Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has often spoken about the formative influences that shaped his approach to the guitar. In a revealing 2012 interview with Guitar Player, May recounted how witnessing performances by Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in the mid-1960s profoundly changed his musical perspective and ambitions.

From Rhythm to Lead: Early Influences

May’s guitar journey began rooted in rhythm playing, inspired by artists like the Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley. “I love playing rhythm and that’s the way I started,” May explained, recalling how he initially strummed acoustic guitar and sang classic songs.

His early electric guitar style was shaped by the Shadows, who specialized in melodic instrumentals. May described them as “the most metallic thing out at the time.” However, by 1965, his focus shifted after being captivated by two new guitar heroes on the London scene—Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.

The Eric Clapton Effect: Rediscovering the Blues

Clapton’s fluid and sparkling playing with the Yardbirds inspired May to dig deeper into the blues. “Clapton was unbelievable… He turned me away from the Shadows style and sent me back to listening to B.B. King, Bo Diddley and all those people I’d heard,” May recalled.

Initially, May thought all blues were just “12-bar blues, and that was it,” but Clapton’s emotive playing revealed a new depth and accessibility. He also cited Mike Bloomfield and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band as key influences during this period.

Jeff Beck’s innovative techniques—like playing with feedback without touching the fingerboard—also amazed May. He remembered seeing Beck at the Marquee Club shortly after joining the Yardbirds, where Clapton even joined for a jam session.

The Hendrix Revelation: Redefining Guitar Expression

Just when May felt he had absorbed everything from Clapton and Beck, Jimi Hendrix arrived on the London scene and changed everything. “I thought, Oh my God. This guy is doing everything that I was trying to do. He just made me feel like I couldn’t play,” May admitted.

Hendrix’s ability to make the guitar “talk” and express vocal-like emotions stunned May. Hearing Hendrix’s solos on “Hey Joe” and “Stone Free” made May initially suspect studio trickery, but seeing Hendrix live at the Savoy Theatre—supporting The Who—completely blew him away.

“The Who couldn’t follow him in those days… anybody in the world would find it hard to follow Hendrix,” May said.

Influence on Rock Icons and May’s Own Style

Pete Townshend of The Who echoed this sentiment, revealing how Hendrix’s arrival shook his confidence but ultimately pushed him to create ambitious works like Tommy.

For May, these experiences helped forge his own unique style—a blend of rhythm and soaring leads characterized by his signature tone. Inspired by Rory Gallagher’s use of a Vox AC30 amplifier and Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, May crafted a sound that set him apart in rock history.

Conclusion

Brian May’s reflections underscore a pivotal era in rock guitar history, marked by giants like Clapton and Hendrix who challenged and expanded the boundaries of expression. Their influence helped shape May into a guitarist who, while grounded in rhythm, developed a voice that continues to inspire generations of musicians worldwide.