Why Brian May Ditches Guitar Picks for Sixpence Coins: The Secret Behind Queen’s Iconic Sound

Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, is renowned for his distinctive guitar tone and innovative techniques. One of the most intriguing aspects of his sound is the use of a sixpence coin in place of a traditional guitar pick. While this choice may seem unusual to many, it plays a crucial role in shaping the legendary guitarist’s unique sound.

Enhanced Tactile Feedback

Brian May’s journey to using a sixpence instead of a conventional pick stems from his desire for better tactile feedback. In his early years of playing, he found plastic guitar picks to be too flexible, which hindered his ability to fully connect with the strings. The softness and pliability of plastic made it harder for him to feel the exact response of the strings. However, the sixpence coin, with its solid and rigid structure, provides May with the control he desires. The rigidity allows him to feel every vibration, nuance, and interaction between the pick and the strings, enhancing his playing precision and expressiveness.

Unique Tonal Qualities

What truly sets Brian May’s sound apart is the distinct tonal quality he achieves with the sixpence. The serrated edge of the coin, when used at a particular angle, produces a unique “splutter” or percussive consonant sound, which May has likened to the way consonants add texture to speech. This subtle effect helps the guitarist create a voice-like quality to his guitar, adding depth and dimension to his solos and riffs. It’s this percussive touch that gives Queen’s music its unmistakable sound, often described as warm, organic, and articulate.

String Preservation

While the sixpence is durable, it’s also gentle enough to preserve the life of the guitar strings. Made of nickel silver, the material strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and softness. This prevents the sixpence from damaging the strings while still providing the necessary hardness to create an effective strumming and picking technique. This careful choice of material helps Brian May maintain the integrity of his strings while still achieving the powerful sound that he’s famous for.

Personal Preference and Tradition

Brian May’s affinity for using sixpences goes beyond their practical benefits—there’s a personal and historical element to his choice. May is particularly fond of pre-1950s sixpences, which are made with a higher nickel content, offering a slightly softer feel than their modern counterparts. However, what truly makes his coin of choice special is its connection to his birth year. May has a preference for sixpences minted in 1947—the year he was born—adding a layer of personal significance to his technique.

Conclusion

Brian May’s decision to use a sixpence coin instead of a traditional guitar pick is a testament to his innovation and attention to detail as a musician. The tactile feedback, unique tonal qualities, and string preservation offered by the sixpence have all contributed to the development of Queen’s signature sound. By combining his personal preferences with technical necessity, Brian May has crafted a style that resonates with fans around the world, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history.