KILLER QUEEN
Describe Texture Homophonic Jazz influences Sudden minor chords when
Chordal texture in vocals during expecting major
chorus Extended chords
Monophonic intro Chromatic chords
Contrapuntal (B62) Altered chords
Imitation in guitar solo Root position chords
Antiphony from panning (B67-68)
Builds from light to dense as more Musical Theatre Speech singing
parts are added influences Unusual harmonies
Fast harmonic rhythm
Describe Tenor voice (Freddie Mercury) Quick modulations
Instrumentation Piano
Jangle piano – slightly out of tune Glam Rock influences Theatrical
Electric guitar (Brian May) Visuals (costumes + stage)
Bass (John Deacon) Pop sensibility
Drum kit (Roger Taylor) - Catchy hooks
Triangle - Simple, anthemic
choruses
Describe Harmony Chromatic chords Rock instrumentation (electric
Altered chords guitar, bass, drums, vocals)
Extended chords Studio techniques (over-
Dissonance drubbing, multi-layering)
Parallel harmony ! KILLER QUEEN DOES NOT USE
Harmonic rhythm SYNTHESISERS – UNUSUAL
Circle of fifths
Perfect cadences signal Why is Eb major an Difficult key to play on guitar
modulations unsually key for rock?
Chord inversions
Vamp Overdubbing Def. Adding addition sound tracks to
Seventh chords an existing one
Mainly root position
Tonic pedal Describe “laser Flanger
Dominant pedal beam” Reflects sound of a laser gun
Bell chords Comical effect
Describe Melody + Syllabic Describe “drive you Chordal texture in vocals
effect Vocal slides/ Portamento wild Unexpected
Conjunct Ascending phrase reflects climax
Vocalisation of “wild” before the chorus
Speech singing
Lopsided phrases (eg chorus has Gospel Influences Strophic (in verses)
uneven 3/5 bar phrases) Four-part harmony
Maintain audience interest
Unexpected Vaudeville Influences Light entertainment
Word painting Comedic
Anacrusis - Singing
Descending Sequences (B12-13) - Dancing
Wide angular leaps - Acting
Falsetto
Rhyme
Describe Texture Homophonic Jazz influences Sudden minor chords when
Chordal texture in vocals during expecting major
chorus Extended chords
Monophonic intro Chromatic chords
Contrapuntal (B62) Altered chords
Imitation in guitar solo Root position chords
Antiphony from panning (B67-68)
Builds from light to dense as more Musical Theatre Speech singing
parts are added influences Unusual harmonies
Fast harmonic rhythm
Describe Tenor voice (Freddie Mercury) Quick modulations
Instrumentation Piano
Jangle piano – slightly out of tune Glam Rock influences Theatrical
Electric guitar (Brian May) Visuals (costumes + stage)
Bass (John Deacon) Pop sensibility
Drum kit (Roger Taylor) - Catchy hooks
Triangle - Simple, anthemic
choruses
Describe Harmony Chromatic chords Rock instrumentation (electric
Altered chords guitar, bass, drums, vocals)
Extended chords Studio techniques (over-
Dissonance drubbing, multi-layering)
Parallel harmony ! KILLER QUEEN DOES NOT USE
Harmonic rhythm SYNTHESISERS – UNUSUAL
Circle of fifths
Perfect cadences signal Why is Eb major an Difficult key to play on guitar
modulations unsually key for rock?
Chord inversions
Vamp Overdubbing Def. Adding addition sound tracks to
Seventh chords an existing one
Mainly root position
Tonic pedal Describe “laser Flanger
Dominant pedal beam” Reflects sound of a laser gun
Bell chords Comical effect
Describe Melody + Syllabic Describe “drive you Chordal texture in vocals
effect Vocal slides/ Portamento wild Unexpected
Conjunct Ascending phrase reflects climax
Vocalisation of “wild” before the chorus
Speech singing
Lopsided phrases (eg chorus has Gospel Influences Strophic (in verses)
uneven 3/5 bar phrases) Four-part harmony
Maintain audience interest
Unexpected Vaudeville Influences Light entertainment
Word painting Comedic
Anacrusis - Singing
Descending Sequences (B12-13) - Dancing
Wide angular leaps - Acting
Falsetto
Rhyme
