Music - Killer Queen

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Questions and Answers

What key does 'Killer Queen' start in?

  • C major
  • Eb major
  • G major
  • C minor (correct)

The dynamics of 'Killer Queen' are soft throughout the piece.

False (B)

What guitar techniques are employed in the song 'Killer Queen'?

Slides, pull-offs, vibrato

The song features a ___________ structure, consisting of verses and choruses.

<p>verse-chorus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of the song with their corresponding descriptions:

<p>Syncopation = Unexpected accents in rhythm Anacrusis = Partial measure or upbeat at beginning Octave leap = Large melodic jump Circle of 5ths = Common harmonic progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

What recording techniques were used in 'Killer Queen'?

<p>Over-dubbing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rhythm of 'Killer Queen' is primarily in 4/4 time signature.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vocal technique is notably used in 'Killer Queen'?

<p>Falsetto</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the melody in 'Killer Queen'?

<p>Stepwise motions and larger leaps (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The tonality of 'Killer Queen' shifts only between C minor and D major.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the primary time signature used in the rhythm of 'Killer Queen'.

<p>12/8</p> Signup and view all the answers

The song features a _________ texture, which includes melody, chords, and homophonic elements.

<p>mel-dom-hom</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following instruments used in 'Killer Queen' with their descriptions:

<p>Vocals (Falsetto range) = High vocal pitch Jangle piano = Bright, percussive piano sound Electric guitars = Four guitars employed Bass guitar and drums = Rhythm and harmonic foundation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the melodic characteristics of 'Killer Queen' as it relates to syllabic and portamento techniques.

<p>The melody is mainly syllabic, with expressive wild portamento on the word 'Queen'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the harmony in 'Killer Queen' utilizes dissonance.

<p>The harmony includes dissonance, creating clashing or unstable sounds that enhance the music's emotional impact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What rhythmic elements contribute to the swing feel in 'Killer Queen'?

<p>The rhythm features syncopation and triplets, which contribute to the characteristic swing feel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the texture of 'Killer Queen' in terms of layering and imitation.

<p>The texture is mainly mel-dom-hom, involving layering of different musical parts and imitation between instruments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the instrumentation in 'Killer Queen' enhance its sound quality?

<p>The song features a variety of instruments, including four electric guitars and jangle piano, which together create a rich and complex sound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique at the beginning of 'Killer Queen' is used that stems from musical theatre inspiration?

<p>The use of 6 finger clicks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Melody of "Killer Queen"

The melody in "Killer Queen" primarily uses words, with a combination of stepwise motions and larger melodic leaps. It imitates the lyrical content and features a distinctive slide on the word "Queen."

Harmony of "Killer Queen"

The song's harmony features both stable and clashing sounds, with specific chord progressions, including extended chords. It uses a sustained chord and the common harmonic progression of "Circle of 5ths."

Tonality of "Killer Queen"

The song begins in C minor but shifts to Eb major, creating uncertainty in the key. This tonal ambiguity adds to the song's overall mood.

Tempo and Time Signature of "Killer Queen"

The piece features a moderate tempo and primarily uses the 12/8 time signature, which gives it a characteristic swing feel. Occasionally, the time signature shifts to 6/8.

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Rhythm of "Killer Queen"

The rhythm includes unexpected accents, triplets, and an upbeat at the beginning of the piece. These elements contribute to the song's energetic and dynamic nature.

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Texture of "Killer Queen"

The texture of "Killer Queen" primarily combines melodic lines, chord progressions, and homophony, creating a three-part layered structure with imitation between instruments. The song also features a prominent guitar solo.

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Recording Techniques of "Killer Queen"

The song includes a variety of recording techniques, such as multi-tracking, flanger, reverb, wah-wah, panning, and over-dubbing. These techniques enrich the sound and create depth and dimension.

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Instrumentation of "Killer Queen"

The instrumentation of "Killer Queen" includes vocals (featuring a high range), a jangle piano, four electric guitars, a bass guitar, and drums. This combination contributes to the song's distinctive sound.

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What is the characteristic of Queen's melody in "Killer Queen"?

The melody in "Killer Queen" primarily uses words, with a combination of stepwise motions and larger melodic leaps. It imitates the lyrical content and features a distinctive slide on the word "Queen."

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What guitar techniques does Brian May use in "Killer Queen"?

Brian May's guitar solo uses techniques that add texture and excitement to the song. It features slides, pull-offs, and vibrato, creating a captivating and dynamic sound.

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How are recording techniques incorporated in "Killer Queen"?

The song incorporates several recording techniques, such as multi-tracking, flanger, reverb, wah-wah, panning, and over-dubbing. These techniques enhance the sound, creating layers and depth.

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What is the tonality of "Killer Queen"?

The song begins in C minor but shifts to Eb major, creating uncertainty in the key. This tonal ambiguity adds to the song's overall mood.

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What is the song structure of "Killer Queen"?

The song features a verse-chorus structure, where each verse is followed by a chorus, creating a recurring pattern of lyrical and musical elements.

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What is the melody like in "Killer Queen"?

The melody mostly follows the lyrics of the song, jumping around in pitch with both small and big leaps.

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How would you describe the tonality of "Killer Queen"?

It starts with a minor key feeling, shifts to a major key in the middle, and then stays kind of uncertain about what key it's in.

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What type of rhythm is used in "Killer Queen"?

The rhythmic feel is lively and "swinging", like a smooth, flowing dance.

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What is the texture of "Killer Queen"?

The music has multiple layers and is built up with many different instruments that play together.

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What recording techniques are used in "Killer Queen"?

Queen uses a lot of different ways of recording the music, like adding extra layers, changing the sound effects, and making each instrument sound distinct.

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Study Notes

Melody

  • Primarily uses syllabic vocals
  • Includes vocables
  • Features conjunct and angular leaps
  • Includes an octave leap (bar 62)
  • Employs word painting techniques
  • Includes portamento/slides on "Queen"

Harmony

  • Utilizes dissonance
  • Makes use of extended chords
  • Features pedal notes (bars 27-30)
  • Based on the circle of fifths

Tonality

  • Begins in C minor
  • Sometimes in Eâ™­ major
  • Often shows ambiguous tonality

Rhythm

  • Includes syncopation
  • Employs triplets
  • Features anacrusis

Texture

  • Primarily melodic homophonic
  • Imitative techniques used
  • Features guitar solo
  • Three-part texture
  • Includes layering and overdubbing

Instrumentation

  • Vocals (including falsetto)
  • Jangle piano
  • Four electric guitars
  • Bass guitar
  • Drums

Dynamics

  • Medium loud (mf) throughout

Structure

  • Features verses and choruses

Tempo

  • Moderato tempo
  • Primarily 12/8 time signature
  • Sometimes uses 6/8 time signature
  • Features a swing feel

Guitar Techniques

  • Use of slides
  • Employing pull-offs
  • Vibrato technique

Recording Techniques

  • Multi-tracking
  • Flanging
  • Reverb
  • Wah-wah effects
  • Panning
  • Over-dubbing

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