Crazy Little Thing Called Love

The recording

Freddie Mercury recorded the rhythm on a six‑string Martin acoustic, double‑miked with two studio condensers for a wide stereo image. Brian May added the solo on an old natural‑wood Fender Telecaster, plugging it directly into a Mesa/Boogie amp and dialing a low‑gain overdrive for a warm rock‑abilly bite. No effects pedals were used; the tone relies on the guitar’s pickup selection (bridge) and the amp’s natural breakup.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

Martin acoustic guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Freddie Mercury recorded the rhythm on a six‑string Martin acoustic, double‑miked with two studio condensers for a spacious stereo sound.

Fender Telecaster (natural wood)

Electric Guitar

Brian May used an old natural‑wood Fender Telecaster, borrowed from Roger Taylor, for the rock‑and‑roll solo, plugging it into a Mesa/Boogie amp.

Amp

Mesa/Boogie (model unknown)

Amp

May ran the Telecaster through a Mesa/Boogie amp, cranking the gain just enough for a warm overdrive that helped shape the song’s rockabilly bite.

Alternatives

Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic

Budget alternative · for the Martin acoustic guitar

$350 to $400

Mesa/Boogie Mark I reissue

Modern equivalent · for the Mesa/Boogie (model unknown)

$1,200 to $1,500

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Telecaster (natural wood)

$350 to $400

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use a flatpick and strike the strings lightly for a clean, twangy acoustic tone.
2. 2.Dial the amp’s gain low and add just enough overdrive for a warm, slightly crunchy solo sound.
3. 3.Select the bridge pickup on the Telecaster for maximum brightness and rock‑abilly bite.
4. 4.Play the solo with a mix of alternate‑picked runs and occasional double‑stops for classic rock‑and‑roll phrasing.
5. 5.Double‑track the acoustic guitar and pan the two mics left/right for a wide stereo field.