You and I guitar solo
Lady Gaga, 2011. Solo by Brian May.
May's layered, instantly recognisable tone turns Gaga's piano rocker into an affectionate nod to Queen.
You and I is a piano-driven rocker, and Brian May's guitar solo turns it into an affectionate nod to Queen. His tone is instantly recognisable: smooth, singing and layered, with harmonised lines stacked into a rich, orchestral sound. He plays with melody first, crafting phrases that feel composed rather than improvised, much like his classic 1970s work. Hearing May on a 2011 pop hit shows how much his approach has shaped modern rock guitar. Listen for the harmony parts that blend into a single, choir-like voice, and for how the solo builds naturally from the song's chords, adding drama and warmth without overwhelming Gaga's vocal or the song's heartfelt, retro feel.
You and I by Lady Gaga is featured in our Pop (#17) list. The solo is played by Brian May and the song was released in 2011.
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Pop Guitar Solos — #17
- Top 20 Guitar Solos of 2011 — #4
- Famous Guest Guitar Solos: Legends Playing on Someone Else's Record — #8
Sources
Who played the guitar solo on You and I?
Brian May played the solo on Lady Gaga's You and I (2011).