Queen - '39 - Guitar Lesson

A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version)

1975 3:31

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About '39

Brian May wrote "'39" as a gentle acoustic folk number, and it sits in an unusual spot in Queen's catalog. Played in D major, the song leans on fingerpicked or strummed acoustic guitar with a light, almost country feel rather than the heavy riffs the band is better known for. The challenge here is keeping the rhythm clean and even throughout, since the sparse arrangement leaves nowhere to hide any sloppiness. May's chord voicings are relatively approachable for intermediate players, but nailing the subtle syncopation in the strumming pattern is what actually takes practice. If the groove keeps slipping away from you, use the Practice Toolbar to loop the verse slowed down until the rhythm feels natural at a reduced tempo, then build back up. Pay attention to the fingering transitions between chords, as smooth voice leading is what gives this track its warm, flowing feel.

• '39 is built around acoustic guitar, making fingerpicking or a light strumming technique far more important here than any electric lead work.
• The song is in D major, which keeps the chord shapes open and resonant on an acoustic, but clean transitions between those chords are essential.
• Because the arrangement is sparse, even small timing inconsistencies in your strumming pattern are clearly audible, so slow practice is strongly recommended.