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How To Play Guitar Intro from Brian May Star Licks Video

4,296 views · Published 31 March 2016 · 6:22 · Indexed 23 October 2026

Channel: James Rundle · 2016 · Music

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HOW TO PLAY THE INTRO GUITAR FROM BRIAN MAY STAR LICKS VIDEO 

Full Star Licks Video (With Tab) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n3BY88_SoU

This description is crafted to capture the nostalgia of the iconic 1983 instructional video while highlighting the technical details of that famous opening.
Master the legendary "Star Licks" opening! 🎸✨

In this lesson, we are breaking down the unmistakable guitar intro from Brian May’s 1983 Star Licks Master Series video. For many of us, that VHS was our first real look at how the "Red Special" magic happens, and the opening licks remain some of the most iconic demonstrations of Brian's style.

In this tutorial, we’ll cover:

• The Opening Licks: A step-by-step breakdown of the phrases Brian plays as the video starts.

• The Tone: How to dial in that saturated, harmonically rich sound using the bridge and middle pickups in phase.

• The Echo/Delay: A look at how Brian uses his signature triple-delay setup to create that orchestral "wall of sound."

• Key Techniques: Mastering the sixpence-style attack, wide vibrato, and melodic bends.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro Performance
0:45 - The History of Star Licks (1983)
2:30 - Tone Setup & Pickups
4:15 - Breakdown: The Opening Lick
7:30 - Phrasing & Vibrato Tips
10:00 - Full Slow-Motion Playthrough

Gear Reference:

• Guitar: BMG Special / Red Special

• Amp: Vox AC30 (or sim)

• Effect: Treble Booster & Triple Delay (800ms/1600ms)

Whether you grew up watching the original tape or you're discovering it for the first time, these licks are essential for any Queen fan's repertoire.

If you found this helpful, please LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dives into the Red Special's secrets! 👑

#BrianMay #StarLicks #Queen #RedSpecial #GuitarLesson #GuitarIntro #VoxAC30 #ClassicRock #GuitarTutorial
Would you like me to include specific settings for a delay pedal to help your viewers match the "Star Licks" echo sound?

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