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Queen - Mad The Swine - Guitar Tutorial

2,993 views · Published 3 October 2014 · 11:10 · Indexed 30 October 2026

Channel: James Rundle · 2014 · Music

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Discover the rhythmic charm and intricate layers of one of Queen's most legendary "lost" tracks in this "Mad the Swine" guitar lesson! Recorded during the sessions for their 1973 debut album but held back for nearly two decades, this song is a fantastic example of Brian May’s early acoustic-electric blending and Freddie Mercury's storytelling.

In this tutorial, we break down the upbeat acoustic strumming, the melodic lead fills, and the signature percussion-driven rhythm that makes this track a unique piece of Queen history.

🎸 What You’ll Learn:

• The Acoustic Foundation: Mastering the bright, folk-rock strumming patterns that drive the song’s energy.

• Melodic Lead Fills: How to play the brief, singing guitar licks that weave through Freddie’s vocals.

• Percussive Strumming: Tips on syncing your playing with the song’s prominent, almost tribal percussion.

• Chord Progressions: A step-by-step guide to the major-key transitions and the "lift" in the chorus.

🎶 Song Facts:

• The Lost Debut Track: "Mad the Swine" was originally intended to be the fourth track on Queen’s 1973 self-titled debut album (nestled between "Great King Rat" and "My Fairy King"). However, a disagreement over the drum sound and production between the band and producer Roy Thomas Baker led to it being cut from the final tracklist.

• The 1991 Resurrection: After sitting in the vaults for 18 years, the song was finally remixed and officially released in 1991 as a B-side to the "Headlong" single and later as a bonus track on Hollywood Records' CD reissues.

• Biblical Themes: Like many of Freddie Mercury's early compositions (such as "Jesus"), the song features religious and moral imagery, delivered with his characteristic theatrical flair.

• Brian May’s 12-String Sound: The song features a lush, "jangly" acoustic sound that is characteristic of the early 70s rock era, highlighting Brian May’s versatility beyond just the Red Special.

• Unique Percussion: The track is notable for its heavy emphasis on percussion rather than a standard drum kit sound, giving it a distinct, "pastoral" yet driving feel compared to the heavier tracks on the first album.

⚙️ Gear Recommendations:

• Acoustic Guitar: A steel-string acoustic (12-string if you have it!) will help capture that shimmering 1973 production.

• Electric Guitar: For the lead fills, use the neck or middle pickup of your electric guitar to get a warm, "vocal" sustain.

• Settings: Keep your tone clean with a slight touch of compression to mimic the Trident Studios' polished early sound.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Performance Demo
0:50 - The Mystery of the "Lost" Track
02:15 - Main Acoustic Strumming Pattern
05:30 - Verse & Chorus Transitions
08:45 - Key Electric Lead Fills
11:20 - Rhythm & Percussion Tips
13:50 - Final Summary & Tone Setup

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