Killer Queen

Question 1

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo (9)

Answer 1

• metric shifts from 12/8 to 6/8 –> elongate phrase length
• hocketting effect
• syncopation
• 6 finger clicks –> syncopation
• anacrusis –> build-up
• swung rhythm –> relaxed feel, unusual for pop
• moderato –> relaxed feel
• triplets

Question 2

Structure (1)

Answer 2

Verse-Chorus form

Question 3

Melody (9)

Answer 3

• syllabic –> emphasise pulse
• vocables in close harmony –> replace sax
• portamento
• falsetto –> theatre music
• backing vocals –> emphasis
• spoken notes –> theatre music
• sequences
• uneven phrases (3 + 5)
• disjunct

Question 4

Guitar techniques (5)

Answer 4

• slides
• bends
• pull-offs
• vibrato
• palm-muting

Question 5

Music technology (9)

Answer 5

• multi-tracking –> record Mercury’s dual roles at once
• overdubbing –> added effect of vocables
• reverb –> artificial sense of space
• distortion –> gritty tone
• equaliser –> balanced instruments
• flanger –> word-paint
• wah-wah –> added effect
• panning –> movement of sound
• overdrive –> max amplification

Question 6

Instrumentation (8)

Answer 6

• Freddie Mercury –> vocals, grand piano, jangle piano
• Brian May –> electric guitar
• John Deacon –> bass guitar
• Roger Taylor –> drum kit
• Frontal line: vocals, piano, guitars
• Rhythm section: triangle, chimes, drum kit
• old sixpence as pluck –> different timbre
• 100 yr old mahogany –> different timbre

Question 7

Tonality (2)

Answer 7

• Eb maj –> joyful
• Ambiguous –> use of C min chords

Question 8

Harmony (10)

Answer 8

• cycle of 5ths
• 7th chords
• extended chords –> jazz influence
• marcato & staccato chords
• perfect cadences –> functional
• diatonic
• functional
• parallel shifts –> move to new keys
• pedal –> reinforce key
• dissonance –> clash then resolution

Question 9

Texture (6)

Answer 9

• homophonic –> highlight main vocal line
• imitation
• layering –> typical of pop
• 3 part texture
• antiphony