Brian May's sixpence guitar picks are the secret to his Red Special's tone

Since Queen’s debut album was released in 1973, plenty has been said about Brian May’s guitar tone, and rightly so.

This article provides a glimpse into the unique and meticulous approach of Brian May in crafting his iconic guitar tone. While his Red Special and preferred amplifiers are often discussed, the inclusion of sixpence guitar picks is less known but equally significant.

As Gillian G. Gaar explains in her book, Queen & A Night at the Opera: 50 Years, which is excerpted in the Booked on Rock Podcast interview, May's preference for an older coin with a high nickel content and its serrated edge are crucial elements in achieving his desired sound.

The fact that people still mail sixpences to Brian May to use for guitar picks is a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen and the small but significant role that these coins have played in the band's music.

Billy Gibbons' preference for Mexican peso coins for guitar picks is another interesting anecdote that speaks to the diverse and sometimes unconventional approaches that musicians take to shape their sound.

It's also noteworthy that Rory Gallagher's simple setup of an AC30 and a treble booster is mentioned, providing an insight into the essence of Taste's and later Gallagher's solo band's distinctive sound, as narrated by May himself, who saw Taste perform at the Marquee in 1968.

Finally, the possibility of a Gibson-made reissue of Brian May's Red Special is teased, which would undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated by guitarists and Queen fans alike. The guitar's DIY origins and the reactions of those around him to the band's music being played back in the studio are also relatable moments in the pursuit of a musical dream.