Tone library / Queen / Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody amp settings — RJ RG-15

The Queen guitar tone for “Bohemian Rhapsody”, dialed in for a RJ RG-15 with a global startocaster. Studio version, A Night at the Opera (1975)

Original rig

Brian May's homemade Red Special guitar with Burns Tri-Sonic pickups (all 3 in phase), sixpence coin pick, Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster into Vox AC30 Top Boost channel, multi-tracked harmonies

Bright, singing midrange with creamy harmonic overdrive, orchestral layered quality, upper-harmonic sparkle from treble booster

Amp settings — RJ RG-15

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	4
Treble	7
Master	6

Don’t have a RJ RG-15? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPmiddle TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Treble Booster (e.g. TC Electronic Spark Booster, EHX LPB-1, or Danelectro Corned Beef)

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for Brian May's tone; boosts upper harmonics before amp input. Without this, the tone will lack the singing sparkle and harmonic richness.

Level 7 · Treble/Tone 8

Why these settings

The RJ RG-15 is an unrecognized small practice amp; knob names may differ on your faceplate. Values given for universal bass/treble/gain controls only. The amp cannot produce the AC30's harmonic overdrive character alone — a treble booster pedal is critical to push the front end into May's signature singing sustain. Without the booster, keep gain at 6-7 max for the cleanest approximation.

PRO TIPUse the edge of a coin (US nickel or UK sixpence) instead of a standard pick — the hard, rounded edge hitting the strings is half of May's attack and harmonic overtone character.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a RJ RG-15. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.