Here’s the most beautiful and passionate solo that guitarist Brian May played on Queen’s magnificent “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He’s always been one of the most underrated players, both for his soulful playing and for his smooth-as-silk tone, and this isolated solo track shows him in all his glory. Listen for:

1. The amplifier noise before the solo starts.

2. The string noise in between phrases. We guitar players sometimes obsess over getting rid of it, but you never hear it when the other instruments are added to the track.

3. How unprocessed Brian’s sound is. What you hear is a man with a guitar and amp, with no special effects added. He obviously knows how to drive his gear very well.