brian May's legendary guitar solo finally enters - a blazing, emotional tour de force over A-D-A-E that releases all the built-up tension
- •The guitar entrance is one of rock's greatest dramatic moments
- •Solo uses A minor pentatonic with major pentatonic inflections
- •Expressive bends, vibrato, and building intensity throughout
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
All three pickups in phase for the Brian May signature tone; bridge pickup alone for a brighter approximation
Alternative Models:
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 5-6 (moderate crunch, not high gain)
Treble: 7-8 (bright and cutting, signature May sparkle)
Middle: 5 (balanced)
Bass: 4 (tight low end, not boomy)
Presence: 7 (high presence for clarity and sustain)
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
Treble booster (like a Dallas Rangemaster or BSM treble booster) into the Vox AC30 for Brian May's signature crunch tone
Reverb / Delay:
Medium hall reverb simulating the multi-tracked layering of the original
Modulation / Other:
A sixpence coin was used as a pick by Brian May for his distinctive attack. A heavy, rigid pick can approximate this tone.
Recommended Learning Path
⏱️ 1 week for rhythm accompaniment
- •Master the stomp-stomp-clap rhythm at exactly 81 BPM
- •Learn the open A, D, and E major chord shapes
- •Practice strumming A-D-A-E as an accompaniment for the solo section
- •Play along with the recording, entering at the correct moment
⏱️ 3-4 weeks for the solo with proper technique
- •Learn the A minor pentatonic scale at the 5th position
- •Practice whole-step bends on the B and high E strings
- •Learn the main solo phrases note-by-note from the recording
- •Work on connecting phrases with smooth transitions
⏱️ 4-6 weeks for a polished, expressive solo performance
- •Perfect the bending intonation - every bend must hit the exact target pitch
- •Develop wide, controlled vibrato for sustained notes
- •Learn the harmony guitar parts for multi-tracked recording
- •Dial in the Brian May treble booster into AC30 tone
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Rushing the stomp-stomp-clap rhythm - it must be precise and unhurried at 81 BPM
- •Overbending notes in the solo - Brian May's bends are accurate to exact pitches
- •Using too much distortion for the solo - May's tone is crunchy, not saturated
- •Entering the guitar too early - the dramatic impact depends on the long percussion buildup
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •Practice the stomp-stomp-clap rhythm with a metronome for 3 minutes
- •Run through A-D-A-E chord changes for the solo section (3 minutes)
- •Practice A minor pentatonic bends at the 5th position (5 minutes)
- •Work on the solo phrases in small sections (10 minutes)
- •Play through the complete song from stomp to solo finish (3 minutes)
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Rhythmic precision of the stomp-stomp-clap pattern
- •Bending accuracy and vibrato control for the solo
- •Dynamic building from the quiet percussion to the explosive guitar entrance
- •Tone control - achieving the bright, singing May guitar sound
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Lock in the body percussion at exactly 81 BPM
- •Practice chord changes at 81 BPM (this is actually quite slow, so precision matters)
- •Work on solo phrases at 60 BPM and gradually build to 81 BPM
- •The slow tempo means every note and bend is exposed - accuracy is paramount